Penne with Carrots and Peas

My husband is often not at home at dinner time, so it is just me and my two little girls most nights. When making dinner for me and my girls I am always at a lost for what to make. I don't like making a huge meal that either one of them might not eat and then I went to all that work for days and days of leftovers. I am always looking for new recipes that are fast, kid friendly and does not make a huge amount. I got this recipe from an advertisement for Barilla Pasta in the FamilyFun magazine. I thought it was perfect for my girls, First, what kid does not love pasta? Second, there is cheese. Third, peas and carrots, my chicas love their veggies, weird I know, but they do. A conversation at dinner goes like this "Eat more meat and then you can have more veggies", true story.

Barilla Piccolini Mini Penne with Carrots and Peas

1 Box Piccolini Mini Penne (I actually could not find the mini size, so I used regular)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 cup white onion, diced small

1 cup carrot, diced small

1 cup frozen peas

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated

HEAT the oil and onion in a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute for 3 minutes or until onion is slightly translucent.

ADD the carrot and saute for an additional 2 minutes.

ADD the peas and saute for 2-3 more minutes.

Meanwhile COOK the penne according to the package directions. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

DRAIN and toss the pasta with the sauce, add about 1/4 cup of the pasta water to the sauce and saute for an additional minute.

REMOVE pan from heat, top the pasta with the grated cheese, and serve.