Easy Pesto Pasta Recipes Kids Will Actually Love

Getting kids excited about dinner doesn't have to be a battle. Pesto pasta checks every box — it's quick to make, packed with nutrients, and has a bright, herby flavor that even picky eaters tend to enjoy. Whether you're sneaking in some greens or keeping things classic, these two recipes make weeknight cooking a whole lot easier. Both are simple enough to pull together in under 30 minutes, and they use ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Green Pasta Sauce for Baby — Avocado Pesto

This avocado pesto sauce is a fantastic first pasta dish for babies and toddlers. The avocado creates a naturally creamy texture without any dairy, while fresh basil brings in thatesto flavor. It's gentle on little stomachs, easy to mash to your preferred consistency, and loaded with healthy fats that support growing brains. You can thin it out with a splash of pasta water to it just right for younger eaters.

• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (optional, omit for babies under 12 months)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
espoons grated parmesan (optional)
• Salt taste (om babies under 12 months)8 oz small pasta such as penne or fusilli, cooked
3 tablespoons reserved pasta water

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out about quarter cup of pasta water and set it aside.
2. While pasta cooks, add avocado, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic (if using) to a blender or food processor.
3. Blend until smooth, adding pasta water one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Skip salt entirely for babies under one year.
4. Drain pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the avocado pesto over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve warm. For younger babies, cut into smaller pieces or mash lightly before serving.

Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe the Whole Family Will Enjoy

This classic pesto pasta is the kind of recipe that becomes a regular your weekly rotation. It uses simple homemade basil pesto that takes just minutes to blend, then gets tossed with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal. Kids love the rich, nutty flavor, you can customize it easily — add grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, or a handful of spinach depending on what family likes's also naturally gluten-free if you swap preferred pasta.

• 12 oz pasta of choice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Reserved pasta water as needed

1. While the pasta cooks, toast pine walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
2. Add basil, toasted nuts, garlic, and parmesan to a food processor. Pulse few times to break everything down.
3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until pesto comes together into a smooth paste. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
4. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and return it to the pot over low heat.
5. Spoon the pesto over the pasta and toss to combine adding pasta water a at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to every piece.
6. Plate serve immediately topped with extra parmesan and few fresh basil leaves if desired.