Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spice up your fall dinners or impress your friends at your next Halloween party, then you’re going to absolutely love this Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe. It’s cozy, creamy, and has that little quirky twist with the black pasta bats that kids and adults both go crazy for. I remember the first time I made this, my family couldn’t stop talking about how comforting and visually fun it was — a total winner in both flavor and presentation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe, you’ll want fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The sweetness of the butternut squash pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of the cream cheese, while the black pasta bats bring a surprising splash of fun.

• Extra virgin olive oil: This adds a subtle fruitiness and helps bring out the flavors of the sautéed veggies.
• Onion: A mellow sweetness comes through once it’s cooked down just right.
• Garlic: Adds that necessary punch of warmth and depth to round out the soup’s flavor.
• Butternut squash: The star ingredient — smooth, sweet, and hearty. Look for firm, unblemished squash for the best results.
• Chicken broth: Provides a savory base that balances the natural sweetness of the squash nicely.
• Cream cheese: Creamy and tangy, it creates a luscious texture that makes this soup special.
• Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate every bite.
• Bowtie pasta: This shape works great for decorating into little bats.
• Black food coloring: A spooky touch that turns your pasta into adorable black bats.
• Water: For rinsing and mixing the pasta color.

Variations

I love how versatile this Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe is. You can make it your own with just a few tweaks — whether you’re looking to make it vegan, spice it up, or add a little extra texture.

• Vegan Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative; I tried this once and it still tasted creamy and rich!
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika when sautéing the garlic for a warm, smoky kick that wakes up your palate.
• Nutty Texture: Toasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top add a lovely crunch and contrast nicely with the creamy soup.
• Extra Herbs: Fresh sage or thyme stirred in at the end make it feel extra special and autumnal.

How to Make Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. I love the smell that fills the kitchen at this point—it means flavor is building! Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns tender and transparent, about 5 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it. This gentle base gives your soup that irresistible depth you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Simmer the Butternut Squash Until Soft

Next, add the cubed butternut squash and pour in the chicken broth. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for around 25 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender. I usually check a little early so I can avoid overcooking—it’s all about that perfect softness to puree easily.

Step 3: Puree and Enrich Your Soup

Once the squash is soft, take the pot off the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring the soup in batches to your blender or food processor. This step is key to getting a silky smooth texture without any chunks. Return the puree to the pot, then stir in the cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Heat gently until everything melts and combines—you’ll notice how creamy and comforting it gets!

Step 4: Create Your Black Pasta Bats

While the soup simmers, boil your bowtie pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it off. Then toss your pasta into a large ziplock bag with half a cup of water and black food coloring. Give it a good swish until every piece is coated in spooky black. After letting it sit for five minutes, rinse in a strainer until the water runs clear. If you want to get extra fun, use some leftover cream cheese and peppercorns to make cute little eyes on your pasta bats!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your creamy butternut squash soup into bowls and top with your quirky black pasta bats. It’s such a fun way to enjoy this cozy soup, and every serving feels like a little celebration on your plate.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this soup, I love adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for sheen, and a few fresh sage leaves for aroma. The pops of green and texture elevate the bowls beautifully and bring nuances that complement the creamy soup perfectly.

Side Dishes

A slice of crusty sourdough bread or even a flaky herb biscuit is my go-to pairing. Their hearty texture soaks up the soup and rounds out the meal. I also sometimes serve a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a fresh, peppery contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween gatherings, I love serving the soup in black mugs or mini cauldrons with a side of garlic breadsticks shaped like witches’ fingers. The pasta bats look even more fun when paired with a smoky cinnamon stick “stirrer” for the soup. It’s all about creating a festive experience that people remember!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing the container to keep the texture smooth and fresh. The soup reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the second day.

Freezing

Freezing this Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe works well—just leave the pasta buns out since their texture doesn’t freeze well. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat the soup is on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Microwave works too—just be sure to stop and stir every 30 seconds to keep that creamy texture intact. As for the pasta bats, I recommend freshening them up or making new ones to maintain the fun effect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Butternut Squash Soup with Black Pasta Bats Recipe brings together comfort and whimsy all in one bowl. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug and an adorable surprise at the same time. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, I think you’ll find it both simple and special. Give it a go—I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!

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