Creamy Carrot Pasta
on Aug 11, 2023, Updated Jun 05, 2025
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Creamy Carrot Pasta is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for toddlers and young kids. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, including carrots, pasta, and a little butter or cream cheese, and comes together in under 20 minutes. The smooth, veggie-packed sauce has a mild flavor that’s great for picky eaters, and it’s an easy way to get in some extra vegetables without a fight. Whether you need a fast lunch, dinner, or a make-ahead option for busy days, this carrot pasta is a go-to recipe that kids actually enjoy.
Why Creamy Carrot Pasta Is Great
1. Nutritional Boost: We all want to nourish our families with meals that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Creamy Carrot Pasta delivers a dose of vitamin-rich carrots that your kids will happily devour, making it a wonderful way to sneak in some extra veggies.
2. Creamy Comfort: Cream cheese works its magic in this dish, transforming it into a velvety, creamy delight. The creaminess adds a comforting touch that both kids and adults adore, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch.
3. Kid-Friendly and Mom-Approved: Finding a lunch option that pleases everyone can be a challenge. Creamy Carrot Pasta is a fantastic solution that bridges the gap between kid-friendly and mom-approved. The sweet carrot flavor and creamy texture make it a winner for even the pickiest eaters.
4. Quick and Convenient: When you’re a mom, time is of the essence. This recipe’s simplicity shines through in its preparation. A quick steam in the microwave, a blend with cream cheese, and a pot of pasta – that’s all it takes to create a lunch that’s ready in no time.
5. Customizable Creativity: Creamy Carrot Pasta is like a blank canvas waiting for your creative touch. You can play with the flavors by adding herbs, grated cheese, or even a touch of nutmeg. It’s a dish that encourages experimentation in the kitchen.
What You Will Need
- 1/2 cup steamed carrots
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup small shell pasta
How to Make Creamy Carrot Pasta
Step 1: Steam and Blend Start by steaming half a cup of carrots. You can use a microwave to speed up the process. Once they’re tender, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add in 2 ounces of cream cheese and a dash of garlic powder (about 1/8 teaspoon). Add in some pasta water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta In a separate pot, cook 1 cup of small shell noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them to your preferred level of tenderness. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 3: Combine and Enjoy Pour the creamy carrot mixture over the cooked pasta and gently toss to coat the noodles. The vibrant orange color will make the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve it up to your hungry little ones, and savor the delightful smiles as they dig into this creamy creation.
Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: For a different flavor or dietary needs, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a milder taste. If you’re aiming for a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese alternatives.
- Garlic Powder: Feel free to replace garlic powder with a small clove of fresh garlic for more flavor. Alternatively, roasted garlic can add a sweeter, more mellow taste to the sauce.
- Pasta: While small shell noodles are recommended for their sauce-holding ability, any pasta shape will work. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
Storing Extra Carrot Pasta Sauce
You can store this in the fridge for about 3 days, and the freezer for up to 3 months! Tip: Freeze in a muffin tin, and then transfer the cups to a ziplock bag. Then you will have personal sized portions already made! Just reheat in the microwave.
Common Questions
Can I make this creamy veggie pasta dairy-free?
- Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Is this carrot pasta ok for babies under 1 year old?
- Yes, with modifications. For infants under one year, it’s use a low-sodium cream cheese or mascarpone. Make sure the pasta is cooked until very soft, and consider taking out the garlic if introducing it for the first time.
More Easy Lunches for Toddlers
3-Ingredient Chicken Nuggets – Easy homemade chicken nuggets made with just ground chicken, egg, and shredded cheese. Baked or air-fried for a tender, crispy toddler lunch that’s simple, protein-rich, and freezer-friendly.
Peanut Butter Strawberry Roll-ups – A fun and fast lunch idea made by rolling peanut butter and sliced strawberries in a soft tortilla. These sweet and satisfying pinwheels are perfect for toddlers, lunchboxes, or a quick snack on the go.
Pizza Waffles – All the flavor of pizza in a fun waffle shape! These cheesy, saucy waffle pockets are made with pizza dough and your favorite toppings—great for toddler lunches, snacks, or dinner.
Cheesy Rice – A creamy, kid-friendly dish made with cooked rice and melty cheese. This quick toddler lunch is warm, satisfying, and easy to customize with added veggies or protein.
Deep Dish Mini Pizzas – Baked in a muffin tin, these mini pizzas are the perfect size for little hands. Made with pizza dough, sauce, and cheese, they’re easy to customize with your toddler’s favorite toppings.
If your toddler loves this creamy carrot pasta I would love to hear about it! Tag me @reallittlemeals so I can hear about all of your delicious creations!
Creamy Carrot Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 cup small shell pasta, or any other noodle
- 1/2 cup carrots, steamed
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- splash of pasta water
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package.
- Steam carrots. I the carrots that you steam in the microwave.
- In a food processor or blender, blend together steamed carrots, cream cheese, garlic powder, and pasta water.
- Combine cooked pasta and creamy carrot sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My daughter loved this meal so much! Thanks for the easy recipe 🙂
Yay I am so happy to hear this!
I absolutely love this recipe and so did my little Dominick! 🙂
Only thing i did differently was I cooked my carrots in homemade chicken stock and then followed the rest of the recipe. Thank you so much!!!!!
I’m so glad it was a hit!
My 1 year old loves this pasta and eats so much of it every time I make it! I use a jar of puréed carrot baby food and it worked perfectly too. It is so easy and yummy! Thanks for the great meal idea! 🙂