Chicken Mince Pasta Recipe For Baby and Toddler
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Can you give pasta to baby
Yes, you can give pasta to a baby from around 6 months old, provided it is cooked until very soft to ensure it is easy to chew and swallow. Which is why this chicken mince pasta is great for baby.
Good pasta options for babies include small shapes like mini shells, orzo, or macaroni, as these are manageable for little hands and mouths.
Whole wheat or vegetable-infused pasta varieties can offer added nutritional benefits.
Always avoid adding salt, instead opting for simple, mild flavours such as mashed vegetables or a little olive oil to keep the meal healthy and baby-friendly.
Do babies need teeth to eat pasta
Babies do not need teeth to eat pasta as long as it is cooked until very soft and is a pasta such as penne or orzo pasta.
Babies can use their gums to mash soft pasta effectively, making it safe for them to enjoy without the need for teeth, which is so amazing and clever.
It is important to ensure the pasta is free from choking hazards and appropriate to the baby’s developmental stage, supporting their exploration of new textures during the weaning process.
Ingredient information
Chicken mince - Chicken mince is a great option for baby and toddler and a great lighter alternative to ground beef or even ground turkey. So tasty paired with pasta and great for weaning. You can also use a skinless chicken bread shredded as an alternative.
Olive oil - Extra virgin olive oil is a great option for baby in savoury main meals. A great allrounder for the whole family to enjoy.
Onion - A red or white onion is great to use as a base for tomato sauces for pastas and curries for babies and toddlers.
Garlic - I have used garlic granules for convenience, you can use a fresh garlic clove that is crushed or grated instead.
Mixed herbs - I have added mixed herbs for flavour, Italian seasoning is another great option to use instead of mixed herbs.
Tomato puree/tomato paste - This is great to add more flavour and depth to the taste of a tomato sauce.
Passata - I have opted for a smooth passata for the recipe as a smooth sauce is great for baby.
Penne pasta - I have chosen a penne pasta for the recipe, you can use a different type of pasta such as orzo pasta or rigatoni pasta.
Mozzarella - Mozzarella is great for weaning and a perfect topper for this pasta recipe.
Serving suggestion
The ground chicken pasta recipe would be great served with cucumber or broccoli.
You could make some cheesy garlic bread to serve alongside the pasta bake, using a white bread recipe.
The easy pasta recipe can of course be served on its own as a complete meal option too for the whole family to enjoy.
Other pasta recipes you may like: One pot pasta bake, Pea puree pasta or Pasta salad.
Storage instructions
This great dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container, or you could use a container with plastic wrap to cover the pasta.
If you wanted to freeze the pasta, you will need to store in an airtight container.
Make sure the pasta has cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container to the freezer.
To defrost the pasta leave in the fridge overnight, and make sure it has fully defrosted.
To reheat the pasta, transfer to a preheated oven on 180C or 350F and reheat on a medium-high heat.
Once the pasta has been defrosted and reheated you will not be able to re-freeze.
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.
Baking dish - A square rust-resistant non-stick baking tin - very versatile and can be used for your cake bakes or roasting meat and veg!
Recipe | Chicken Mince Pasta Recipe For Baby and Toddler
Chicken Mince Pasta Recipe For Baby and Toddler
This is a great recipe the whole family can enjoy together, knowing that baby can enjoy the meal too from 6 months old.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by adding the pasta to a large pan of boiling water. Cook the pasta as per the package directions on a medium heat. Usually 10-15 minutes, until soft.
- Pour the olive oil into another large saucepan and add in the diced onion.
- Cook the onion for 10 minutes on a low heat. Add in the garlic granules and heat for a minute or so.
- Next add in the chicken mince and cook the mince until it is started to brown.
- Add in the mixed herbs, black pepper, tomato puree and passata and min together using a wooden spoon.
- Cook the chicken sauce for 10 minutes or so on a medium-low heat. In the meantime turn on your grill to heat up.
- Once the time is up drain the pasta and add the cooked pasta to the chicken pasta sauce.
- Mix together until fully combined.
- Pour into a 9x9 inch baking dish and sprinkle over the mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese if using.
- Pop the pasta underneath the grill for 5 minutes or so until the cheese has melted.
- Leave to cool before serving to your baby.
Notes
You can use a gluten-free pasta for this quick meal such as penne pasta for the recipe to make the entire recipe gluten-free.
You can swap out the mozzarella and cheddar cheese and replace with a plant based alternative to make the recipe dairy free.
To make the recipe vegan you can use a dairy free cheese and leave out the chicken mince or replace with a vegan mince alternative.
Hope you and your whole family enjoy!
©The Petit Spoon
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This is a great four ingredient tater tot recipe great as a finger food for baby or a yummy side for chicken nuggets or fish fingers. Baked not fried!