How to Make the Perfect Pea and Ricotta Pasta Bake
Italian · Medium · 35 min · 6 servings
This creamy baked pasta dish combines the sweetness of green peas with rich ricotta cheese for a calcium and protein-packed meal babies will reach for again and again. Baked into a firm yet soft casserole, it can be cut into finger-sized pieces that hold together beautifully for self-feeding.
Why this recipe works
This Pea and Ricotta Pasta Bake recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 175 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups small pasta shapes cooked very soft
- 0.75 cup frozen peas thawed
- 0.75 cup full fat ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon dried basil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Mix
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl combine the cooked soft pasta, thawed peas, ricotta cheese, eggs, and dried basil. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Transfer to Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into a lightly greased small baking dish and spread it evenly. Press down gently to compact the mixture so it will hold together in pieces when cut after baking.
Step 3: Add Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and the center is fully set and not jiggly when shaken.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Allow the bake to cool completely in the dish before cutting into finger-sized rectangular pieces. Cooling is essential for the bake to hold its shape properly when cut and offered to baby.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ricotta cheese → cottage cheese blended smooth for a similar creamy texture
- frozen peas → finely chopped steamed broccoli or corn kernels
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cutting the bake before it has fully cooled which causes pieces to fall apart and become difficult for baby to pick up
- Using pasta that is not soft enough which creates firm chewy pieces that are difficult and unsafe for babies to manage
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 175 calories, 9g protein, 22g carbs, 5g fat, 2g fiber.
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