Tiny Tomato Pasta Stars
Introduce your little one to the wonderful world of pasta with this simple and savory dish featuring tiny pasta shapes and a mild, homemade tomato sauce. A perfect first pasta experience!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons small pasta (pastina, stelline, orzo, or finely broken spaghetti)
- 1 ripe plum tomato (or 1/4 cup no-salt crushed tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Pinch of dried basil or 1 fresh basil leaf (optional)
Instructions
Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the small pasta to the boiling water. Stir to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta until very soft, about 6-10 minutes (or a few minutes longer than package directions). It should be easily mashable.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the tomato. If using a fresh tomato, blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to cold water. This will make it easier to peel.
Peel the tomato and remove the seeds (optional, to reduce acidity). Finely chop the tomato flesh.
If using canned crushed tomatoes, skip steps 4 and 5.
In a small skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
Add the chopped tomato (or crushed tomatoes) to the skillet.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato breaks down into a sauce. If it becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water.
Add the basil (if using) to the tomato sauce during the last minute of cooking. Stir to incorporate.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly. You can rinse it briefly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce.
Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add a little water if the mixture seems too dry.
Remove from heat and let the pasta cool to a warm (not hot) temperature before serving.
Spoon-feed a small amount to your baby or place small portions on their tray for self-feeding (expect a mess!).
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required during cooking and feeding.
- Ensure pasta is cooked until very soft to avoid choking hazard.
- Check the temperature of the pasta before feeding to prevent burns.
- Be aware of potential allergic reactions to wheat (gluten).
- Tomatoes may cause mild diaper rash in some babies due to acidity; clean well after feeding.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per serving
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 4g