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
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