A recipe in collaboration with Pots for Tots and Northern Pasta Co.
Pasta is always a family favourite, but this nourishing version is packed with extra plant power! With a creamy, cheesy hidden butternut squash sauce, and butter beans you won’t even notice are in there, this dish is a great way to sneak in fibre, protein, and veggies - without compromising on that gooey, comforting pasta bake goodness.
It’s hearty enough for adults, yet soft and smooth enough for little eaters. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for babies from 6 months and up!
We’re not just using any old pasta for this recipe, no, we’ve teamed up with Northern Pasta Co for this delicious dish - their award-winning spelt pasta is made with the very best grains grown by British farmers, bronze-cut for the perfect texture and crafted in small batches.
Before we move onto the recipe, we’ve got to shout out about our two hero ingredients, butter beans and butternut squash!
“Butter beans might seem a humble ingredient but they’re packed with fibre (perfect for a happy gut microbiome), and also a source of iron, magnesium, protein and steady release carbohydrates. Butternut squash is a Vitamin A powerhouse - ideal for healthy eyes, skin and immune function. Plus, it has plenty of extras like fibre, and antioxidants!” - Lucy Upton, our Children’s Dietitian
Now it’s time for the recipe…
Serves: 2 adults + 2 - 3 children
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 - 25 minutes
Suitable from: 6+ months (texture can be adapted)
Here are the ingredients you need…
For the cheese sauce:
- 50g butter (or dairy-free spread)
- 4 tbsp of plain flour
- 300ml of milk of your choice
- 100g of mature cheddar cheese, grated
For the pasta bake:
- 450g pasta of your choice (we’re using Radiatori from Northern Pasta Co.)
- 400g butternut squash, diced into cubes (you can use frozen!)
- 1x tin butter beans, drained and blended
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic granules
Toppings:
- Extra grated cheese
- A sprinkle of blended or milled seeds (for crunch and nutrition)
- Optional: fresh or dried herbs (parsley, oregano, thyme)
Here’s how to make our easy cheesy Butternut Squash & Butter Bean Pasta Bake…
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C
2. Toss the butternut squash cubes with the oil, paprika and garlic granules, then roast in the oven for 25 mins, or until golden and soft.
While the butternut squash is roasting…
3. Cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
Now let’s make the cheese sauce!
4. Start by melting your butter in the saucepan, then stir in the flour to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
6. Stir through the grated cheese
Almost there…
7. Once the butternut squash has cooled slightly, blend with a tin of drained butter beans and 3tbsp of milk (add a little more milk if you need!)…
Now it’s time to assemble the bake!
8. Combine the cooked pasta, squash, and cheese sauce, then transfer to an ovenproof dish..
9. Top and bake: Sprinkle over extra cheese, herbs, and milled seeds. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
10. Serve and enjoy - perfect with a side of greens or salad.
If you’re more of a visual learner, you can watch our recipe video HERE.
Thank you to the Northern Pasta Co. team for providing us with the most delicious, award-winning British spelt pasta for this recipe!
Tried the recipe? We’d love to see! Tag us on Instagram @pots_for_tots and @northernpastaco with your pasta bakes - or let us know if you made any twists of your own!
