Creamy Vegetable Pasta (Easy One-Pot Meal for Kids)
A creamy one-pot pasta made with vegetables, cheese, and noodles — kid-friendly, healthy, and perfect for busy families.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, macaroni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, peas, etc.)
- 3–3½ cups vegetable broth or water
- ½ cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mild cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: extra cheese, parsley, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat oil in large skillet. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add chopped vegetables and a pinch of salt. Cook 5–6 minutes.
- Add pasta and broth or water. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in milk and cheese. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Let sit 2–3 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Notes
Use frozen veggies or any mix of fresh vegetables. Adjust creaminess with more milk if needed. Great for leftovers.