One-Pot Creamy Orzo Pasta Bake For Baby Led Weaning
Table of Contents
Orzo Pasta Recipes For Babies
I love a one pot, one dish recipe, a great option for the whole family and of course for baby-led weaning! The main thing is here there isn’t loads of washing up! Not only that the recipe is nutritious and delicious! A great recipe if it is the first time your little one is trying pasta and lumpy textures.
I love the fact you can just pop all the ingredients into the oven-proof dish, give it a stir and pop it in the oven!
Orzo pasta is a great pasta for weaning and getting your little ones used to lumpy textures! It is also a great pasta alternative to the usual penne pasta or fusilli pasta!
You can use your pasta of choice for this baby pasta recipe, a great way to use what you have, I just like the texture of the orzo pasta with the lentils here as it works so well for the perfect recipe.
Is Orzo Pasta Ok For Babies?
Orzo pasta can be a suitable option for babies starting from 6 months old, as it is a small, rice-shaped pasta that is easy to pick up and eat. When introducing orzo to your little one, it is important to ensure that it is cooked to a soft consistency to prevent any choking hazards.
You can incorporate cooked orzo into your baby's diet as a finger food or mix it with pureed vegetables or proteins for added nutrition. As with any new food, it is recommended to introduce orzo gradually and watch for any signs of allergies or digestive issues.
Using Herbs As Seasoning Instead Of Salt
You’ll notice I have used Italian seasoning, I just love to use this seasoning for pasta dishes! If you don’t have Italian seasoning you could use dried oregano and dried basil. But Italian seasoning is great to have in the cupboard as it can be used once instead of having lots of different dried herbs!
Introducing herbs for seasoning in a baby's diet starting from 6 months old can be a beneficial way to enhance the flavour of their meals while avoiding the use of salt. Herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley can add subtle yet delightful tastes to purees, mashed vegetables, and other baby foods.
Opting for herbs over salt can help cultivate a preference for healthier, low-salt foods from a young age, setting a foundation for long-term dietary habits.
The Benefits of Red Lentils For Baby From 6 Months Old
Lentils and pasta are such a great combination, and if you are looking for plant based this is great to get a protein packed pasta dish. If you substitute the cheese for plant based cheese this would make a great vegan pasta dish.
Red lentils are a valuable addition to a baby's diet starting from 6 months old due to their impressive nutritional benefits. Rich in protein, fibre, and various essential vitamins and minerals, red lentils provide a wholesome source of nutrients crucial for a growing baby.
They are easy to digest, making them gentle on a baby's developing digestive system. Moreover, red lentils offer a good amount of iron, which is important for healthy growth and development. By introducing red lentils early on, parents can create a diverse and nutritious palate for their little ones.
If you want an easy, tasty pasta dish that you can pop in the oven then you will have to give this a go!
Ingredient information
Orzo pasta - Orzo pasta is a lovely combination with the red lentils here, you can use your pasta of choice though!
Red lentils - I like to cook with red lentils as they make a good sauce and a good texture. Full of protein and great if you’re following a plant based diet.
Plum cherry tomatoes - I love plum cherry tomatoes. They are sweet and perfect for cooking and sauces. They work so well in this recipe.
Tomato purée - Tomato purée brings such a richness to any tomato based sauce In my opinion. I like to use alongside sauces where I’m not using tinned tomatoes.
Garlic powder - As you know I like to reach for the garlic powder for quick recipes, Works so well when you don’t have fresh garlic.
Shallot - I like to use shallots in sauces for pasta and spaghetti etc, as they bring a sweetness to the dish which I love against sweet tomatoes.
Italian seasoning - This is a great herb for pasta dishes, I love to use it and it tastes so lovely.
Cheddar cheese - I like to use a mature tangy cheese for the top of the pasta bake.
Serving suggestion
You can of course serve this on its own !
It is packed full of all the nutrients your little ones will need! And you, if you are having this for your dinner! I have served this alongside tender stem broccoli or peas or both!
Other great pasta dishes: Butternut squash lasagne cups, Avocado Pasta or Orzotto.
Storage instructions
The pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.
If you wanted to freeze the pasta, you will need to wait until the pasta has cooled to room temperature, before transferring to an airtight container or a freezer safe bag. Be sure to label the container or freezer bag with the item and date.
To reheat the pasta, preheat your oven to 180C or 350F and reheat for up to 15 minutes, but be careful before serving to your baby, make sure it is cooled down before serving.
You will not be able to refreeze once defrosted and reheated.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Baking tray - I have chosen to use a non-stick and BPA free baking sheet - they are easy to clean and, if you buy more than one, easily stackable and easily stored.
Airtight container - I love the non-stick surface of this particular frying pan and it’s suitable for all types of hob.
Oven proof dish (makes double) - The design of this ovenproof dish allows for self-basting and will keep the food moist. It also has a non-stick coating, so is easy to clean!
Recipe | One-Pot Creamy Orzo Pasta Bake For Baby Led Weaning
Makes 4 portions
100g Orzo pasta
100g red lentils, rinsed with water using a sieve
150g plum cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small shallot or half a small onion, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
300ml hot water
Black pepper
100g cheddar cheese
Instructions
Pre heat oven to 180C or 350F.
I use a 5x5 inch dish for this, if you want to make double use a 10x10 inch dish and double the ingredients for 8 portions.
Place all the ingredients apart from the cheddar cheese into the dish and stir.
Cover with some foil, and pop in the oven for 25 minutes, Take out of the oven and stir the orzo and pasta sauce and add in an additional 200ml hot water and pop back in the oven for 25 minutes.
Take out the pasta from the oven remove the foil and stir, and break up the tomatoes. If you want to add the cheese, sprinkle on the cheese and place back in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Leave to cool before serving to your baby, you can drizzle with a little olive oil if you like.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
If you have a slow cooker, you can pop all the ingredients in the slow cooker with the additional water in the recipe, and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
©The Petit Spoon
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