Toddler Yottage

Treat your little ones to "Toddler Yottage," a comforting, kid-friendly baked pasta dish brimming with creamy textures and hidden veggies. Perfect for busy parents looking to sneak in nutritious ingredients, this recipe combines tender small pasta with a velvety cheese sauce featuring cottage cheese, cheddar, and parmesan. Grated zucchini and carrots add a boost of vitamins without overwhelming picky palates, while a golden, bubbly finish from the oven makes it irresistibly appealing. Ready in under an hour, this wholesome dish is wonderfully versatile—serve it warm for a cozy dinner or at room temperature for easy toddler-friendly handling. Whether you’re prepping a quick family meal or need leftovers for the week, "Toddler Yottage" is a delightful, nutrient-packed option for young eaters!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1.5 cups small pasta (like elbows or orzo)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup zucchini (grated)
• 0.5 cup carrot (grated)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 0.13 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the small pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4

Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Fold the grated zucchini and carrot into the cheese sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta until well combined.

Step 7

Gently fold in the cottage cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with an additional sprinkle of cheese if desired.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Allow to cool slightly before serving. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it easy to handle for toddlers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1303.4 grams (1303.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2294

Total Fat 71.20g	91%
Saturated Fat 40.30g	201%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.60g
Cholesterol 208mg	69%
Sodium 2002mg	87%
Total Carbohydrate 317.20g	115%
Dietary Fiber 15.90g	57%
Total Sugars 53.40g
Protein 97.90g	196%

Vitamin D 171IU	853%
Calcium 1324mg	102%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 2159mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.8%

Protein: 17.0%

Carbs: 55.1%