Super Simple Yummy Green Pasta

Okay, this recipe is in no way earth shattering.  However, when both kiddos ask for 3 helpings of something that contains 3 different green vegetables, I feel compelled to share.  It also helps that this dinner is a one pot meal and came together in about 20 minutes.

1/2 pound of your favorite pasta (we like Barilla Plus as it is high in protein, fiber, and Omega-3)

1 large zucchini cut into 1/4 inch thick half moons

1 cup of green beans trimmed and cut in half

1 cup of baby spinach or other tender greens

1/4 to 1/2 cup pesto (I used some of our frozen stuff, about 3 cubes with added olive oil)

1/2 to 1 cup alfredo sauce (I used jarred but you could certainly make your own.)

Shredded parmesan to garnish

Boil pasta in lightly salted water until you have about 5 minutes of cooking time left.  Add the green beans and keep boiling for about 3 more minutes.  Add the zucchini and boil 2 more minutes.  Drain the pasta and veggies and immediately toss in a bowl with the spinach.  Add a bit of olive oil if you would like.  While the pasta is cooking, heat the sauces in small bowls in your microwave.  Serve the sauces alongside the pasta and let people combine them in the amounts they like.  Serves 4-6 people.

You could easily mix up the veggies using things like broccoli and cauliflower, yellow summer squash, peas, you name it.  I think the alfredo sauce made it a special treat.  We didn't even use very much at all but I got no complaints from any of the members of my family who are not quite the zucchini lovers that I am.