France Pasta

March 29, 2016Linda AndersonSIMPLE FAMILY FOOD, TRAVEL WITH KIDSNo Comments

If you ask my 5 year old what her favourite meal is her answer would be “Pasta & Sauce” (spaghetti bolognese) closely followed by “France Pasta”.

You might be wondering what on earth France Pasta is, after all France is known for many culinary delights but pasta is not one of them. We traveled to France, in July 2014, with our three children and my kids still tell people about the day Mum ate SNAILS for lunch!

We were in France for a month and although we took the kids to cafes to eat sometimes we mostly self catered. One day we arrived late into a small village just as the tiny supermarket was about to close. I had a few minutes to quickly grab some essentials to ensure I could cook a meal that night.

I love buying groceries in a foreign country, taking time to browse the aisles and try to decipher exactly what things are. I don’t love this when I have 3 minutes to collect my supplies and tired, hungry kids waiting.

However, that night “France Pasta” was created and it has become an all time favourite for my kids and they demand it frequently at home.

France Pasta ingredients:

Pasta – any kind you can get
Cream – in France the “creme” was a bit weird and sour but it didnt seem to matter
Zucchini – note, my kids NEVER eat zucchini any other time
Onion or garlic (optional)
Some sort of ‘protein’ – we have used left over roast chicken, ham, bacon and tuna. When you are traveling it just depends what you can get

How to make it:

Boil water, put pasta in to cook.
In a frypan saute the garlic/onion (if you choose to add) and a grated zucchini.
Once soft add the “protein” to heat through. If I am using bacon I cook the bacon before the garlic/onion/zucchini
Once heated through, reduce the heat and gently stir through cream to make sauce. Don’t let it come to the boil.
Drain the pasta, then mix sauce through before serving.
Cheese on top, optional

France Pasta simple kids meal