Smiley Noodle Nests with Broccoli and Cheese
Little baked nests made with short noodles, tender broccoli, and mild cheese, with a soft center and lightly golden edges. They are fun to eat, easy to hold, and designed for kids with a gentle flavor and tender texture.
Ingredients
- 120 g small short pasta (tipo codito small or ditalini)
- 120 g broccoli (chopped muy fino)
- 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese (of sabor suave)
- 1 unit egg (beaten)
- 60 ml milk (whole or semidesnatada)
- 30 g breadcrumbs (for dar estructura)
- 40 g carrot (grated fina)
- 10 ml olive oil (more a poco for engrasar the molde)
- 1 g garlic powder (optional and suave)
- 2 g salt (ajustar to taste)
- 0.5 g black pepper (optional, muy poca)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 190 °C / 375 °F and lightly grease a 6-cup muffin pan with a little olive oil.
- 2
Cook the pasta in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 1 minute less than the package directions so it stays al dente. Drain well and let it cool slightly.
- 3
Meanwhile, cook the finely chopped broccoli by steaming or boiling for 2 to 3 minutes, until tender but still green. Drain very well to remove excess moisture.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, grated carrot, shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 5
Divide the mixture among the 6 muffin cups, pressing gently with a spoon to create compact little nests.
- 6
Bake for 16 to 18 minutes at 190 °C / 375 °F, until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set.
- 7
Let the nests rest for 5 minutes in the pan so they hold their shape. Then run a thin knife around the edges and unmold carefully.
- 8
Serve warm so the cheese stays soft and the texture is tender and easy to eat.
Chef tips
For a softer texture for younger children, chop the broccoli very finely and cook it 1 extra minute before mixing. You can also cut the cooked pasta slightly for more compact nests.
Substitutions
You can swap the mozzarella for mild Monterey Jack or a mild semi-hard shredded cheese. The carrot can be replaced with well-drained zucchini. For a richer meat-free version, add 1 tablespoon of Parmesan, keeping in mind it will make the flavor stronger.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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