Creamy Butternut Squash Bowtie Pasta

If you’ve been craving a cozy, comforting dinner that feels indulgent without blowing the budget, this Creamy Butternut Squash Bowtie Pasta is exactly what you need. This recipe is one of those magical meals that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen — meanwhile, it actually comes together in under 20 minutes and uses mostly pantry staples.

Think of this dish as a hug in a bowl: deliciously creamy, slightly sweet from the butternut squash, perfectly spiced, and packed full of hidden veggies. The coconut milk makes the sauce silky and rich, while the spinach and frozen vegetables add colour, nutrients, and texture. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and nourishment.

As a busy mum (or anyone juggling work, kids, pets, and everything else life throws at you), having a quick dinner that’s cheap, filling, and nutritious is pretty much essential. What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is — you can use any pasta shape, any frozen veggies you have, and you can easily double the batch for lunches the next day. It’s also a brilliant way to use up leftover butternut squash or canned puree you might already have in the cupboard.

Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, hungry teens, or just want something simple for yourself at the end of a long day, this creamy pasta will become a regular in your weekly rotation. It’s vegan, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying — a true family favourite waiting to happen.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-creamy without any dairy
• Sneaky veggies thanks to the spinach + squash
• Kid-friendly flavours
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Quick 20-minute dinner
• Perfect for meal prep — reheats beautifully
• Easily adaptable (swap veggies, pasta shapes, or spice level)

Creamy Butternut Squash Bowtie Pasta

This Creamy Butternut Squash Bowtie Pasta is a quick, budget-friendly, veggie-packed comfort meal the whole family will love. With a silky coconut–butternut squash sauce, tender bowtie pasta, and plenty of hidden vegetables, it’s the perfect cosy weeknight dinner that comes together with simple pantry ingredients.

Servings 2

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

• 4 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 tsp chilli powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp curry powder
• 1 cup frozen mixed veggies
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup butternut squash puree
• Salt & pepper

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta

  Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water.
• Sauté the aromatics

  In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add spices and veggies

  Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and curry powder.Add the frozen veggies and sauté for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Add the creamy sauce base

  Pour in the coconut milk and add the butternut squash puree.Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Add the spinach

  Add baby spinach and cook until wilted.
• Combine with pasta

  Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the sauce and mix until everything is well coated.Adjust thickness with a splash of pasta water if needed.
• Season and serve

  Add salt and pepper to taste.Serve warm, topped with fresh herbs or nutritional yeast if desired.

Notes

🌟 Optional Add-Ons

Want to boost the protein or change up the flavours? Try adding:

• Crispy chickpeas
• Grilled chicken
• Tofu cubes
• Roasted broccoli
• A sprinkle of parmesan or vegan cheese
• Crushed red peppers

 

🥡 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Add a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating.
• Not ideal for freezing (due to coconut milk texture), but okay if you don’t mind a softer consistency.

Calories: 585kcal

Course: dinner, Main Course, meal prep