The recipe is suitable for older babies who have been safely introduced to tomatoes and who are enjoying textured foods.
You’ll notice it contains canned tomatoes, which are actually rich in lycopene and considered by experts to be more nutritious than fresh (see our Tomato Baby Food page for more information).
The quantities given below will make a 12″ x 9″ pan of pasta – enough to feed the family. For a smaller yield, adjust the quantities accordingly.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Baby’s perfect Pasta Bake
1 box whole wheat pasta shapes (we use penne, but any shape will do!)
14 oz can of diced tomatoes
6 oz (3/4 cup) low sodium tomato sauce
pinch freshly ground black pepper (optional)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional – but highly recommended!)
water
8 oz (2 cups) grated Cheddar cheese
Preheat the oven to 375 deg F.
Empty the box of pasta into a baking pan or oven proof dish.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce then add the black pepper and Worcestershire sauce and stir well.
Pour in water until the level is around 1/2 inch lower than the pasta.
Place in the oven and cook for 20 mins.
Remove the pasta from the oven, stir thoroughly and sprinkle grated cheese over the entire surface.
Return to the oven for a further 20 mins, until the cheese is melted and golden.
Chop to a suitable size for baby and serve!
You can vary this basic recipe in many ways according to your baby’s preferences. Try stirring in additional, finely chopped veggies with the tomatoes – or add strips of cooked meat (chicken is particularly yummy).
Canned fish works well with this recipe, too – try tuna or sardines, which will add some healthy fats to the dish and taste delicious!