Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe For Baby And Toddlers
Table of Contents
How To Cook Chicken For Baby?
When I came across these large pasta shells in the supermarket, I instantly thought these would be great for my son!
They can be filled, or simply mixed with a bolognaise! If I have the time I do really enjoy making a filling for the pasta shells.
The creamy chicken filling I have used for this recipe is perfect. It’s a great snack or finger food lunch!
The baby pasta can be great on their own as a substantial lunch for your little ones, and you can save the other items for snacks later on.
This pasta dish has the perfect combination of protein, carbohydrates and calcium for little tummies.
I have added in some olives as my son really enjoys them, but I understand that they may not be to everyone’s taste, especially little ones. So you can leave these out for another favourite such as cucumber or cherry tomatoes.
How To Give Pasta To A 6 Month Old?
To serve pasta to a 6-month-old, start by cooking the pasta until it's very soft, well beyond al dente. Use a penne pasta or orzo pasta that are easy for the baby to pick up or swallow. Avoid adding any sauces or seasonings that might be too strong for the baby's developing palate. A tomato sauce would be a safe option.
Serve the cooked pasta in small portions this is a great way to prevent choking hazards and always supervise the baby closely during the mealtime to ensure they are eating safely. Remember to introduce new foods one at a time and watch for any signs of allergies or digestive issues.
Enjoy introducing your little one to the wonderful world of pasta!
This is a great filling lunch that is great for your children, that picky eater and the entire family and also great for you too! If you double the mixture you will have a lunch for yourself too!
Ingredient information
Extra large pasta shells - These are great to fill, and great finger food for little hands. Perfect as a snack or part of a lunch or dinner. You could use a gluten-free pasta too for gluten-free babies.
Any pasta shapes will work with this recipe, instead of filling a pasta shell you could simply mix the filling through your pasta of choice.
Cooked chicken breast - If you have any leftover chicken this is great to use in this recipe. Or you can buy the cooked chicken from the supermarket.
Spinach - I have used fresh spinach, and popped in the microwave to cook.
Mascarpone - This is a delicious cheese, and great for sauces and dips! You could use a cream cheese if you prefer.
Oregano - A delicious herb that works perfectly with this recipe. You can add a touch of basil too, which is delicious!
Black pepper - I have seasoned the pasta filling with black pepper without the salt. Works perfectly without the salt.
Cheddar cheese - I have used a mild cheddar cheese, you can use a mature cheddar.
Olives - My son loves olives, I have used lemon and herb olives, you can substitute the olives for cucumber or tomato if preferred.
Grapes - I have used black grapes halved but you can use green grapes. My son loves cheese and grapes, also a great snack too!
Serving suggestion
The bento box can be served on its own, if you did want to add anything to go with the box, I would add a plain Greek yogurt with a blueberry purée swirl! Or a vegetable such as green beans, cucumber or red pepper.
A delicious sweet treat for your little ones and the whole family.
I would serve at the same time with the bento box so that your little one can explore with all the food together.
Other similar recipes: Orzotto, Tuna pasta bake or Spaghetti bolognaise.
Storage instructions
The creamy chicken 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 I use to help with this recipe
Recipe | Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe For Baby And Toddlers
Makes 1 bento box (1-2 portions of pasta for babies)
4 extra large pasta shells
4 small cooked chicken pieces, diced small
A small handful fresh spinach, cooked
2 tablespoons mascarpone
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Black pepper
2 slices mature cheddar cheese, cut into squares or your favourite small cutter
4 olives, lemon and herb
2 grapes, halved
Instructions
Start by cooking the pasta shells in a large pot of hot water on a medium heat for 10 minutes, until very soft.
Cook the spinach leaves in a bowl in the microwave with a little water for 45 seconds. Drain off any excess water.
Add the chicken, mascarpone, oregano and black pepper to the spinach bowl and stir until combined.
Take approx 2 teaspoons of the mixture and fill the 4 pasta shells. Place in the bento box.
Place the olives in one section of the bento box.
Place the grapes and cheese in the bento box
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
If you didn’t have the large pasta shells, you can make the chicken filling and mix with your pasta of choice to make a delicious pasta salad! Your little ones will love it!
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