Whole Wheat Pasta with Hidden Veggies

Another great way to have kids eating vegetables is blending them into the sauce. Kids usually love a great pasta, and having vegetables blended will make it impossible to pick them out!


Whole Wheat Pasta with Hidden Veggies
Servings: 4 portions

- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 small carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium organic zucchini, trimmed and chopped
- 3/4 cup wiped and chopped button mushrooms
- 3 organic plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- One 15-ounce can organic diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon torn fresh basil leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper and salt
- 6 ounces whole wheat pasta shapes
- 3 to 4 tablespoons mascarpone cheese (optional, for kids that enjoy creamier sauces)

Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the carrots and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the zucchini and sauté for 2 minutes, followed by mushrooms, sautéing for 2 minutes. Add the fresh tomatoes and the butter and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour in the can of tomatoes and half the juice.
Finally, add the water, salt, and basil, and season with pepper to taste. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, then blend to a puree.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until tender, but without adding salt.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and mascarpone (if using).
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for perfection!

Based on sources: family.com and annabelkarmel.com