Easy Sesame Spinach Pasta for Babies & Toddlers

If you’re looking for a different spinach pasta recipe for babies and toddlers then you’ll love this one.

This spinach pasta uses sesame seeds lightly toasted in oil to release its aroma. 

The result is a savory pasta packed with nutrients that will make everyone ask for seconds. 

My toddlers aren’t a huge fan of the green-colored spinach pasta that’s more popular among baby-led weaning moms.

So I had to come up with an alternative recipe. You won’t regret trying it. 

Why I Love Making Spinach Pasta For Baby-led Weaning

Spinach is one of those vegetables that can be incorporated into many dishes.

That’s why a lot of parents love using it for baby-led weaning.

Instead of pureeing the spinach as most recipes call for, I added my twist to it.

I toasted some sesame seeds in oil until they were fragrant, then I chopped the spinach and sautéed it in the oil.

That simple step is all you need to fill this Spinach pasta with flavor.

This toddler-friendly spinach pasta is great to make for a busy weeknight when you’re too tired to cook.

Allergy Considerations for Baby-friendly Sesame Spinach Pasta 

Some kids are allergic to sesame seeds

Sesame seed allergies aren’t as common as other food allergies but it’s a possibility.

If this is your first time giving your kid something with sesame seeds in it, then watch them for allergy symptoms after their meal. Check out some of the signs of sesame allergy here.

Important Recipe Notes on BLW Spinach Pasta 

Be careful not to burn the sesame seeds

Even though the highlight of this dish is the toasted sesame seeds, you don’t want to toast them too much.

Cook the sesame seeds just long enough for them to become fragrant on high heat, then lower the heat.

This will bring out their aroma without charring them up.

Chop the spinach small for younger babies 

Since we’re not pureeing the Spanish in this pasta recipe, you need to chop them smaller for babies.

Whole-cooked spinach tends to become stringy and hard for babies and toddlers to eat. 

Ingredients For Spinach Pasta for Babies & Toddlers

Spinach – chopped into small pieces for little kids

Seasoning – I used garlic, parsley, onion powder, and black pepper. You can add other spices to your choice. 

Butter – you can substitute oil for butter in this recipe. Butter just gives it a better flavor.

Sesame seeds – this is optional but it will make your spinach pasta pop.

Chicken Bouillon powder –  this helps to add flavor to the dish. 

Pasta – any pasta of your choice. I prefer penne, farfalle, and rotini for younger babies. 

Cooking Directions For Spinach Pasta

• Cook and drain the pasta according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Place a skillet on medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
• When the butter is hot and melted, add the sesame seeds. Allow it to toast up a little until fragrant.
• Add the garlic and onion. Sautee them until they’re fragrant (stir frequently to avoid burning)
• Add the chopped spinach and the spices. Mix well to combine. Immediately add the cooked pasta and the bouillon powder. Mix to combine.
• Cover and allow to cook on medium-low for another 8-10 minutes. 
• Remove from the heat and serve 

Jump to Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Why Spinach & Sesame Seeds Are Good For Babies and Toddlers

Spinach contains tons of iron that babies and toddlers need to grow.

They are rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, folates, and other essential nutrients (source).

Sesame seeds are also great for kids because they’re a good source of fiber, which aids digestion. They also contain protein and B vitamins (source)

Side Dishes for Baby-friendly Spinach Pasta

Add a side of protein to the meal 

Adding a protein like breaded chicken breast, tofu meatballs, or chicken drumstick will help elevate this spinach pasta for your baby.

Protein also contains necessary nutrients that are part of a well-balanced diet.

Serve with some fruits

Fruits are always a good idea to feed babies and toddlers.

If you can’t think of any side dish to include with this pasta meal, then add a side of fruits.

My favorites are baked apple slices, berries, and bananas.

How To Serve Spinach Pasta For Baby-led Weaning

6-9 Months old

Allow your baby to scoop up the spinach pasta with their bare hands. This will give them more control of the feeding process.

9-12 months old

Babies between the ages of 9 and 12 months can enjoy spinach pasta served on a preloaded fork. 

12- 24 months and older

You can continue to preload the fork for your baby to self-feed or allow them to practice using the fork themselves.

Spinach Pasta Storage Tips

Can I refrigerate this baby-friendly spinach pasta?

This baby-friendly sesame spinach pasta can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. To keep the freshness, store it in an airtight container like a Pyrex.

Can I freeze this spinach pasta?

This spinach pasta can be frozen in a Pyrex container for as long as you need. 

It’s a great way for busy parents to meal prep. 

Reheating Spinach Pasta for Babies and Toddlers

If your spinach pasta was previously frozen, you should let it defrost in the fridge before reheating.

This will ensure that no ice is left over after heating.

To reheat this pasta, place it in a microwave-safe container and heat it on high power until it’s evenly heated.

Tips for Picky Eaters

Don’t pressure

Give your baby or toddler a chance to say no. It’s okay if they don’t like what we serve them. Keep trying. 

It takes at least 30 exposures for a baby to begin liking a food, so don’t give up.

Make it into a game

Sometimes I create games around the food I serve to get my kids interested in eating. 

A game we’ve played in the past is called “Here comes the airplane… open the garage”. This encourages them to open their mouth as I bring the food in like an airplane.

Sometimes my kids will try new foods this way.

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• Easy Tomato Pasta Sauce For Baby (Great Grandma’s Recipe)
• Simple Ground Beef Pasta For Baby (Only 1 pan needed)
• The Best Cream Cheese Pasta For Baby
• Easy Pastina Pasta For Babies With Sweet Potatoes
• Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta For Baby – Super Simple!

Did you make this baby-led weaning dinner recipe? 

Let me know in the comments how it turned out!