Creamy Spinach Pasta

A creamy, cozy pasta dish for toddlers — made with spinach, yogurt, olive oil, cheese, and pine nuts blended into a green sauce.

This pasta is one of Kenzo’s weekday favourites. It's gently sautéed, then blended into a lush, nutty spinach sauce with yogurt and cheese. Onion koji adds umami, but you can swap in a little broth or bouillon. Full of iron, healthy fats, and easy-to-eat textures — it’s a go-to for busy nights.

Creamy Spinach Pasta for Toddlers (with Pine Nuts & Yogurt)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked toddler pasta (we used M&S alphabet pasta)

• 3 frozen spinach cubes (also from M&S, or any plain spinach)

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 2 tbsp plain full-fat yogurt

• 1 tbsp shredded Emmental cheese (or cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese)

• 1 tsp onion koji + 2 tbsp water (or use ¼ tsp low-sodium bouillon or veggie broth)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp pine nuts (optional, but adds great texture and healthy fats)

📌 Use any soft pasta shape your toddler enjoys. For dairy-free, swap to coconut yogurt + nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese.

Instructions:

1. Cook the spinach
   In a small pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add frozen spinach cubes and a splash of water. Cook until fully thawed and soft.

2. Simmer with broth
   Stir in onion koji and water (or broth substitute). Let simmer gently for 1–2 minutes.

3. Blend the sauce
   Transfer spinach mixture to a blender. Add yogurt, cheese, and pine nuts. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Toss with pasta
   Stir the green sauce into the warm pasta until well coated and glossy. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve for Toddlers:

• Serve warm in a shallow bowl

• Pair with soft protein (e.g. egg, tofu, shredded chicken)

• Sprinkle with extra cheese or hemp/flaxseed for a boost

Note for Toddlers:

This recipe is creamy, iron-rich, and smooth in texture — great for self-feeding or spoon practice. Suitable from 10 months+, depending on dairy and nut exposure. Always blend pine nuts until smooth and check temperature before serving.

Ingredients:

Everything can be found at Marks & Spencer in Hong Kong. If you don’t have homemade onion koji, sub with low-sodium veggie broth or a pinch of bouillon if needed.