Baby’s First Homemade Tomato & Chicken Pasta
A Gentle Introduction to Pasta: Homemade Tomato Sauce with Chicken for Your Little One
Eager to introduce your baby to the wonderful flavor of tomatoes? This recipe is a perfect starting point, featuring a homemade tomato sauce made extra smooth and mild for little palates. We’ve added tender chicken breast for a nutritious and delicious pasta that’s perfect for your baby’s first taste of this classic dish.
Ingredients- Fusilli pasta, 1 handful (approx. 50g)
- 1 ripe, fully-grown tomato
- 1/6 onion (finely minced or pureed)
- 20g eggplant (diced into small cubes)
- 1 piece chicken tenderloin (approx. 30g)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced or pureed)
- 1 slice baby cheese (optional)
- 5g unsalted butter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently score the bottom of the ripe tomato with a cross shape using a knife. This simple step will make peeling much easier. Blanch the tomato in boiling water for about 5 minutes until softened. Once blanched, drain and let it cool slightly before peeling.
Step 2
While the tomato is blanching, cook the fusilli pasta. To ensure it’s extra soft for your baby, cook it slightly longer than usual, about 15-20 minutes, until very tender. Drain the pasta and set aside without rinsing.
Step 3
Prepare the chicken tenderloin by removing any sinew. Mince the garlic and onion. Dice the eggplant into small, bite-sized cubes. About 7 minutes before the pasta is done, melt the unsalted butter in a pan over low heat. Add the minced chicken, garlic, and onion, and sauté gently until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Step 4
Once the chicken and aromatics are lightly cooked, add the diced eggplant to the pan. Continue to sauté until the eggplant is tender and slightly golden brown. This step helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 5
Carefully peel the skin off the blanched tomato. Once peeled, chop the tomato into small pieces. You can also remove the seeds if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Step 6
Add all the chopped tomato to the pan with the sautéed chicken and vegetables. Using a spatula or fork, gently mash the tomatoes to create a sauce-like consistency. Simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust as needed for your baby’s palate. (Tip: If your baby enjoys a hint of ketchup flavor, you can add a tiny amount of baby-specific ketchup, but it’s best to start with the natural tomato taste.)
Step 7
Once the tomato sauce has reached your desired consistency, stir in one slice of baby cheese. The cheese will melt, making the sauce richer and creamier. Keep in mind that cheese can reduce the tartness, so you can omit it if you prefer a brighter flavor, depending on your baby’s preference. Stir well until the cheese is fully incorporated.
Step 8
Drain the well-cooked fusilli pasta and add it directly to the homemade tomato sauce. Gently toss the pasta to ensure it’s evenly coated with the delicious sauce. Serve warm immediately.
