Little Trees & Cheese Macaroni
Vegetarian · Toddler (12m+) · en
This super simple, veggie-packed pasta dish hides nourishing broccoli inside a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for self-feeding toddlers and busy weeknight family dinners alike.
- Chop the broccoli into extremely tiny pieces for picky eaters so it blends perfectly into the cheese sauce.
- Swap the cream cheese for plain Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
- Serve with a side of soft apple slices or halved blueberries for a complete, balanced toddler meal.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Age
- Toddler (12m+)
Ingredients
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Steps
Boil the pasta in lightly salted water for about 8 minutes, or according to package instructions until almost tender.
Add the finely chopped broccoli directly to the boiling pasta water for the last 3-4 minutes of cooking until both the pasta and veggies are very soft.
Drain the pasta and broccoli, making sure to reserve about 60 ml / ¼ cup of the starchy cooking water in a small cup.
Return the pasta and veggies to the warm pot off the heat. Stir in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and reserved pasta water until a smooth, glossy sauce forms. Serve warm!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Just add the frozen broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water 1-2 minutes earlier than you would fresh broccoli to ensure they cook through completely.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a small splash of milk or water to make the sauce creamy and smooth again.
What you'll need
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