Name: Butternut Squash Soup with Pasta Bats
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups butternut squash, cubed; 3 cups chicken broth; 4 oz cream cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1 cup bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1/2 cup water; Black food coloring; Leftover cream cheese (for eyes); Peppercorns or pasta bits (for pupils)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple but still makes a statement. The soup is velvety smooth thanks to the cream cheese, and the pasta bats are a creative and fun topping that add both texture and festive flair. It’s also a great way to serve something warming and seasonal at Halloween parties or themed dinners without getting too sweet or sugary.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the soup:
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups butternut squash, cubed
3 cups chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

For the pasta bats:
1 cup bowtie pasta
1/2 cup water
Black food coloring
Leftover cream cheese (for eyes)
Peppercorns or small pasta bits (for pupils)

Directions

Make the Soup:

I heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, I add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes tender and transparent.
I stir in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant.
I add the cubed butternut squash and chicken broth, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the squash is soft.
Once the squash is tender, I let the soup cool slightly, then blend it in a blender or food processor until smooth.
I return the soup to the pot over low heat, stir in the cream cheese, salt, and pepper, and cook until everything is fully combined and creamy.

Make the Pasta Bats:

I cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions.
After draining, I rinse the pasta under cold water and transfer it to a large ziplock bag.
I add the black food coloring along with 1/2 cup of water and shake the bag gently until the pasta is fully coated.
I let it sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse the pasta under cold water until it runs clear.
To create bat eyes, I use small dabs of leftover cream cheese and add peppercorns or little bits of pasta for pupils.

Serve:

I ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a few of the pasta bats, arranging them so they look like they’re flying across the surface. It’s a fun and festive finishing touch that always gets compliments.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

When I want a richer version, I swap the cream cheese for heavy cream or coconut cream. For a vegetarian option, I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. And sometimes I mix up the pasta shapes—using mini bowties or butterfly pasta for different “bat” sizes. I’ve even stirred in a little cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth during late fall.

Storage/Reheating

I store the soup separately from the pasta bats. The soup goes into an airtight container and keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats easily in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. The pasta bats can be stored in a separate container and added right before serving. I avoid reheating the dyed pasta, as it can lose color and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, I often use pre-cubed frozen butternut squash to save time. It works just as well and doesn’t need to be thawed before cooking.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

I sometimes use heavy cream, sour cream, or even plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy variation. Coconut milk also works for a dairy-free version.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. I like to make it a day in advance—the flavors actually deepen overnight. I just store it in the fridge and reheat it before serving.

Will the food coloring stain my cookware?

Not permanently. I usually dye the pasta in a ziplock bag to avoid direct contact with bowls or utensils. A good rinse and scrub should remove any residue.

How do I get the pasta to look like bats?

Bowtie pasta naturally resembles little wings. When dyed black and decorated with tiny eyes, they transform into fun, spooky bat shapes that sit perfectly on top of the soup.

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Soup with Pasta Bats is the perfect mix of comforting and creative. I love serving it during the Halloween season because it’s both festive and hearty. The creamy base paired with playful toppings turns a simple soup into a showstopper—without needing a lot of extra effort. It’s a go-to dish I come back to every October.

Butternut Squash Soup with Pasta Bats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients