Introducing this cheesy spinach pasta for babies! This wholesome dish combines the rich-iron goodness of spinach, soft pasta, and a homemade cheese sauce, offering a perfect introduction to new flavours and textures, using very simple ingredients.
As your baby explores the world of solid foods, this spinach pasta recipe for babies will provide essential nutrients while encouraging self-feeding and developing your baby’s fine motor skills. Pasta is a great way of encouraging babies to use their fingers to feed themselves or alternatively a great way to introduce them to using cutlery!
Spinach Pasta Baby Will Love!
This spinach pasta can be made using the homemade cheese sauce detailed in the recipe card below, or this can be substituted with cream cheese to make an even simpler recipe.
Simply mix the cream cheese and spinach together in a frying pan and then add the cooked pasta so it’s evenly coated!
Why offer spinach to your baby?
Spinach is one of our favourite foods. Not only is it jam packed full of incredible nutrients that will look after your and your baby’s health, it’s really versatile too and can be used in so many different meals.
We love throwing spinach into pancake batter, using it to create healthy vegetarian burgers and adding it to curries and pasta dishes too.
Why choose spinach for baby led weaning?
- Contains insoluble fibre which may help to prevent constipation
- Packed full of Vitamin C for a healthy immune system
- A fantastic source of iron, something your baby needs to get from food sources after six months+
- Contains calcium – vital for bone and teeth health
Why offer pasta to your baby?
Pasta is such a versatile ingredient, you can make such a huge range of different meals with all sorts of tastes using vegetables, herbs and spices to give baby that flavour sensation.
If you’re looking for a quick lunch or evening meal, boiling up some pasta and throwing it together with a quick baby led weaning pasta sauce recipe couldn’t be any simpler!
Can babies have cream cheese?
Cream cheese, such as Philadelphia, can be given to babies from the age of 6 months. It’s worth noting that some brands of cream cheese may contain lower sodium levels and few additional ingredients, therefore it’s always wise to check the label before purchasing.
Cheese is a great food choice for baby led weaning and can form part of a healthy balanced diet – just be sure to avoid offering it in excess as the high fat content and low fibre levels can cause stomach upsets.
Related Post: Can babies eat Philadelphia?
More Pasta Recipes:
What pasta shapes are best for this spinach pasta for babies recipe?
During my days of baby led weaning two babies, I think I’ve probably tried every common type of pasta including:
- Spaghetti noodles
- Tagliatelle
- Rigatoni
- Fusilli
- Penne
- Ravioli
- Lasagne
- Macaroni
- Tortellini
- Farfalle
For this recipe I used Rigatoni as the tubes are super easy for baby to pick up.
Our favourite baby led weaning products
What do you use to chop the spinach?
I really recommend investing in a decent food processor when beginning your baby led weaning journey. It makes chopping, slicing and grating veggies so much easier and will save you a ton of time.
I use the Kenwood food processor which also doubles up as a smoothie maker. I love the chopping and grating attachments and use it to cut up all sorts of things!
Can adults enjoy this recipe too?
Absolutely! You may want to add a little salt or parmesan cheese your portion – but sharing this meal alongside your little one is highly recommended!
Spinach Pasta for Babies
Introducing this cheesy spinach pasta baby led weaning recipe! This dish combines the goodness of spinach , soft pasta & cheese sauce
Ingredients
- 40 grams pasta
- 40 grams spinach
- 30 grams cheese
- 1 tbsp flour
- 50ml milk
- knob of butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions (usually 12 minutes on the hob)
- Meanwhile boil a kettle, add spinach to a colander and pour boiling water over the top until wilted.
- Run the cold water tap over the spinach, then squeeze out all excess water and finely chop using a sharp knife, scissors, or a food processor.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt a knob of butter, then add the tablespoon of flour and stir until a roux forms. Pour in the milk and whisk continuously, adding in the 30 grams of cheese until fully melted and your cheese sauce has formed. Stir in the spinach.
- Drain the pasta, then add to the bowl of cheesy spinach sauce. Stir to combine and then serve in a bowl.
- Leave to cool fully before serving to your baby.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 340mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 13g
Author: Nicola Hughes
Nicola has weaned both of her boys using the baby led weaning method. She loves nothing better than creating simple recipes that anyone can recreate, using as few ingredients as possible. All of her recipes have been tried and tested by both Dexter and Felix and have their seal of approval!