Squishy Squashy Summer Tomato Pasta
Vegetarian · 8m+ · en
This bright and easy summer meal uses sweet, fresh cherry tomatoes to create a simple no-cook sauce. Tossed with soft baby pasta and mild cheese, it's a delightful and nutritious lunch for your toddler.
- Choose the ripest, sweetest summer cherry tomatoes you can find for the best natural flavor.
- Leave out the cheese if your baby has a dairy allergy, or substitute with a dollop of white bean purée.
- Batch cook the tomato and basil purée and freeze it in ice cube trays for quick future meals.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Servings
- 2
- Age
- 8m+
Ingredients
Watch how it's made
Steps
Boil the small pasta in water (without salt) until it is very soft and easily mashable, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and let it cool slightly.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the tomatoes. For babies under 12 months, blend the cherry tomatoes into a smooth purée. For older toddlers, finely chop or gently crush the tomatoes with a fork.
In a bowl, toss the warm cooked pasta with the tomato purée or crushed tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and torn basil.
Stir in the soft mozzarella or grated cheese until it just begins to melt. Test the temperature on your wrist before serving to your little one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I serve this meal cold for a summer picnic?
Yes! This recipe makes a fantastic cold pasta salad for toddlers and is perfect for packing in a lunchbox on a warm summer day.
How can I adapt this for a 6-month-old baby?
For younger babies, blend the cooked pasta and the fresh tomatoes together into a completely smooth puree. You can omit the cheese or blend it in thoroughly to avoid thick melted clumps.
Are tomatoes safe for babies?
Absolutely. Tomatoes are highly nutritious. Just be aware that their natural acidity can sometimes cause a mild, harmless skin redness around a baby's mouth where the food touches the skin.
What you'll need
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