Baby's First Pesto Pasta (Spinach & Basil)
A gentle and flavorful pesto made with spinach, basil, almonds, and olive oil, tossed with soft pasta for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon sliced or slivered almonds (unsalted) or pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water (as needed)
- 1 cup cooked small pasta (e.g., fusilli, mini shells)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions until very soft. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. If using larger pasta shapes such as fusilli, chop into smaller, baby-friendly pieces after cooking.
Wash spinach and basil leaves thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Place spinach, basil, and almonds (or pine nuts) into a small food processor.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the food processor.
Blend the ingredients until they form a thick, green paste. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even blending.
If the pesto is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water to loosen it up. Blend again until smooth.
Continue blending until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. It is okay if there are still some tiny flecks of spinach and basil.
Transfer the cooked pasta to a small bowl.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared pesto to the pasta. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed, depending on baby's preference.
Gently toss the pasta and pesto together until the pasta is evenly coated in the green sauce.
Check the temperature of the pasta. Ensure it is cooled to a comfortable temperature for baby before serving.
Serve immediately. Offer small pieces of pesto pasta to baby, either for hand-feeding or with a spoon.
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required during food preparation and feeding.
- Ensure pasta is cooked until very soft to prevent choking hazards.
- Introduce nuts cautiously and one at a time to monitor for allergic reactions.
- Check the temperature of the pasta before serving to avoid burns.
- Cut pasta into small, manageable pieces for babies who are just starting to eat solids.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 6g