Chicken, Red Lentil & Tomato Pasta

Lentils and legumes are a nutritious addition to many meat and vegetarian sauces. They’re economical and bulk up family meals providing additional protein, quality carbohydrates ensuring little tummies are satisfied. Stir through extra grated or puree veggies for fussy eaters.

There’s no secret to cooking family food. You simply choose a meal you love, and during the cooking process remove elements suitable for your baby and gently mash. For your toddler, prepare the meal or deconstruct part of the meal into easy-to-manage finger foods.

Read more about 1 Meal 3 Ways

Nutrition Note: Serve alongside steamed vegetables or stir through grated or pureed ‘hidden’ veggies to this yummy pasta sauce for an added nutrient and fibre boost.

You will find the 1 Meal 3 Ways articles and heaps of new 1 Meal 3 Ways recipes in our Magazines. To find out more or to purchase online see the links below: 

• Launch magazine 
• Back to School Magazine 
• Winter Warmers Magazine
• Spring 2014 – on sale August 7

Note: The following recipe may not be suitable for babies and toddlers of all ages. There is a lot of conflicting information regarding the best time to introduce various foods to babies; it is always best to speak to your health professional first.

Baby

Toddler

Adult

Ingredients

• 300g dried pasta (e.g. spaghetti, spiral pasta, macaroni)
• 1 small brown onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp olive, sunflower or rice bran oil
• 300g chicken mince
• ½ cup red lentils
• 1 x 400g tin no added salt crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup reduced salt chicken stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp shredded basil leaves
• ½ cup grated cheese (for muffins, toddler serving only)
• + extra to sprinkle on top (adult serving)
• 1 egg (toddler serving only)

Method

Step 1

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until the onion is soft. Add the chicken and cook, stirring until browned. Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock and tomato paste and stir to combine. -

Step 2

Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Stir through the basil. -

Step 3

Meanwhile cook the pasta according to packet instructions then drain. -

Step 4

Baby: Puree ¼ cup chicken and lentil sauce together with the desired amount of pasta until you have the desired consistency. -

Step 5

Toddler (contains egg): Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a muffin tin. In a small bowl ½ cup chicken and lentil sauce, ½ cup pasta, the egg and mix to combine. Spoon the mixture into the muffin tins filling each to the top. Place in the oven for around 20-25 minutes. The egg will set and the muffins will hold their shape when removed. -

Step 6

Adult: Combine the chicken and lentil sauce with the pasta and serve sprinkled grated cheese. -