Garden Vegetables With Pasta
A colorful and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender rotini, fresh broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and green onions, all coated in creamy Cheez Whiz. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike, combining cheesy goodness with vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions, adding the chopped broccoli to the water during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain well.
- Add the Cheez Whiz process cheese spread and milk to the drained pasta and broccoli in a saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring until the cheese spreads melts and the mixture is heated through.
- Stir in the cherry tomato halves and green onion slices.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more milk or using half-and-half instead of regular milk. You can substitute the Cheez Whiz with a homemade cheese sauce made from cheddar cheese and butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a different pasta, penne or farfalle would work well. For added protein, toss in some cooked chicken or chickpeas, making it a versatile vegetarian dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional green onions for a fresh touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread, such as Molasses Yeast Rolls, for a complete meal. For a light dessert, consider serving Strawberry Sherbet to cleanse the palate after this cheesy pasta dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to ensure even heating, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Vegetables With Pasta contains roughly 129 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the boiling water with the pasta and cook it for the last 2-3 minutes. This will ensure it's tender without overcooking. Make sure to drain it well to avoid excess water in your dish.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
You can customize this recipe with a variety of vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach are great additions that complement the flavors well. Just sauté them briefly before mixing with the pasta and cheese for a delicious twist.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta dish is great for meal prepping. Just store it in individual containers. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. It makes for a quick lunch or dinner option during busy weekdays.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).