Broccoli and bow-tie pasta
Broccoli is one of the few vegetables that seem to have an universal appeal to children. Given its vibrant colour and distinctive flavour, toddlers are often happy to pick it up as part of their meal. That explains why many mums told me that they had the least headache when introducing broccoli to their children at an early stage even for those who were fussy on eating greens.
Broccoli is a member of the *cruciferous family that is well known for its substantial immune-boosting nutrients such as vitamins C, vitamins A, folic acid, calcium, iron, fiber and sulphoraphane. Thus, we, as parents, should feature broccoli regularly in our child’s diet. (*Cruciferous vegetables include cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choi, radish, turnip, watercress and Brussels sprouts.)
Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be served in different ways. Some kid-friendly broccoli recipes include puree, finger food, stir-fry, casserole, soup, salad and pasta (as featured in this post). My family prefers to have them blanched or steamed. For young picky eaters who enjoy “playing” with their food, an effective method to encourage them to eat broccoli is to turn them into something fun like “hair” of a face, “mini tree” or “little flower” or just about anything based on your creative imagination.
This recipe is an easy and hassle-free pasta dish suitable for busy parents who are looking for a quick, light and healthy meal for their kids. This pasta dish is so eye-pleasing and easy to handle by our little ones. Broccoli and bow-ties pasta (farfalle) are cooked in advance and then tossed with a lemony sauce. If you are bored with creamy or tomato sauce, then you must give this tangy and refreshing sauce a try. When I prepared this dish for my family, I was so surprised that it passed my ‘lemon-hater” hubby’s taste test too!! Although Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts are optional, these additions can definitely bring the dish the extra boost of nutrients and flavour. For those who are not keen on meatless meal, you could add some cooked chicken, shrimp, bacon, ham or sausage for a tasty twist.
=> Get the recipe and step-by-step photos for Broccoli and Bow-ties Pasta at PAGE 2 BELOW.
Mmmm! Love broccoli in pasta, this will definitely be appealing to anyone regardless of age!
Jen (TOH): Yes, even my MIL loves it too! 😉
I’m with you for the addition of toasted pine nuts, and the moderate amount of cheese as well : ).
TasteHongKong: Yes, they are great addition for my family. 😉
my kind of meal – YAY!! can’t wait to make it tomorrow. thanks so much for sharing, LK! 🙂
Celine: Hope you will like it!! Happy trying! 😉
Love your colourful presentation, would like to add more texture with toasted pine nuts. A very heathly meal.
Christine: Thanks! 😉
So fresh and flavorful from the cheeses. This looks great!
Xiaolu: Thanks! 😉
This is a very healthy meal suitable for everyone at home 🙂 Yes I would like to add some cheese too!
Anncoo: Yes, it’s a great family meal! 😉
That’s a great idea to introduce broccoli at an early age. This dish looks delicious. I love broccoli with pasta.
Nicole: Thanks! 😉
I know broccoli is very healthy,,, But I haven;t yet acquired the taste….But the photo makes me want to grab some and eat it….:)
FoodieAnn: Thanks! Give it a try! 😉
Love this yummy bowl of paste.. you have put all my favourite ingredients 😉
Lee Mei (MCH): Since they are all your favourite ingredients, give it a try!! 😉
I never met a broccoli that I didn’t like but my daughter doesn’t like it..
Peachkins: Maybe you can sneak some broccoli in soup or pasta sauce. Hope it helps. 🙂
It is definitely funny how broccoli is so universally well-loved! This pasta dish looks delicious! So fresh-flavored.
Joanne: Thanks!! 😉
Broccoli my all time favourite too! This pasta dish looks very appealing! 🙂
Alice: Hope your family will enjoy it as much as we do! 😉
I also enjoy to have broccoli blanched or steamed 🙂
Tigerfish: Yes, less cleaning job too! 😉
Looks healthy!
Ching: Yes, hope your daughters will like it. 🙂
I love your blog and would like to give you this award. Please drop by to collect it 😉
The Experimental Cook: Thanks for sharing such a lovely award! I really appreciate it. 😉
looks great! I didn’t know children like broccoli. Have to keep this in mind.
Pigpigscorner: Thanks!! 😉
Good sharing. Will try that. I try to cut the pasta in smaller size for my eldest daughter.
Goay: Thanks for dropping by! Hope it suits your daughter’s palate. For this recipe, I use mini bow-tie pasta which is manageable for toddlers above 2.5 years old. 😉
This looks so fresh, delectable, healthy and wholesome!
Noobcook: Thanks!! You said it all! 😉
great spring dish, my kiddos really enjoy broccoli!! lovely flavors
sweetlife
Sweetlife: Thanks!! 😉
I made this tonight and will definitely be making it again. I used spaghetti noodles instead of bow-ties. My daughter (23 months old) refuses any other shape of pasta except for spaghetti. Haha!
Healther: Thanks for your kind feedback. Glad it suits your family’s palate. 😉
I tried this with my picky-eaters tonight, and they enjoyed it very much! I added some grilled chicken and black beans for protein, since they don’t get much as is. My husband and I enjoyed this as well, I’ll be making it again! 🙂
Emma: Thanks for your kind feedback. Glad it suits your family’s taste bud. Your modified version sounds so healthy and is packed with nutrients. Great job, mommy!!!!
I’d definitely try this. This is something I’m sure my tot will approve of and eat with gusto! Broccoli, parmesan and penne are among her all time faves. Will see how it goes…
Janie: That’s great!! Can’t wait to receive your feedback! 😉
Thanks! Finally, found a website that solves my headache when it comes to preparing meals for my kids!
Is it fine to replace olive oil with normal vege oil?
Pearly: Thanks for dropping by!! It’s possible if the smell of the vegetable oil is not too over-powering. Give it a try! If possible, get a bottle of extra light olive oil. It can be used for both cooking and baking even under high heat;)
Thanks! I will give it a try for sure 🙂
Pearly: Looking forward to hearing your feedback. 😉
I added shrimps in lieu of the pine nuts and it tasted just as great. Love the combination of butter, garlic and lemon! My three year old son begged for more! I hope to pack this as a road trip meal for brunch during our upcoming driving holiday. Have you tried serving this as a cold pasta dish? Thanks!
Pat: Yes, it should be fine to serve as cold pasta. Make extra lemon sauce and pack it separately. Use it if the pasta turns dry. Alternatively, add a little bit of hot water during serving. As for the cheese, pack it separately and sprinkle on the pasta during serving. Hope you have a wonderful road trip!! 😉