This creamy Boursin butternut squash pasta is one of my favorite easy dinners that checks all the boxes with fiber, protein, veggies, and even iron! Quick, nourishing, and a meal that my toddlers devour every time.
It’s inspired by the viral Boursin pasta (you’ve probably seen it), but I gave it a toddler-friendly twist with butternut squash, tomatoes, and diced zucchini for a little extra fiber + nutrients. While still making it super easy for busy parents, because who has time spending hours in the kitchen?!
Why You'll Love This Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta for Your Toddler
- it’s creamy + familiar (aka less intimidating than chunky sauces)
- the flavor is mild but still good (Boursin does the heavy lifting here)
- you’re getting veggies in, without pressure or forcing it
- it’s super easy to pair with a protein to make it more filling
Basically, it’s one of those meals that feels like a win without overthinking it. I bet you'd also love my roasted butternut squash pasta sauce and other Boursin broccoli pasta dish!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta for Your Toddler
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How To Make Your Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta
- Hint for the Best Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta
- Substitutions
- Easy Ways to Add Protein
- Equipment
- Storing Your Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Creamy Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make this Boursin butternut squash pasta:
- butternut squash - fiber + vitamin A (great for growth + gut health)
- tomatoes - vitamin C (helps with iron absorption!) + "pizza" flavor most toddlers love
- Boursin cheese - adds flavor + creaminess + fats to help keep your toddler full
- olive oil - healthy fats to help cook the veggies and for brain development
- chickpea or lentil pasta - your toddler’s main energy source (love using chickpea pasta for bonus fiber + protein + iron)
Optional veggies like: diced zucchini or squash, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, whatever you have on hand!
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta
- Step 1: Add butternut squash, cherry tomatoes, and the Boursin cheese to an air fryer-safe or baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil + season.
- Step 2: Air fry at 375°F for 18-22 minutes (or bake at 400°F for 30-45 minutes) until the squash is fork-tender and tomatoes are soft. While that's cooking you can cook your diced zucchini in a skillet with olive oil + Italian seasoning if you're adding it in!
- Step 3: Mash everything together or blend with a splash of pasta water or milk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Toss with cooked pasta and serve as is, or add your protein of choice. Serve with a side salad and enjoy!
Feel free to add extra veggies in like diced zucchini!
Hint for the Best Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta
Cut your butternut squash into small, even cubes (about ½ inch) so it cooks evenly with the tomatoes. Or just save yourself the trouble and purchase pre-cut butternut squash to make it as easy as possible!
Substitutions
This Boursin butternut squash pasta is already gluten-free if using chickpea or lentil noodles, but feel free to use whichever noodles you prefer! Here are some other substitutions you can use:
- dairy-free: sub with a dairy-free herb cheese or blend cashews + nutritional yeast
- lower sodium: use half Boursin + mix with plain cream cheese
Easy Ways to Add Protein
If you want to make this butternut squash pasta more filling:
- shredded chicken
- ground turkey or beef
- cooked shrimp or salmon
- white beans
- using chickpea pasta
Equipment
To make this Boursin butternut squash pasta, you’ll just need an air fryer-safe dish (or baking dish) or treat yourself to the Ninja Crispi (my favorite cooking appliance), something to mash or blend the sauce (immersion blender works great), and a pot to cook your pasta.
Storing Your Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta
Store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, just add a splash of milk or water to bring the sauce back to life so it stays creamy!
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
If your toddler isn’t super into veggies or mixed dishes yet, this is a great low-pressure way to offer them. Blending the sauce makes the texture smooth + familiar, which can feel less overwhelming than chunky veggies. And if they’re still unsure, try serving it deconstructed - pasta on one side, a little sauce on the side for dipping!
Remember, it’s not about “hiding” veggies, it’s about helping them feel comfortable enough to explore them over time.
FAQ
Yes! You can prep the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge, then just mix with fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Nope, blending just makes it smoother (which can help for younger toddlers), but you can totally mash it for a more textured sauce.
Yes! Just add a few extra minutes to your cook time since it holds more moisture.
Short shapes like rotini, shells, or penne work great because they hold onto the sauce and are easier to eat.
You can mix in shredded chicken, ground turkey, white beans, or even use a chickpea or lentil pasta.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Boursin butternut squash pasta:
Creamy Boursin Butternut Squash Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed (½-inch pieces)
- 1-2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 5.2 oz package Boursin cheese (garlic & herb)
- 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- salt to taste
- 8 oz pasta of choice rotini, shells, penne, or chickpea pasta
- ¼-½ cup reserved pasta water or milk
Instructions
- Add butternut squash, cherry tomatoes, and Boursin cheese to an air fryer-safe or baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season.
- Air fry at 375°F for 18-22 minutes (or bake at 400°F for 30-45 minutes) until squash is fork-tender and tomatoes are soft.
- Mash everything together or blend with reserved pasta water or milk until smooth and creamy.
- Toss with cooked pasta and serve immediately.
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