13 Easy Dinners for Toddlers
on Jun 24, 2025
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Getting dinner on the table with a toddler in the mix can feel like a juggling act—especially when you want something quick, healthy, and actually toddler-approved. That’s why I put together this list of 13 easy dinners for toddlers that are simple to make, packed with nutrients, and full of flavors little ones tend to love.
From veggie-packed pasta and pizza pinwheels to kid-friendly twists on family favorites, these meals are designed with busy parents and picky toddlers in mind. Whether you need a last-minute weeknight idea or want to prep ahead for smoother evenings, these quick toddler dinner recipes make it easier to feed your family without the stress.
Jump to a Dinner Recipe
Why These Easy Dinner Recipes are Great for Toddlers
Feeding toddlers can be a challenge, but these recipes make it easier (and more enjoyable!) for everyone at the table. Each meal is thoughtfully designed to be:
1. Easy to Chew and Digest:
With soft textures and simple ingredients, these dinners are gentle on toddler tummies and perfect for developing eaters.
2. Familiar Flavors with a Healthy Twist:
From creamy pastas to cheesy bites, these meals use well-loved flavors while still sneaking in extra veggies, protein, and fiber.
3. Perfectly Portioned:
Many of the recipes are naturally portioned into toddler-friendly bites, making self-feeding easier and less messy.
4. Freezer-Friendly or Make-Ahead:
Busy nights happen. Several of these dishes can be made ahead or frozen, so dinner is ready when you need it most.
5. Family-Friendly:
These aren’t just for toddlers! Every meal is designed to be something the whole family will enjoy—just serve a toddler portion and you’re good to go.
Feta Orzo Bake – Creamy, Veggie-Packed Toddler Dinner
This baked orzo dish combines tender pasta, tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese with soft, cooked vegetables like spinach or zucchini — and as a bonus, it’s a warm, comforting dinner that’s mild in flavor and easy for toddlers to chew and enjoy.
Try this Feta Orzo Bake – creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor toddlers love.
Oven Baked Spaghetti – Easy Weeknight Pasta for Kids
This one-pan baked spaghetti skips the stovetop entirely—just add dry noodles, marinara sauce, cheese, and chicken broth to a dish and then let the oven do the work. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up flavor and staying super soft, perfect for toddlers learning to self-feed. This is one of the most popular easy dinners for toddlers.
Don’t miss this Oven Baked Spaghetti – an easy twist on a classic that’s perfect for busy nights.
Pizza Pinwheels – Fun, Handheld Dinner for Toddlers
These savory spirals are made by rolling up crescent dough with marinara sauce, shredded cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, then slicing and baking. They come out golden and gooey, perfect for toddler hands to grab and dip. Serve with a side of marinara sauce, sliced fruit, or veggies for an easy dinner.
These Pizza Pinwheels are a fun, hands-on dinner that even picky eaters will devour.
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo – Creamy, No-Fuss Pasta
Tender shredded chicken, pasta, and a lighter Alfredo-style sauce all cook together in the slow cooker, making this an easy, hands-off dinner. The creamy texture and mild flavor are toddler favorites, and it’s great for busy days when you need something filling but effortless.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo is creamy, comforting, and great for make-ahead family meals.
Deep Dish Mini Pizzas – Homemade Pizza, Toddler Style
These mini pizzas are baked in muffin tins using canned dough, marinara sauce, cheese, and toppings. They puff up like mini deep dish pies and are just the right size for toddlers. It’s a fun, hands-on meal idea that’s also easy to customize for the whole family.
Make dinner fun with Deep Dish Mini Pizzas – easy to prep and toddler-approved.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta – Family Pasta Made Easy
Inspired by the viral pasta dish, this creamy slow cooker chicken pasta is made with Italian dressing, cream cheese, Parmesan, and shredded chicken. It’s rich, flavorful, and a huge hit with toddlers and parents. Once it’s warm, you can then serve with veggies for a full meal.
Recreate a family favorite with this Olive Garden Chicken Pasta – one of my favorite easy dinners for toddlers!
Broccoli Mac n Cheese Bites – Cheesy, Veggie-Filled Bites
These baked mac and cheese bites are made with a simple cheesy pasta base and finely chopped broccoli, then portioned into muffin cups. The result is soft, handheld bites with hidden veggies—great for toddlers who love finger foods and parents looking for a veggie boost.
Serve up these Broccoli Mac n Cheese Bites – cheesy, veggie-packed, and easy to grab and go.
Creamy Carrot Pasta – Kid-Friendly Veggie Pasta Sauce
This pasta dish features a blended carrot sauce that’s naturally sweet and creamy, making it a hit with toddlers who usually turn down visible veggies. Plus it’s quick to cook, full of nutrients, and easy to pair with your child’s favorite noodles.
This Creamy Carrot Pasta is smooth, colorful, and a delicious way to add veggies to your toddler’s plate.
Veggie Orzo – Soft, Simple Pasta with Hidden Veggies
This easy orzo dish is cooked in broth with finely chopped vegetables like carrots and broccoli for added flavor and nutrition. It’s soft, easy to scoop, and ideal for toddlers still learning to enjoy new textures. Add cheese or serve plain—both versions are delicious. This is one of my favorite easy dinners for toddlers.
Check out this Veggie Orzo – soft, colorful, and full of hidden vegetables toddlers won’t even notice.
Roasted Hidden Veggie Pasta – Blended Sauce Packed with Veggies
Despite being filled with veggies, this hidden veggie pasta is toddler-approved and gets its vibrant, flavorful sauce from roasted veggies like carrots, tomatoes, and zucchini, all blended smooth for picky eaters. It tastes like classic marinara but is packed with extra nutrients, making it a great go-to for toddlers who avoid veggies on their plate.
Get more veggies in with Roasted Hidden Veggie Pasta – a blend of flavor and nutrition in every bite.
One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Orzo – Quick and Creamy Family Dinner
Creamy, cheesy, and made all in one pan, this dish combines soft orzo with finely chopped broccoli for a nutrient-rich, toddler-friendly meal. It’s smooth and easy, with just enough cheese to make it a hit, especially with little ones.
This One-Pan Cheesy Broccoli Orzo is an easy dinner win – less cleanup and lots of kid-friendly flavor.
Sheet Pan Fajitas – Customizable, Family-Friendly Dinner
These fajitas are made by roasting sliced chicken and bell peppers on a sheet pan for a flavorful, hands-off dinner. Then serve toddler portions deconstructed with tortillas, avocado, or rice—they’ll love dipping and picking what they want to try.
Try these Sheet Pan Fajitas – quick to make, easy to customize, and great for family-style dinners.
Spinach Pesto – Toddler-Approved Greens in Every Bite
Before you buy store bought pesto, try this spinach pesto! It’s a flavorful, vitamin-packed twist on the classic, made by blending spinach, garlic, lemon, cheese, and olive oil into a smooth sauce. Stir it into pasta, spread it on toast, or serve with cooked veggies—it’s one of my favorite easy dinners for toddlers.
This Spinach Pesto is bright, flavorful, and a fun way to sneak greens into pasta night.
Let’s Stay Connected!
Whether you’re planning meals in advance or just trying to get something on the table before a toddler meltdown, these easy dinner ideas are here to help—delicious, doable, and made with little eaters in mind.
If your toddlers love any of my kids’ favorite dinner recipes I would love to hear about it! Tag me @reallittlemeals so I can hear about all of your delicious creations!
If you’re in need of some easy snack ideas for your toddlers, check out this page! Or these pages for my kids’ favorite breakfasts or lunches!
