One Pot Zucchini Pasta

This recipe is for 8 month baby & up

This One Pot Zucchini Pasta was Zion’s favorite as a baby. It is the perfect dinner idea for babies and up. This pasta dish is an easy, simple, tasty idea for mom & baby that is ready in 20 min! It comes out nice and soft for baby to easily chew and swallow, making it great if you are newly introducing pasta to baby or baby-led weaning (BLW). What’s great about it, it’s very versatile, so you can add whichever protein you prefer (ex: chicken, shrimp, ground beef, etc.) or some cheese on top, or keep it simple like we did. No matter what I promise your little one will enjoy it!

Why One Pot Zucchini Pasta to introduce pasta?

-When introducing pasta to baby, I suggest finding small noodles or cutting up thin spaghetti into pieces. The exact pasta we use is called Fideo or Filini Pasta. When serving you can mash well or serve as is, but I noticed when Zion was little it was a little difficult for him to chew pasta, since it can be chewy and gummy, these were the only one’s he was able to chew and swallow!

-Made with minimal ingredients and cooked in a single pot, it’s both time-efficient for busy parents and gentle on a baby’s developing palate.

-The tender zucchini adds extra moisture and vitamins, with the soft pasta in a delicious, mildly flavored baby-safe sauce, making it excellent for dinner or lunch for baby.

Why Zucchini Pasta is Perfect for Babies?

Zucchini is an ideal vegetable for babies because of its mild flavor, soft texture, and high nutritional value. Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, zucchini supports growth, immunity, and overall development. Paired with pasta, it creates a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates for energy and fiber for healthy digestion. Cooking everything in one pot enhances the flavors and ensures the ingredients are tender enough for babies to eat safely, even without teeth.

Benefits of Turmeric for Babies

The pasta is seasoned with healthy, baby-safe spices like turmeric and cumin.

Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. While introducing turmeric to babies, it’s essential to use a very small pinch, as their digestive systems are still developing. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Supports Immunity: Curcumin helps enhance the immune system, which is crucial for babies as they’re exposed to new environments and potential illnesses.
2. Promotes Healthy Digestion: Turmeric can help soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation in the gut, aiding in smoother digestion.
3. Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidants in turmeric protect cells from damage, supporting overall health and reducing the risk of infections.
4. May Help With Skin Health: Turmeric is traditionally used to support healthy skin and may help soothe minor skin irritations when consumed or applied in appropriate forms.

Benefits of Cumin for Babies:

• Aids Digestion: Cumin is widely recognized for its ability to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, helping break down food and alleviate gas or bloating in babies.
• Boosts Iron Levels: Cumin is a natural source of iron, which is essential for producing hemoglobin and supporting brain development in growing babies.
• Enhances Appetite: For babies who are picky eaters, cumin’s warm aroma and mild flavor can stimulate appetite and make meals more appealing.
• Supports Immunity: The antioxidants and antimicrobial properties in cumin can help protect babies from common infections.

If you liked this recipe, here are a few more baby-friendly pasta ideas:

Olive Oil Broccoli Pasta

Avocado Pesto Pasta

Baby-Friendly Bolognese Pasta

One-Pot Carrot Pea Pasta

Print

One Pot Zucchini Pasta

Author: Eating With Zion

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 small onion
• 1 zucchini
• 1-2 tbsp tomato paste
• ¹⁄₂ cup small pasta
• ¹⁄₄ tsp turmeric
• ¹⁄₄ tsp cumin
• Pinch of black pepper
• 1 tbsp preferred oil (I used avocado oil)

Optional

• Pinch of Salt (OMIT for younger babies)

Directions

1. Chop onion and zucchini
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1. Add oil to heated pan with onion, turmeric, cumin, salt, pepper and sauté for a few min If you see onion is sticking add 2 tbsp of water while sauteing
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1. Add zucchini, tomato paste and mix
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1. Add 2 cups of water, mix and bring to a boil
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1. Once boiling add pasta and mix
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1. Cover on low-medium heat for 18 min Throughout cook time keep checking to see if more water is needed, this happens depending on your stove
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1. Let cool & serve
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