Pasta Bakes For Kids - Cheesy Family-Friendly Recipe
Table of Contents
Creamy Pasta Bake For Kids
Creamy cheesy pasta bakes for kids is a great recipe for baby led weaning and for toddlers, as it combines familiar flavours with a texture that is easy for little ones to handle.
These individual pasta bakes can be made with a variety of simple ingredients, allowing for the incorporation of vegetables, protein, and whole grains, which are essential for a balanced diet. Great for freezer meals too.
The creaminess and cheese not only make the dish appealing to young taste buds but also help to bind the pasta, making it easier for children to grasp and enjoy.
Serving them in portion-sized dishes also encourages independence, giving children the opportunity to feed themselves while exploring new tastes and textures in a fun and engaging way.
Can Babies Eat Normal Pasta
Babies can eat normal pasta, but it's essential to consider their age and developmental stage. Typically, pasta can be introduced around 6 to 8 months when babies are ready for more textured food.
It’s advisable to opt for small shapes, such as fusilli or penne, which are easier for little hands to grasp.
Ensure the pasta is well-cooked to a soft consistency to prevent any choking hazards.
Serving it with a mild sauce or lightly tossed with some olive oil can enhance flavour without overwhelming their palate.
As always, it's vital to monitor for any signs of allergies and consult with a healthcare professional if there are concerns.
Ingredient information
Macaroni - I have used macaroni but you can use other pasta shapes such as orzo pasta for this recipe too. A plain pasta like penne you could use, when it is cooked you can give it a chop with scissors to make it smaller. You can use a whole wheat pasta too if you like for added nutrition.
Cream cheese - I have used a full fat cream cheese, you can use a plant based alternative if you like for dairy free kids or babies.
Milk - I have used a whole milk for this recipe, but you can use semi-skimmed milk or skimmed milk. Or you can use a plant based alternative.
Cheddar cheese - I have used a mature cheddar cheese, but you can use a mild cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese or Red Leicester cheese too or a mixture of them both.
Chives - I have used dried chives, you can leave this ingredient out or you can use mixed herbs or oregano instead. Feel free to use fresh herbs such as fresh basil if you have it.
Egg - I have used an egg to bind the ingredients together so that it is easily eaten, which is great for baby led weaning and that picky eater. If you wanted a more saucy consistency you can leave this ingredient out, which would make a great recipe for the whole family.
Serving suggestion
The simple pasta bake would be great served with cucumber and tomatoes, or you could serve with a garlic bread and tender stem broccoli.
Other pasta bake recipes you may like: Pesto pasta, Mince beef pasta bake or Salmon pasta with crème fraiche.
Storage instructions
The cheesy pasta bake 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
Silicone moulds - I like the silicone moulds as they are durable, flexible, heat-resistant and multi-functional.
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.
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.
Recipe | Pasta Bakes For Kids - Cheesy Family-Friendly Recipe
Pasta Bakes For Kids - Cheesy Family-Friendly Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 180C or 350F. Set aside a silicone mould or baking dish.
- Boil the macaroni in hot water on the hob for 15 minutes or so until soft.
- Mix the cream cheese, milk, cheese and chives in a small bowl.
- Drain the pasta and add to the creamy cheese sauce. Mix until combined and spoon into 4 silicone moulds or baking dish.
- Sprinkle over the extra grated cheese and pop into the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Leave to cool before serving to your baby.
Notes
You can easily make this recipe plant based/dairy free. All you will need to do is swap the whole milk for a dairy free alternative such as oat milk. Swap the cheddar cheese and cream cheese for a vegan/plant based alternative.
You can use an egg replacer for the egg, you will need to use approx 50g of the egg replacer.
You can use a gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.
©The Petit Spoon
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