📝 About This Recipe
Transform your dinner table into a wild adventure with this vibrant, kid-friendly masterpiece featuring playful animal-shaped pasta. We’ve paired whimsical lions, elephants, and giraffes with a velvety, 'golden' cheese sauce that sneaks in nutritious butternut squash for a boost of vitamins and a beautiful sunset hue. It is a comforting, playful, and wholesome meal designed to delight picky eaters while providing the sophisticated flavors parents love.
🥗 Ingredients
The Pasta Jungle
- 12 ounces Animal-shaped dried pasta (look for high-quality durum wheat varieties)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (for the pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil (to prevent sticking)
Hidden Veggie Gold Sauce
- 1 cup Butternut squash (peeled and cubed into small half-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (to create a roux)
- 1.5 cups Whole milk (warmed slightly)
- 1.5 cups Mild cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for better melting)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder (for subtle depth)
- 1/8 teaspoon Mild paprika (for color enhancement)
Nature Garnish & Sides
- 1 cup Fresh broccoli florets (steamed to look like 'trees')
- 1/2 cup Sweet corn kernels (thawed or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh parsley (finely chopped for 'grass')
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Fill a large pot with water, add the tablespoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
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2
While the water heats, place the cubed butternut squash in a small microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Cover and microwave for 5-6 minutes until very soft.
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3
Transfer the softened squash to a blender or food processor. Add 1/4 cup of the milk and blend until completely smooth and velvety.
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4
Add the animal-shaped pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions, usually 7-9 minutes, until 'al dente'. Be careful not to overcook, or the animals might lose their shapes!
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5
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once bubbling, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
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6
Slowly pour in the remaining milk while whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
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7
Stir the blended butternut squash purée into the white sauce until the color is a uniform, vibrant orange.
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8
Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is glossy.
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9
Season the sauce with garlic powder and paprika. Taste and add a tiny pinch of salt if needed.
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10
Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
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11
Pour the golden cheese sauce over the animal pasta. Gently fold with a spatula to coat every nook and cranny of the shapes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
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12
Stir in the sweet corn kernels to add 'golden nuggets' to your safari.
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13
Divide the pasta into bowls. Arrange the steamed broccoli 'trees' around the edges to create a jungle scene.
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14
Sprinkle a tiny bit of parsley 'grass' over the top and serve immediately while warm and gooey.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use block cheese and grate it yourself; pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch which can make the sauce grainy. If the animal shapes are very delicate, boil them for 1 minute less than the package suggests to ensure they stay intact. For an extra protein boost, stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken or tiny 'boulder' meatballs. You can swap butternut squash for sweet potato or carrot purée for a similar hidden-veggie effect. To make it ahead, keep the sauce and pasta separate and combine just before serving with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of 'Lion Paw' fruit—orange slices arranged in a circle with blueberries for toes. Pair with a glass of cold milk or a refreshing diluted apple juice 'watering hole'. Add a few whole-grain crackers on the side for extra crunch. A small side of cucumber 'logs' helps balance the richness of the cheese sauce. For dessert, serve a small bowl of animal crackers to keep the theme going!