This quick & easy toddler meal is perfect for baby-led weaning (BLW) and self-feeding practice. Packed with hidden veggies and soft pasta, it supports every stage—from palmar grasp to pincer grip. Learn how to choose the right pasta size and the best BLW cutlery for mealtime success!

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until soft (for younger babies, cook longer for a softer texture). Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce Base (Roux):

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
• Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture thickens (3–4 minutes).
  

3. Add the Veggies and Cheese:

• Stir in the puréed butternut squash (or cauliflower), cheddar, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

4. Combine with Pasta:

• Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until fully coated. Add soft veggies like peas or spinach for extra nutrients if desired.

5. Bake (Optional):

• Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle some left over cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.

6. Serve:

• Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Adjust portion size based on your baby’s age and hunger levels.

Choosing Pasta by Developmental Stage & Feeding Skills

6–9 Months: Palmar Grasp Stage (Whole-Hand Grip)

• Best Pasta Shapes: Large, easy-to-grasp options like rigatoni, penne, fusilli, or giant shells. These shapes allow babies to grab and self-feed using their whole hand.
• How to Serve: Offer pasta pieces individually or place a few on their high chair tray.

Cutlery Tip: At this stage, let your baby practice holding a spoon, like the Henley Spoon, but don’t worry if they prefer their hands. Pre-load the spoon with pasta and sauce to encourage early spoon use.

9–12 Months: Transition to Pincer Grasp (Thumb and Forefinger Grip)

• Best Pasta Shapes: Smaller pasta like mini shells, orecchiette, macaroni, or rotini. These shapes are easier for babies to pick up as their pincer grip develops.
• How to Serve: Pasta can be served in a bowl for your baby to scoop or pick up with their fingers. Choose dishes with easy-scoop edges, like the Henley Bowl or Henley Plate, to support self-feeding.

Cutlery Tip: Introduce the Henley Fork, which makes it easier for your little one to stab soft pasta shapes. Learn more about the best cutlery for this stage in our blog, “The Best Cutlery for Baby-Led Weaning: A Comparison Guide."

12+ Months: Improved Coordination & Spoon/Fork Skills

• Best Pasta Shapes: Any bite-sized pasta like elbow macaroni, bowties (farfalle), or cavatappi. These shapes are easy for toddlers to manage with cutlery.
• How to Serve: Serve in a bowl for independent scooping. Pasta with sauce clings well for easier spoon use. Dishes with easy-scoop edges, like the Henley Bowl or Henley Plate, build confidence as your little one masters self-feeding.

Cutlery Tip: Encourage your toddler to alternate between the Henley Spoon and Fork, depending on the pasta shape—bowtie pasta is great for stabbing, while macaroni works best for scooping.

Tips for Baby-Led Weaning:

• Palmar Grasp Stage: Focus on large pasta shapes that are easy to pick up. Avoid over-saucing to reduce frustration.

• Pincer Grasp Stage: Smaller pasta helps refine coordination. Mix pasta with soft veggies like peas for extra practice with self-feeding.

• Advanced Eaters: Introduce a combination of fork and spoon use, encouraging toddlers to experiment with both tools during mealtime.

Freezing Tip: Portion leftovers and freeze for easy meals later. This is a great meal to reheat in the microwave. Use microwave & dishwasher friendly dishes to save time washing up!

Let us know if you tried this recipe, and what your little one thought, in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a pediatrician or feeding expert before introducing new foods, especially if your child has allergies or specific dietary needs.