Dietary: V, VEG, NF, EF
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat
Age group: 8 months+
Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 35 mins
Equipment: Hand-held blender

This Creamy Veggie Pasta Sauce is a simple yet nourishing meal, perfect for babies from 8 months+. Rich in dietary fibre from chickpeas, zucchini and carrots, it supports digestive health. Butternut pumpkin provides vitamin A, important for healthy vision and immunity, while chickpeas offer plant-based protein and iron for growth and development. Blended to a smooth, creamy consistency, this pasta sauce is an easy, tasty way to boost your baby and toddler’s daily nutrient intake, with a comforting flavour the whole family will enjoy.

INGREDIENTS
• 1 tbsp (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 leek (100g), finely diced (or substitute with 1 small onion)
• 1 garlic clove (5g), minced
• 1 cup (140g) butternut pumpkin, peeled and finely diced
• 1 medium (150g) zucchini, finely diced
• 1 medium (80g) carrot, grated
• 400g tomato passata
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, canned, no added salt
• 200ml vegetable broth, low sodium
• 1/2 tsp (1g) dried Italian herbs
• 1/3 cup (30g) mild cheese like mozzarella, grated (optional)
• 150g Bellamy’s Organic Farm Animals Pasta Shapes

METHOD
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until tender. Drain well.
2. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add leek/ onion and garlic, cook for 3 minutes until soft.
3. Add pumpkin, zucchini, and carrot, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add tomato passata, chickpeas, broth and herbs. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are soft.
5. Once the vegetables are soft, use a hand-held blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency, depending on your child’s age and texture preferences.
6. Stir in the cheese (if using) and cook on low heat for 2 minutes, allowing it to melt and create a rich, creamy sauce.
7. Toss the cooked pasta through the sauce until evenly coated. For younger babies, mash the pasta slightly or cut it into smaller pieces for easier chewing. For babies practising baby-led weaning, serve in soft, manageable portions alongside steamed vegetables.

STORING LEFTOVERS: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or
freeze for up to 3 months.

TIPS

Prep Tips:
• Batch cook this sauce and freeze in portions to make
quick, healthy meals during busy weekdays.

Iron-rich version:
• Add ½ cup of cooked lentils or finely diced spinach
to boost iron content naturally.

Easy Ingredient Swaps:
• Substitute pumpkin with sweet potato or carrots.
• Swap zucchini with finely chopped broccoli or spinach.

For Fussy Eaters:
• Serve ingredients separately (cooked pasta, blended veggie sauce, cheese, steamed veggies) to encourage independent exploration and acceptance.