Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a nutritious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup small pasta shapes (like pastina or orzo)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small carrot, finely diced
- 1 small zucchini, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for babies already introduced to dairy)
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, finely chopped (optional for aroma)
Substitution Tip: Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever is fresh and seasonal. I often use whatever I have on hand from my garden.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a nourishing meal for your little one:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Add the finely diced carrot and zucchini, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the small pasta shapes, ensuring they are well submerged in the broth.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the olive oil for added flavor and a touch of healthy fat.
- If using, fold in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Allow the pasta to cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Tip: For a smoother texture, you can blend the cooked pasta mixture to your desired consistency, especially for younger babies who are just starting solids.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
