Magic Pumpkin & Cheese Pasta
Vegetarian · 8m+ · en
This vibrant, creamy pumpkin pasta comes together in minutes. Using mild cheese and sweet pumpkin puree, it's a comforting and nutritious meal perfectly sized for tiny hands and growing toddlers.
- Sprinkle a little bit of hemp hearts on top for an extra boost of healthy fats.
- Mix in some very finely chopped cooked spinach for a hidden green veggie boost!
- Use fun pasta shapes like mini shells or wheels to keep toddlers engaged at dinner time.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Servings
- 2
- Age
- 8m+
Ingredients
Watch how it's made
Steps
Boil the pasta in a pot of water without salt until it is very soft and safe for your baby or toddler to chew easily. Drain and keep warm.
In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil over low heat. Stir in the pumpkin purée and the pinch of nutmeg, heating gently for about 1 minute.
Pour in the whole milk and sprinkle in the grated cheese. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts and you have a smooth, creamy orange sauce.
Toss the cooked, warm pasta into the pumpkin sauce, stirring well so every piece is coated. Let it cool to a safe temperature before serving to your little one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Yes! You can steam or roast fresh autumn pumpkin (calabaza) until perfectly tender, then mash or blend it into a smooth purée before using.
Is this recipe safe for babies under 12 months?
Yes, provided you use an age-appropriate small pasta shape (like stars or orzo) cooked until mushy. You can also reduce or omit the cheese to keep sodium levels very low.
Can I freeze the leftover pumpkin sauce?
Absolutely! You can freeze the prepared pumpkin and cheese sauce in silicone ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw and toss with fresh pasta when needed.
What you'll need
Shop this recipe
As an Amazon Associate, Parenting by Mama earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
vancasso Pasta Bowls Set of 4, Ceramic Salad Serving Bowls, 42 oz Large Pasta Bowls, 8.7 in Colorful Bowl Plates for Soup, Bohemian Shallow Bowls for Kitchen, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe
Buy on Amazon →
Alata Mini Sporks, 4-Pack Food-grade Stainless Steel Mini Sporks for Kids, 5.7 Inches Salad Forks For Dessert, Ice Cream, Salad, Soup, Noodle, Spaghetti, Dishwasher Safe
Buy on Amazon →
More ideas
Creamy Autumn Kale Mac & Cheese
This magical one-pot wonder cooks the pasta right in the milk, creating a naturally creamy sauce while sneaking in nutrient-packed autumn kale. Perfect for little tummies and busy evenings!
Vegetarian8m+
Cozy Chicken & Orzo Monsoon Porridge
This gentle chicken and orzo porridge is perfect for toddlers during the monsoon season. Infused with a hint of turmeric and ginger to settle little stomachs, it's a warm hug in a bowl that's easy to chew and digest.
nut-free
