Get the recipe: 15-Minute Avocado Spinach Pasta (Toddler & Kid approved!)
Looking for a deceivingly quick family dinner that can be made in less than 15 minutes with minimal ingredients and effort? Then, I got you! This warm Avocado Spinach Pesto Pasta is made with eight simple ingredients as well as a hidden veggie (go spinach!), and is easily customizable to your family's food preferences. It will surely have any picky eater going back for seconds! Perfect for babies 6+ months - adults.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta, bowtie or any other pasta shape you prefer
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup baby spinach, not packed
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, not packed
- 1/4 cup parmesan, plus more for servings
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add pasta, and cook according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and place back into the pot.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor, add the avocado, spinach, basil, parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Turn on the food processor and let run for 1-3 minutes, scrapping down sides every 30 seconds or so. If the pesto is too thick, you can add in 1 tbsp of olive oil at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add as much Avocado Spinach Pesto to your pasta as you prefer. Sprinkle with a little more parmesan and serve.
Notes
Age: 9+ months
Storage: This avocado spinach pasta is best eaten right away. However, you can place leftovers in the fridge for 1-3 days. Because of the avocado in the sauce, it may start to turn brownish in color.
You can minimize browning by storing the pasta with a squeeze 2 more tbsps of lemon juice on top and then press plastic wrap down directly on the surface. Cover with an airtight lid. Recipe Tips:
You can minimize browning by storing the pasta with a squeeze 2 more tbsps of lemon juice on top and then press plastic wrap down directly on the surface. Cover with an airtight lid. Recipe Tips:
- Use ripe avocados. The key to getting that extra smooth, creamy sauce is making sure your avocados are very ripe. Underripe avocados won't result in the best texture.
- Cooking for little ones. When making pasta for babies, cook it fully, a little past al dente, so it’s easily squishable. If the rest of your family prefers a little firmer pasta, just take out portions for them and cook the rest a little longer for your baby.
- Get out your kitchen shears. Use these to cut spaghetti and other noodles in your baby or toddler's bowl to save time and make it easier for little ones to eat.
- Make it dairy-free. Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute.
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