Veggie-Cheese Kiddie Pasta

I love pasta and so do the two boys (viz. hubby and son). Everytime I go to the pasta aisle, I invariably spend a great deal of time trying to figure out which pasta to choose, from the large variety of shapes, sizes and nutritional content. On one such confused shopping venture, I happened to see a box of fun-shaped pasta. I had been looking for this at Trader Joe's - specially the ABC pastas, since my son has started recognizing some letters now. Unfortunately, Trader Joe's didn't have them. So I was happy to see this particular pasta box with butterflies in Safeway and picked it up. I couldn't wait to make the 'beefaay's and see the look on my son's face!

Only after coming home did i realize that along with butterflies the box also had some other bug shapes (uh-oh). Luckily my son recognizes just the butterflies and wouldn't think much of the others.

I put together a couple of veggies and some cheese to make the sauce. Well, I cannot actually call it a sauce, but I like it this way, since it would be great to pack it in his lunch-box when we go to the park or someplace where I can quickly feed him without worrying about the sauce dribbling all over.

This is a quick and simple recipe. You could  make your own variations and add more ingredients.

Ingredients:
1 large carrot
1 zucchini
any other favorite vegetable
2 cups fun-shaped pasta (or any pasta)
1 tbsp butter
2 cheese slices (cheddar)
1 pinch black pepper
1 pinch garlic powder
Salt

Method:
Peel carrot and zucchini. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water, as per package instructions.

Meanwhile, in a large pan, melt butter and add chopped carrots. While they are roasting, chop zucchini and add. Saute for a few minutes. Add 1 cup water (I used the water used to boil pasta). Cook for a few minutes till the veggies are completely cooked. Add cheese.

Drain the pasta.

Add the pasta to the sauce. Toss in salt, pepper and garlic powder according to the spice level your child can handle.
Mix well and heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

My son was thrilled to see the butterflies. The pasta lasted him for a couple of meals. And I couldn't resist a bowl myself!
Sending this simple kiddie dish to this week's Presto Pasta Night, originally started by Ruth. Also sending this to Kids Lunch Box Treats.