If you’re wondering how to serve pasta to your baby you’ve come to the right place. Pasta is one of our favourite dishes to offer on a baby led weaning journey as it’s a quick simple meal that can be served in so many different ways! Find out here how to serve pasta to your baby, the answers to other commonly asked questions and a list of our favourite pasta recipes that use fun and nutritious veg and sauces.
How to Serve Pasta to Baby
Pasta can be introduced to babies from six months old if you’re using the baby led weaning method. Here’s how you can serve pasta to your baby:
Preparation: Cook pasta until it’s soft and easy to chew. You can choose small pasta shapes like mini shells or cut larger pasta into smaller pieces.
Texture: Depending on your baby’s age and chewing abilities, you can offer well-cooked pasta as small, soft pieces or mash it slightly for younger babies.
Sauce: Avoid using heavy or spicy sauces for young babies. Instead, toss the cooked pasta with a small amount of mild tomato sauce, pureed vegetables, or olive oil.
What are Best Pasta Shapes to Offer Your Baby
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
My favourite shapes have always been spaghetti, rigatoni, fusilli and penne as they’re easy for baby to pick up and self feed.
Our favourite baby led weaning products
Should I cook the pasta until it is soft and well-cooked for my baby?
Yes, it is important to cook the pasta until it is soft and easily mashed with a fork to ensure your baby can chew and digest it easily. Al dente pasta is not the vibe.
Can I serve pasta with sauce to my baby?
Yes, you can mix cooked pasta with a small amount of mild tomato sauce, vegetable puree, or plain yogurt for added flavour and nutrition. I have a range of pasta sauce recipes on my site including beetroot pesto, pea pesto and pepper pasta sauce.
Our Favourite Recipes for Babies Using Pasta
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!