This food qualifies as “super” because pumpkin is one of the most powerful Superfoods. It also adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor that kids love while its orange color camouflages beautifully in the cheese sauce.
Ingredients:
1 box (8 oz.) whole wheat macaroni pasta
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups milk, warmed
½ cup canned pumpkin*
1 cup grated mild cheddar cheese
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Steps:
Cook the pasta in large pot of boiling water according to package instructions, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside in large bowl.
Begin making the cheese sauce by melting butter over medium-low heat in a saucepan. Once completely melted, add the flour little by little and mix with a whisk to prevent lumps. Cook flour and butter mixture for about 3 minutes, but do not let brown. Remove from heat and slowly add milk; mix with whisk until well combined. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce is thick and coats the back of a spoon. Add nutmeg and pumpkin. Remove from heat and add grated cheese; stir until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
In a large bowl, pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta. Mix sauce and pasta until well combined. The mixture may appear a bit soupy but the pasta will absorb more of the cheese sauce as it sits. Once cooled, chop slightly in food processor for small babies or keep whole for toddlers. Serve immediately or disperse evenly in ice cube trays (for small babies) or cupcake tins (for toddlers) to freeze.
*Can substitute pumpkin with pureed sweet potato or butternut squash.
You can also add green peas or finely chopped broccoli for an added punch of flavor and vitamins.
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Recipe Reviews
Sarah Peterson
My daughter will love this one! For some reason the ingredient list isn't showing up, can you please add it? Thanks!
Wednesday July 2013 at 08:18 PM
Christen Babb
Thanks, Sarah! We've had some technical issues since the switchover, I will re-add the recipe and see if that helps.
Friday January 2014 at 04:17 AM
Jamie Schoenfeld
My 9 month old LOVES this recipe! We cut the pasta in half after it was cooked since he tends to shovel his food in.
Tuesday February 2014 at 09:53 PM
Georgina Goins
my baby was only was playing with the pasta :( will not eat it.. I have such a hard time feeding her. :(
Wednesday October 2014 at 02:31 PM
Katherine
My baby LOVES this, especially with the sweet potato! Love your website!
Thursday November 2016 at 01:40 AM