Introduction

Parents are always looking for healthy, tasty and appealing recipes for their little ones. Chicken Spaghetti Meatballs with Tomato Sauce is a great choice because it combines protein and carbs in a dish that is often a kid favorite. This article will provide you with a complete guide to prepare this delicious and nutritious food, taking into account all the essential stages of your baby's development.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The first step in creating a delicious meal for the little ones is selecting the right ingredients. Chicken meat must be of good quality, preferably skinless chicken breast, to limit the amount of fat. When it comes to spaghetti, you can choose a whole-wheat version for extra fiber. And for the tomato sauce, it is ideal to use fresh tomatoes or a canned version without additives and added sugar.

Preparation of Chicken Meatballs

• Ingredients:

• 500 g minced chicken breast

• 1 egg
• 2-3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• Salt, pepper and other spices to taste

• Oil for frying

• Instructions:

Mix the minced chicken with the egg, breadcrumbs and spices. Make meatballs of the desired size and fry in hot oil until golden and well done on the inside. Make sure the oil temperature is not too high to avoid burning the outside before the inside is ready.

Spaghetti preparation

• Ingredients:

• 400 g spaghetti (whole)

• Salt water for boiling

• Instructions:

Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. Ideally, they should be "al dente" - that is, cooked but firm to the bite, thus maintaining their nutritional value.

Tomato sauce

• Ingredients:

• 800 g fresh or canned tomatoes

• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 small onion
• Salt, pepper and herbs to taste

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• Instructions:

Sauté the garlic and onion in olive oil, add the tomatoes and spices, then simmer until thickened. For extra nutrients and to make the sauce creamier, you can also add a finely grated carrot to the tomato sauce.

Assembling the Meal

After all the components are ready, place the spaghetti on a plate, add the chicken meatballs and generously pour the tomato sauce over it. For added color and nutritional value, you can also add a few leaves of fresh basil at the end.

Improving Nutritional Intake

This is a good time to enrich food with vitamins and minerals. Add vegetables to the tomato sauce, such as spinach, zucchini or peppers, to add color and texture to the dish, but also to hide the healthy ingredients in a dish loved by the little ones.

Promoting Autonomy

Discouraging the habit of feeding your baby is as important as the menu you prepare. Encourage the little ones to use their fork and eat themselves, even if it means that sometimes the table will be a little messier. It is a key step in developing their motor skills and promoting a healthy relationship with food.

Conclusion

Chicken Spaghetti Meatballs with Tomato Sauce is not only a favorite food for children, but also a great way to incorporate essential nutrients into their diet. The preparation of this dish is simple and the benefits are multiple: from developing motor skills to promoting health through fresh and nutritious ingredients. Encourage your child to participate in meal preparation to increase their interest in food and teach them the importance of a balanced diet. With this complete guide, you are now ready to give your little ones a tasty and healthy meal anytime.