My kids are at an age where they’re super picky about what they eat. Getting them to eat anything other than a chicken nugget, french fries, or mac and cheese can be a real challenge.
Most of the things cooked up by Gippity Kitchen are a bit too adventurous for their tastes unless I go out of the way to make them kid-friendly, like the Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders that Gippity called the “Picky Eater’s Delight.”
I’ve been leaning toward weird stuff lately, so this time, I wanted to make something that would be a hit with the kids.
The Prompt
I need a recipe that’s colorful, fun, and kid-friendly. Give me a recipe for the weirdest spaghetti and meatballs my kids will still actually eat.
Gippity Kitchen Says:
Absolutely, Stephen! You’re after a dish that’s a feast for the eyes, fun for the kids, and secretly nutritious.
We’re elevating the beloved spaghetti and meatballs into a vibrant, whimsical meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.
Let’s make “Colorful Spaghetti with Hidden Veggie Meatballs”! We’ll start with a classic spaghetti recipe and add a twist using colorful spaghetti. Then, we’ll make meatballs packed with hidden veggies, ensuring your kids get their nutrients without even realizing it.
It’s the perfect blend of fun, flavor, and hidden goodness, ensuring your kids enjoy every bite while they get nutrients. A true culinary adventure on a plate!
Colorful Spaghetti with Hidden Veggie Meatballs
This recipe twists the classic spaghetti and meatballs into a colorful, fun, and secretly nutritious meal that kids will love. We'll use vegetable-infused spaghetti for a burst of color and sneak some veggies into the meatballs. It's weird in a wonderful way, with familiar flavors to keep the kids happy.
Ingredients
For the Colorful Spaghetti:
- 1 package of multicolored vegetable spaghetti or plain with food coloring
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Hidden Veggie Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- Your favorite marinara sauce, warmed
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
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Prep the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. If using plain spaghetti and food coloring, divide the cooked pasta into portions and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Mix gently to create vibrant colors.
- Drain the pasta and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
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Make the Hidden Veggie Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated carrot, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and slightly golden outside.
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Combine and Serve:
- Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve the colorful spaghetti topped with the meatball and sauce mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
This recipe brings a fun and nutritious twist to the classic spaghetti and meatballs. Its colorful presentation and veggies hidden in the meatballs keep the meal both exciting and wholesome. Enjoy your meal!
Did the Kids Love It?
The kids absolutely loved it! They were so excited about the colorful spaghetti. I prettied up the plate with a little extra Parmesan and basil, but that’s just for the photo (the portion that I get to eat 😋). The kids won’t touch anything green, so I left it off of theirs.
The meatballs were a hit, too. They didn’t even notice the veggies in them. I’m calling this one a win!
