Providing healthy, homemade meals for your baby doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. Baby-led weaning (BLW) lets your baby explore new textures and flavors while developing self-feeding skills. Using affordable ingredients like pasta and vegetables, you can create meals that are both nutritious and budget-friendly.
In this post, we’re sharing a simple recipe for Cheesy Veggie Pasta Bites that’s perfect for your 1-year-old exploring solids.
Recipe: Cheesy Veggie Pasta Bites
Why It’s Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses basic pantry staples like pasta and cheese, combined with seasonal vegetables for an economical and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
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1 cup small pasta (like macaroni, penne, or fusilli)
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½ cup finely chopped broccoli (or other soft vegetables like zucchini or spinach)
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¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
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1 egg
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1 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until soft. Drain and let cool slightly.
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Steam or boil the broccoli (or chosen vegetable) until tender, then chop finely.
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In a bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs (if using). Stir well to combine.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized balls or patties. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta bites are firm and golden. Let cool before serving.
Serving Tip:
Serve warm or at room temperature. These pasta bites are easy to hold and make a great snack or meal. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Nutritious meals for your baby don’t need to be complicated or expensive. These Cheesy Veggie Pasta Bites are a great way to introduce your little one to new textures and flavors without stretching your budget.
What’s your baby’s favorite finger food? Let us know in the comments below! Follow us for more budget-friendly BLW recipes and tips.