Spaghetti baby food
Iron-rich Baby Pasta - MJ and Hungryman
By Min On
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A baby pasta recipe that is loaded with iron and vegetables! You’ll also find answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding pasta for babies, such as when to introduce and which types are best.
Jump to:- Which type of pasta are best for babies?
- Which pasta shapes are best?
- What makes this the perfect baby pasta?
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Frequently asked questions
- More baby-friendly pasta ideas
- Iron-rich baby pasta
Which type of pasta are best for babies?
Generally speaking, all pastas are great! They are great sources of carbohydrates, which babies need to support their rapid growth and development.
Legume-based pasta (such as chickpea, lentil, edamame) have the added benefit of providing more iron, protein, and fiber compared to rice and wheat-based pasta. However, they are more expensive so rotate through.
Always focus on offering as much variety of foods as possible from the start.
And just like toast and oatmeal, pasta is such a great vehicle for introducing your baby to all kinds of nutritious ingredients.
Related post: Best First Foods
Which pasta shapes are best?
It may sound counterintuitive, BUT bigger is better and safer for babies who’ve just started solids. Fusili, rigatoni, ziti, penne, egg noodles, and lasagna cut into strips are all great options.
I personally love fusili for this recipe because the sauce really clings to the grooves.
If you’re spoon-feeding or encouraging your baby to use a spoon, small pasta like orzo, mini stars, or chopped angel hair/spaghetti will work well.
Once they develop their pincer grasp (usually around 9-10 months), you can serve smaller shapes, like macaroni, orzo, orecchiette, or cut up large pasta.
What makes this the perfect baby pasta?
This simple tomato-based pasta sauce is:
- Made without salt and sugar
- Rich in iron - an extremely important nutrient for babies
- A very forgiving recipe - you don’t have to be super exact with the ingredient measurements and can swap out any vegetables you wish
- Perfect for both baby led weaning and spoon feeding approaches
- Delicious enough for the whole family to enjoy together.
As you can see in the image above, you can set aside a portion for baby and blend while serving the sauce as is (thick and chunky) for everyone else, unless you prefer a smooth sauce. - Thick in texture so will be easier for your baby to scoop with their hands
Related Post: Best Iron-Rich Foods for babies and toddlers
If you are looking for a tomato-free pasta sauce, try this creamy sweet potato sauce!
Ingredients
- Vegetables: you really can use whatever vegetables you have on hand! I do recommend adding some type of sweeter vegetable to help counterbalance the tartness from the tomatoes. Extra bonus if it’s rich in vitamin C to boost iron absorption
- Tomato paste: did you know that this is actually a great source of iron? Not only that, it will really help to enrich the flavor to the sauce.
- Red lentils: I love using this variety, especially if planning to blend as the color stays red. But feel free to use yellow or green lentils if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop all the vegetables
- Cook onion first and then the rest of the vegetables
- Add tomato paste and Italian seasoning
- Be sure to stir well until well incorporated
- Add tomatoes, water, and lentils
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can enjoy as is or blend.
Frequently asked questions
When can babies have pasta?
It can be introduced as soon as your baby is developmentally ready to start solids, usually around 6 months.
If you are unsure, grab this FREE handout. You'll also receive a ton of helpful expert tips to set you on the right path
Is pasta safe for babies?
Yes, although it can cause a lot of gagging when first starting solids. Serving it with a sauce, like the one I'm sharing here, helps make pasta more manageable.
Just note that if you’re introducing pasta that contains wheat and/or egg, they are two of the top most common allergens.
It’s recommended to introduce these early AND often, but if it’s your first time, then proceed with caution.
You can introduce more than one food at a time but make sure there aren’t two major allergens in the same meal. That way, if your baby does have a reaction, you’ll know exactly what was responsible.
How long to cook pasta for babies?
Cook several minutes longer than what the package instructions say so that the pasta will be soft enough for your baby to mash with their gums.
Again, there’s no need for teeth, but you do want to make sure it’s texturally-appropriate. If your family prefers pasta al dente, like mine, then simply remove portion for family once pasta reaches desired doneness and cook baby’s portion a bit longer.
Does pasta make babies constipated?
Before you start suspecting that a specific food is to blame for a lack of bowel movement, I encourage you to consider their diet as a whole.
Overall, is your baby getting enough fiber-rich foods? If you are serving refined pasta every single day, then perhaps. Here’s yet another reason why you should vary the types of pasta.
Can I blend pasta?
I would highly advise against it. Pasta contains a lot of starch and when you blend it, you’ll end up with a very unappetizing, sticky texture, that can actually become a choking hazard.
If you’ve been doing purees, I can understand your anxiety in moving forward with texture. However, it’s really essential that in minimizing texture aversion and picky eating down the road. If you feel like you’re stuck on purees, I’ve got incredible resources for you!
Can I freeze the pasta sauce?
Absolutely! I recommend freezing in single-serving portions. This tray is really great! Once frozen, you can pop the molded sauce out and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
More baby-friendly pasta ideas
All of these meals were introduced to my baby during our first 3 months of starting solids. For 150+ veggie-loaded meal ideas and recipes, 80+ cooking videos, 100+ videos walking you through how to serve the meals to baby and the rest of the family, time and money-saving tips, and so much more, check out my Baby Led Feeding Journey Program.
Do you want to minimize picky eating and set a solid foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits?
Check out this 3 month mastering self-feeding program! It’s the closest thing to me being in your kitchen
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Iron-rich baby pasta
A baby pasta recipe that is loaded with iron and vegetables!
5 from 36 votes
Print PinPrep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman
- ▢
Dutch Oven
- ▢
Blender
- ▢
Freezer Tray
- ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ▢ 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ▢ 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ▢ 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- ▢ 1 medium carrot, chopped
- ▢ 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- ▢ 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ▢ 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ▢ 28 ounce can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
- ▢ 2 cups water
- ▢ 1 cup (190g) red lentils
Heat oil in a large quart pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the rest of the vegetables and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.Add tomato paste and Italian seasoning and stir until well-incorporated.
Add the tomatoes, water, and lentils, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In the meanwhile, place a pot of water on the stove, bring to a boil, and cook pasta. Set aside.
Once sauce has cooled, transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. You can also keep it chunky depending on your preference.
Serving suggestions
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For beginner eaters, puree the sauce. It will stick nicely to the pasta and be easier for baby to eat. Serve a small portion at a time as seeing too much food can be overwhelming.
-
For older babies and toddlers, skip the extra step of blending. It will be great texture exposure.
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For older children and adults, you can season with salt and add some cheese. Small amounts are fine for babies and toddlers. You just want to watch their sodium intake.
Storage suggestions
This recipe makes a lot. I recommend freezing in food storage trays. Once frozen, pop them out and transfer to a freezer-safe bag/container. Will keep for 3 months.
Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 2g
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
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About Min
Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.
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Easy to make baby pasta recipes for different stages from 6 months
Chances are pasta is already a staple food in your house: it's cheap, versatile, easy to cook, and appeals to just about everyone. And your baby is no exception.
You can serve pasta to your baby in many different ways. If you're weaning your baby with purees, it's actually simple to puree pasta within a sauce.
If you're doing a Baby Led Weaning approach, you can chop regular pasta into tiny pieces (scissors make light work of this task), or buy special baby pasta shapes from the supermarket.
Full-sized pasta shapes also make great finger food, either plain or with a sauce.
Remember pasta contains wheat and so gluten - unless it's gluten-free pasta. If there's a history of these allergies in your family, watch carefully for any signs of allergy when you first give your baby pasta. You can use rice-based or gluten-free pasta if your baby does show allergic symptoms.
We've rounded up some of the best pasta recipes for babies aged 6 to 12 months, organised by age suitability, including sauce ideas, pasta bakes, easy-cook pasta dishes and so much more.
1. Easy cheesy pasta sauce
A lunchtime recipe that takes under 10 mins to prep and only 12 mins to cook. Suitable from 6 months.
2. Simple tomato pasta sauce
Simple, but effective. Suitable for babies aged from 6 months.
3. Easy salmon pasta
A clever way of introducing fish to your baby's diet. Suitable from 6 months.
4. Sweetcorn and sweet potato pasta
Easy to prep, and suitable for children 7 months and older. Perfect way to serve pasta as a finger food.
5. Annabel Karmel's hidden vegetable sauce
A great recipe for reluctant veggie eaters - this sauce contains carrot, leek, red pepper, courgette, onion as well as tomatoes. Suitable from 8 months+
6. Cheesy pasta with broccoli
Try with peas or green beans! Suitable for 7 months+
7.
Pasta, carrot and lentil soupA yummy way to use pasta for your baby's mealtimes a bit differently. Suitable from 8 months
8. Green pasta bake
Courgette, leek, peas and broccoli are a healthy green pasta accompaniment. Suitable from 8 months
9. Spaghetti bolognese
Italian baby food at its best. Chop up the spaghetti into small little strips (around 5cm). Suitable from 8 months
10. Pasta with cream cheese and peas
Add mushrooms or ham if you want to experiment with flavours for your child. Suitable from 8 months+
11. Baby pesto pasta sauce
Just blend it together and you've got an unusual pasta sauce for your baby. Suitable for 8 months+
12. Chicken pasta bake
Delicious and oh-so-easy pasta dish that can serve the whole family. Suitable when mashed or chopped from 8 months
13. Meat-free spaghetti bolognese
Tasty bolognese sauce made from soya mince, a nutritious vegetarian alternative suitable for babies from 9 months
14.
Macaroni cheese with broccoli and cauliflowerPerfect for lunch, great for experimenting with different vegetables, and suitable for 9 months and above.
15. Traditional lasagne
You can experiment with other mince meat or soya. Suitable from 10 months
16. Rigatoni with 5-veg pasta sauce
An easy way to make sure little ones get a healthy mix of veg in their diet. Suitable for 10 months+
17. Spinach and parmesan spaghetti
You can use this recipe with courgette spaghetti, too. Suitable for 10 months+
18. Cannelloni
Makes enough for a baby, a toddler and 2 adults. A lovely family meal - with your choice of filling. Suitable from 10 months+
19. Vegetarian lasagne with green lentils
A fab way to give your veggie baby some protein. Suitable for 11 months+
20. Tuna pasta bake
A delicious tuna and sweetcorn pasta dish with cheese sauce and a cheesy topping. Suitable from 11 months
21. Beef and kale lasagne
Kale is a great source of essential vitamins.
A great meal for the whole family. Suitable from 11 months
22. Pasta with tomato and ricotta sauce
A tasty tomato and cheese sauce that's a big children's pasta favourite. Suitable from 11 months
23. Trout and broccoli pasta
Oily fish trout is a rich source of protein and full of nutrients, including vitamins B1, B6, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. Mix with the high fibre and vitamin A offered by the broccoli, and this a healthy pasta dish. Suitable from 12 months
More recipe ideas:
- 28 easy-cook baby recipes for kids over 10 months
- Our complete guide to weaning and baby food
- 18 inspirational weaning Instagrams to follow now
Fiber 0.8 g
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Fiber {{foodstuff.foodstuff.fiber}} g-
Energy 62 kcal
Squirrels 2.7 g
Carbohydrates 8.3 g
Fat 1.7 g
Fibers 0.8 g
Food values
| Condition | with | |||||
| Squirrels | 2.7 g | |||||
| Carbohydrates | 8.3 g | |||||
062 | 1.7 g | |||||
| Fat | 1.7 g | |||||
| Saturated fatty acids | 9000 9000 | Acids | - | |||
| Monosas | - | |||||
| Polynaturated |
| Name | Energy (kcal) |
|---|
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Semper Puree Spaghetti Bolognese, 190g
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Semper - natural and premium baby food №1 in Sweden. We adhere to Swedish quality standards and a sustainable philosophy to create delicious food for babies.
Baby puree with pieces of Spaghetti Bolognese from 12 months - a unique ready-made meat dish for lunch for lunch or dinner for children.
The meat is the highest quality beef, durum pasta, selected vegetables (ripe tomatoes, sweet carrots).
Safe seasonings are added to the dish to develop taste buds and improve appetite. Semper balanced puree contains pieces of vegetables and pasta (noodles) to develop chewing skills, 100% natural ingredients:
- without salt
- no starch
- free of flavors, preservatives, artificial colors
- non-GMO.
Introduce your little gourmet to a treat the Italian way. Everything is like in adults, only better, because for children!
Also try Vegetable Lasagna and other ready-to-eat meat, fish and vegetarian meals in Semper's baby food jars.
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Puree Semper spaghetti Bologniz, 190g
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Semper
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8410175036469 9000 9000 9000 Additional characteristics:
from 12 months
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Our advantages
Delivery on the day of order
Delivery works 7 days a week across the Crimea from 10:00-20:00
Wide range
and children under 5 years of age.
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