Tiny Tomato Stars (Baby's First Pasta)
A super soft and simple pasta dish with a sweet tomato sauce, perfect for introducing little ones to new textures and flavors. Made with tiny pasta shapes and fresh ingredients, this recipe is a gentle introduction to Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons small pasta (pastina, stelline, orzo)
- 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)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil.
Add the pasta to the boiling water.
Cook the pasta until very soft, about 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Ensure it’s softer than al dente.
While pasta is cooking, prepare the tomato. If using a fresh tomato, blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to cold water. This makes peeling easier.
Peel the tomato and remove the seeds (optional, to reduce acidity). Finely chop the tomato flesh.
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add the chopped tomato (or crushed tomatoes) to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and breaks down into a sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Add the basil (fresh or dried) to the sauce during the last minute of cooking. Stir to combine.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well. You can rinse it with water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
Add the drained pasta to the tomato sauce in the skillet.
Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Remove from heat and let the pasta cool to a warm (not hot) temperature.
Spoon a small amount onto baby's tray or directly feed with a spoon. Ensure pasta pieces are soft and manageable for swallowing.
Serve immediately and discard any leftovers.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required during cooking and feeding.
- Ensure pasta is cooked until very soft to prevent choking.
- Test the temperature of the pasta before serving to avoid burns.
- Be aware that tomatoes can sometimes cause mild diaper rash due to acidity. Clean baby's face and diaper area well after the meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 100 kcal per serving
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 3g