If you've got a picky eater at home, you know the drill: mealtime can quickly turn into a battleground—especially when pasta is involved. Pasta itself is usually a safe bet, but when it comes to the sauce? Not so much. Whether it's the texture, the taste, or the color, convincing a picky eater to even try pasta sauce can feel like a huge uphill climb. But here’s the good news: it’s totally doable! With a few smart tricks and a healthy dose of patience, you can help your little one warm up to (and maybe even love) pasta sauce.
Start with Mild Sauces
For those who are new to pasta sauce or have had negative experiences with the flavor in the past, it’s best to start with something mild and simple. Avoid bold or spicy flavors like our Spicy Marinara or Spicy Vodka Pasta Sauces right away. Instead, offer our basic Marinara Pasta Sauce or our Parmigiano Reggianno Pasta Sauce. These are typically milder in taste and texture, making them more approachable.
Blend It Smooth
The texture of pasta sauce can be a dealbreaker for many picky eaters. Chunky sauces can be off-putting to someone who is sensitive to textures. To remedy this, blend the sauce until smooth. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the sauce to a blender for a silky, creamy consistency.
If your child or picky eater doesn’t mind the taste but is put off by chunks of tomato or vegetables, blending can make all the difference, providing the flavor without the texture they’re avoiding.
Let Them Customize
If you find that your picky eater enjoys the pasta itself but still refuses the sauce, it might be a good idea to give them some control. Allow them to add their own toppings or mix-ins. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a few fresh herbs like basil or oregano can all make the sauce more appealing.
Another fun idea is to offer a variety of sauce options. You could serve our Alfredo alongside our Marinara, so your picky eater can dip or drizzle according to their preferences. Giving them the choice to experiment can make mealtime more enjoyable and less stressful.
Pair the Sauce with Their Favorite Toppings
If plain pasta sauce doesn’t do the trick, try incorporating the sauce into a dish that already contains flavors they love. For example, you could try:
- Cheese: Make a cheesy pasta bake or add mozzarella on top to balance the sauce’s acidity and add a familiar, comforting flavor.
- Meatballs or Sausages: Adding savory meatballs or grilled chicken to pasta can take the focus off the sauce and make the meal feel more like something they enjoy.
- Pasta Shapes: Sometimes the shape of the pasta can make all the difference. Try fun pasta shapes like spirals, shells, or bow-ties. These shapes are fun to eat and can make the sauce feel more approachable.
Make It a Family Activity
Involving picky eaters in the cooking process can help them feel more invested in the meal. If they’re involved in making dinner, they may be more likely to try it and develop a connection to the dish. You can turn pasta night into a fun family tradition where everyone creates their own pasta combinations, giving your picky eater the freedom to choose what goes into their bowl.
Gradual Exposure
For some picky eaters, it’s all about gradual exposure. If they’re hesitant to try the pasta sauce at first, don’t force it. Instead, start by adding just a small spoonful of sauce on the side and let them try it at their own pace. Over time, they may get more comfortable with the flavor and texture.
You can also introduce pasta sauces in other forms, such as dipping sauces or as part of a pizza topping. The key is to be patient and persistent without putting pressure on them.
Be Creative with Color
The color of a pasta sauce can be a factor in whether a picky eater will try it. While red sauces are classic, a creamy white sauce might feel more approachable to a reluctant eater. You can also try a fun pesto pasta using our Creamy Basil Pesto for a vibrant alternative. The color may spark curiosity and make it more exciting to eat.