Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Easy Pasta Recipes for Babies
This easy cheesy broccoli pasta baby recipe is an excellent choice for baby led weaning due to its simple preparation and healthy ingredients.
The dish combines cooked pasta with broccoli, creating a balanced meal that is quick to make. As you boil the pasta and cook the broccoli at the same time, it significantly reduces cooking time, making it a speedy meal option for busy parents.
Blending in a cheddar cheese adds creaminess and flavour, enticing little ones to enjoy their greens without fuss.
Also, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking steps, this recipe ensures a stress-free cooking experience while offering a nutritious meal for your baby.
What Else Can Be Used Instead Of Broccoli
In addition to broccoli, several other easily mashable vegetables can be incorporated into this cheesy pasta dish suitable for baby-led weaning.
Cauliflower offers a creamy texture when steamed and mashed, blending well with the cheese sauce.
Carrots, when cooked until soft, provide a hint of sweetness and vibrant colour.
Spinach is another excellent choice, introducing a mild earthy flavour and lots of nutrients, and can be finely chopped or wilted into the delicious meal.
Lastly, butternut squash adds a naturally sweet flavour and smooth consistency, making it a yummy addition to any cheesy pasta recipe for those picky eaters.
Ingredient information
Pasta - I have used a penne pasta, but feel free to use a different pasta shape for the broccoli recipe such as orzo pasta, Rigatoni pasta, or spaghetti cut into smaller pieces. You can use a wholemeal pasta too.
Broccoli - This is great to get some greens into a meal that they do not really see as it is mixed into the pasta sauce.
Cream cheese - This is a great staple to have in the fridge as it can be used in so many baby led weaning recipes. Be sure to buy the full fat variety up until at least 2 years of age.
Cheese - I have used a mature cheddar cheese, but you can use a mild or medium cheddar cheese or even a Red Leicester cheese.
Milk - The milk makes the pasta recipe so cheesy and oozy. So simple and thins out the sauce too, so feel free to add more if needed. Feel free to use a little pasta water instead.
Serving suggestion
The creamy broccoli pasta would be great served with extra grated cheese on top and corn on the cob for extra veggies.
The pasta is a great lunch box alternative too as the pasta will keep in a airtight container on the go.
The recipe would work well with cauliflower too or a bit of both cauliflower and broccoli.
Other recipes you may like: Chicken orzo pasta bake, spaghetti bolognaise or Tuna pasta bake.
Storage instructions
The pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 day, stored in an airtight container.
If you wanted to freeze the pasta, you will have to store into an airtight container or in a freezer bag. You can store the pasta in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To defrost the pasta you will need to leave in the fridge overnight until fully thawed.
The pasta once defrosted will keep in the fridge for 1 day.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Saucepan - So many pan sets out there but I particularly like to use pans with a non-stick surface for ease of cleaning and ones that are suitable for different types of hob surface.
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Recipe | Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Baby Led Weaning Recipe
Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Baby Led Weaning Recipe
This is a yummy baby-led weaning recipe great for a quick and easy mid-week meal. Double/triple the ingredients for a dinner for the whole family to enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by boiling the pasta in a large saucepan on a medium heat for 10-15 minutes. In a separate saucepan or even in the same saucepan as the pasta, cook the broccoli florets. You can use frozen broccoli florets or fresh broccoli florets. This will not adjust the freezing timeline.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked and soft, drain the pasta and broccoli and place the pasta back into the saucepan.
- Pop the broccoli into a small bowl and mash using a fork and place back in the saucepan with the pasta.
- Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and milk to the saucepan.
- Turn the hob onto a low heat and stir the pasta and heat gently until the cheese has melted for about 30-60 seconds.
- Leave to cool before serving to your baby.
Notes
You can make this recipe gluten-free and dairy free. All you will need to do is choose a dairy free cheddar cheese and dairy free cream cheese.
To make the recipe gluten-free, choose a gluten-free penne pasta or a lentil pasta or pea pasta.
Feel free to use different pasta shapes such as Rigatoni pasta, orzo pasta or Fusilli pasta. All these pasta shapes are great for baby led weaning and for older kids, and the whole family too.
Hope you and your whole family enjoy!
©The Petit Spoon
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The sweet potato pancakes are a great finger food option for baby and toddler. Why not portion and freeze the raw batter and cook when needed to save time?