Dinner never tasted so good than with this Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash Pasta Recipe. This recipe is naturally vegetarian, keto, gluten-free, and low carb!
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Enjoy a meatless main dish that is high on nutrition AND flavor with this Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash Pasta Recipe. A copycat recipe of the traditional pasta with pesto sauce, it's a healthy pesto recipe that is easy to make and only takes 7 ingredients, a food processor, and a baking pan. So turn on your oven, cut up your squash, and enjoy a low-fuss and delicious dinner tonight.
I don't know about you, but when I see pesto, I get excited. Real excited.
It's simultaneously indulgent and satisfying while also being rich in so many good-for-you goodies like olive oil, nuts, garlic, and basil.
Oh, and it goes so well on so many things. Gnocchi, potatoes, chicken, pizza, bread, veggies, pasta... you name it.
At the risk of being sacrilege, I'm going to say it: it's almost like the Italian version of ranch dressing.
I know, please don't send me hate mail. I don't check my mail enough to keep up with it.
But, when you have something that is perfect for both more indulgent & gourmet meals as well as healthier and lighter meals, how does one not go about making bold claims? Especially someone like me?
So here, let nutty spaghetti squash pasta stand-in for the more carbohydrate-rich classic and enjoy that pesto for all that it's worth, knowing that with this recipe you're getting that healthier and lighter pesto dish.
The kind of dish that showcases pesto's versatility in a way that may lead you to make bold claims, too. And if your friends want to send hate mail, just give them my address. 😉
This Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash Pasta Is...
- Umami-rich
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian
- Full of healthy fats
- Satisfying
- Ready in under an hour
- Great for leftovers
If you're looking for something a bit lighter after the food fest that is Thanksgiving, check out this spaghetti squash pasta recipe. It's easy to make and filling while not being so heavy to continue your holiday food coma.
Is spaghetti squash healthy?
Yes! Spaghetti squash is healthy. According to Healthline, it's particularly healthy because it's low in calories while being high in nutrients. It brims with fiber, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and more.
This impressive profile makes it good for you on its own or as a substitute for pasta, as we have here in this Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash Pasta Recipe.
How do you cut a spaghetti squash?
To cut your spaghetti squash, first, make sure you have a very sharp and long knife. A chef's knife or de-boning knife are both perfect for this.
Then, rest your squash on a cutting board and cut the top stem off, slicing off about a ½ inch round of the squash off underneath the stem.
Next, cut the squash open lengthwise to expose the squash seeds. Scoop the seeds out and throw away.
Turn the squash over so the inside of each of the squashes faces downwards. Then, cutting perpendicular to the lengthwise cut, slice the squash into 1-1.25 inch pieces. They should then look like half-moons or the shape of rainbows.
Continue cutting the rest of the squash into 1-1.25 inch pieces and you have cut up your squash!
How do you cook spaghetti squash?
There are a few ways to cook a spaghetti squash, depending on how you want to serve it. You can rub it with olive oil, garlic, and salt, and roast it at a higher heat to have a caramelized and golden brown squash, or you can steam in it in the oven at a moderately-high heat to create a more tender and juicy pasta textured squash.
To steam it in the oven, cut your squash in half lengthwise, de-seed it, and then crosswise into 1.25 inch thick half-moons (see the picture below). Then add the squash to an 8 x 13" baking pan, add about an inch of water, and cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Next, add the squash to an oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash flakes easily when scraped with a fork. Now you have tender & nutty spaghetti squash pasta to enjoy!
Check out these other healthy dinner reicpes:
- Sundried Tomato Pesto (Red Pesto)
- Vegan Jackfruit Chili
- Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce
- Roasted Tomato Salad with Burrata Cheese
- Mediterranean Chickpea & Orzo Salad
- Roasted Sweet Potato & Quinoa Salad
- Air Fryer Green Beans with Lemon
- Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese & Sundried Tomatoes
- Healthy Macaroni and Cheese
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