Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both fun and delicious for the whole family, look no further—this Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s cozy and creamy, with a touch of whimsy thanks to those striking black pasta bats floating on top. I love this because it feels like autumn comfort food with a playful twist, and I’m excited to share how easy it is to make it come together in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all play their part perfectly—creamy, hearty, and just a little bit spooky when you toss in those black pasta bats. Grab fresh butternut squash for the best flavor, and don’t skip the cream cheese; it adds that dreamy texture I adore.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps sauté veggies and brings a mild fruity flavor to the soup base.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and depth when caramelized gently.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic touch—don’t overcook it or it’ll turn bitter.
• Butternut squash: The star of the show—make sure it’s ripe and tender to get that natural sweetness.
• Chicken broth: Creates a savory base; vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian version.
• Cream cheese: This is my secret weapon to make the soup extra creamy without heaviness.
• Salt and pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.
• Bowtie pasta: The canvas for the pasta bats, choose a good quality brand for best texture.
• Water (for pasta dyeing): Keeps the pasta moist while it absorbs the color.
• Black food coloring: For those dramatic pasta bats—just a few drops go a long way.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe is. Over time, I’ve added little twists that make it fit different moods and dietary needs perfectly. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find that this foundation welcomes a lot of fun add-ins.

• Dairy-Free Version: I swapped cream cheese with full-fat coconut milk once and it was surprisingly rich and silky.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat—my husband loves this version!
• Vegetarian Swap: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it plant-based without losing depth.
• Different Pasta Shapes: While bowtie pasta works well, I once tried small pumpkin-shaped pasta for a festive Halloween dinner, and it was a hit.

How to Make Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base

Start by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and slightly translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds that foundational flavor, so be patient and don’t rush the onions. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute until fragrant—too long and it can get bitter, which you definitely want to avoid.

Step 2: Simmer Your Butternut Squash

Add the cubed butternut squash and chicken broth to the pot. Bring it to a simmer, then cover and let it cook gently for about 25 minutes until the squash is soft enough to pierce easily with a fork. I’ve learned it’s key to keep the heat moderate so the squash cooks evenly without breaking apart prematurely.

Step 3: Purée and Season

Once the squash is tender, take the pot off the heat and let it cool slightly—you don’t want hot soup splashing in your blender. Then, carefully purée the soup in batches until super smooth. Return the puréed soup to the pot, place back on low heat, and stir in the cream cheese, salt, and pepper. I love how the cream cheese adds this velvety texture without being too heavy.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta Bats

Cook your bowtie pasta according to package instructions—al dente is just right for this. Once drained, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them. Then, add the pasta to a large ziplock bag with about half a cup of water and a few drops of black food coloring. Seal the bag and gently toss the pasta around until it’s evenly coated with that spooky color. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then strain and rinse until the water runs clear.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

Pour the warm butternut squash soup into bowls and top with the black pasta bats. For added fun, I like to create little eyes on the pasta bats using leftover cream cheese dotted with peppercorns or tiny pieces of pasta. It’s a simple touch that turns this soup into a real showstopper, especially if you have kids around.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe

Garnishes

I usually add a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil on top for brightness and a touch of color contrast. Sometimes, I’ll crumble some crispy bacon or toasted pumpkin seeds over the soup for a crunchy element, which my family can’t get enough of.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread—think a warm sourdough or garlic baguette. For a fuller meal, I like serving it alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, balancing the soup’s creaminess with fresh acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween or any fun occasion, I once served the soup in mini pumpkin bowls, adding the pasta bats on top just before serving—it was a showstopper! You can also arrange the pasta bats on a platter as a spooky appetizer alongside the soup. Presentation really amps up the experience and makes mealtime a little more magical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight, so I love making it a day ahead if I have the time. I keep the pasta bats separate to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Butternut squash soup freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. I don’t recommend freezing the dyed pasta bats since their texture changes—it’s best to prepare those fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up. Add the pasta bats just before serving to keep their texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—not just because it’s delicious and comforting, but because it brings a little joy and whimsy to our table. I highly recommend you give it a try, especially if you’re cooking for kids or anyone who appreciates a playful meal. It turns a simple soup into an experience, and the best part is how easy it is to make and customize. I can’t wait to hear how you bring your own spin to it!

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