A tasty, nutritious, and colourful pasta dish packed with hidden vegetables.
Ingredients (serves 2–3 children)
- 100g whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- ½ cup broccoli florets, chopped small
- ½ small carrot, grated
- ½ red pepper, finely chopped
- 50g mild cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp milk
- A pinch of herbs (optional, e.g., oregano or basil)
Method
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- Cook pasta according to packet instructions. In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli to the pan. Drain.
- Mix the pasta and vegetables with olive oil, milk, and half the cheese in an ovenproof dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving to little ones.
Why it’s great for kids
- Hidden vegetables make it super nutritious
- Soft, easy to eat, and appealing in colour
- Quick for parents and perfect for batch cooking
- Can be made in advance and reheated
