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This Pesto Spaghetti Squash is a low carb way to satisfy your pasta craving!
Raise your hand if you’re trying to eat a healthier diet this year. One of the things the average person usually tries to cut back on when attempting to lose weight, or just eat healthier, is carbs. The dreaded carbs, right? Personally, I don’t think carbs are the enemy, but that discussion would be enough for it’s very own blog post and I’m not going to tackle it today (and technically winter squash is a carb, but it’s nutrition profile is obviously completely different than the white pasta, white bread, sugary cakes and pastries you are used to associating with the word CARBS). Regardless, this Pesto Spaghetti Squash is delicious and satisfying and you’ll fool your brain into thinking you are eating actual pasta without all the heavy calories. Win!
How to Prep Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti Squash is really simple to prepare once you get it cut open. Cutting it open is sometimes the hardest part. You need a big sharp knife and you need to be very careful because the squash is very hard.
Once it’s open, you scoop out the seeds and fibers with a spoon until it’s clean. You can save the seeds and roast them to snack on too, just like pumpkin seeds!
Turn It Into “Noodles”
Once the squash is baked, it will easily form strands by scraping the flesh with a fork. From there, you can serve it however you wish. The squash itself has a very mild flavor, which makes its the perfect accompaniment for my flavorful Parsley Kale Walnut Pesto – simply mix it together and, voila, Pesto Spaghetti Squash! You can also toss the squash with marinara or roasted veggies, throw it in a stir fry, add it to soups, tacos, enchiladas, etc. Your options are limitless!
Budget Friendly and Figure Friendly
Pesto Spaghetti Squash is a budget-friendly, waist-friendly (1 cup of spaghetti squash is only 76 calories – not including the pesto. Compare that to about 220 calories in a cup of plain spaghetti pasta), even kid-friendly recipe for any day of the week! The squash/pesto combo will also provide you with plenty of vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, fiber, folate, vitamin K, omega-3 fats, protein, and MORE!
Pesto Spaghetti Squash
I hope you love this Pesto Spaghetti Squash as much as we do. If you try it, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. You can also find me on social media. Be sure to tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I’m sure to see it. Enjoy!
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 2 tsp olive oil
- sprinkle of salt/pepper
- 1 recipe Parsley Kale Walnut Pesto
- 1/2 cup fresh cherry tomatoes (halved) (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees C.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
- With a spoon, scrape out the seeds and fibers.
- Place each half on the prepared baking sheet cut side up and pour 1 tsp olive oil into each half. With your fingers, spread the olive oil all over the cut side of the squash. Sprinkle with salt/pepper.
- Turn the squash cut side down on the baking sheet and bake for 35-55 minutes, until desired tenderness is reached.
- The amount of time baked will depend on the size of your squash. A smaller one will take less time than a larger one. It will also depend on how tender you want the strands. For strands with a slight crunch, bake it less. For strands that are super tender, bake it longer. You can easily check the doneness by using a fork to pull away a few strands and doing a taste test....start checking around 35 minutes.
- When squash is fully cooked, using a fork, "scrape" the inside of the squash so the strands come loose. Continue until all the strands have come away from the peel.
- Toss the squash "noodles' with the Parsley Kale Walnut Pesto and top with cherry tomatoes, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
~I like my "noodles" with a slight bit of crunch left...almost like an al dente pasta noodle. I had a large squash and baked it 45 minutes.
More Easy Vegetable Recipes to Love:
Falafel Spiced Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Suzanne says
Love this idea! I’m hoping to make this using the spaghetti squash from my weekly CSA – but wanted to make it for an event in 3 days. How long can this last in the fridge? If it lasts, does the quality lessen significantly after a day or two? Thanks again for this!
Jenn S. says
It will last for a day or two. Just fluff it up again before serving because it will probably settle a bit in the fridge. You might need to add a tbsp or two of broth before reheating to loosen it up. But the flavors will still be great! Enjoy!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
LOVE spaghetti squash, especially mixed in with pesto. This looks delicious Jenn! I just posted a similar recipe with my newest pesto recipe and I can’t get enough of it!
Jenn S. says
Well, as they say – great minds think alike! I’m heading over now to check it out!!
AvocadoPesto says
I know this dish is a winner because I make something similar myself! SO good right?! Got to try your kale parsley walnut pesto! My go to is vegan basil pine nut pesto with nutritional yeast and hemp hearts.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Vicky! Hemp hearts are a GREAT idea. I love them so much. Can’t believe I’ve never thought to put them in a pesto. Is that one on your blog? I’ll just switch out the pine nuts.
AvocadoPesto says
The hemp hearts are so good in pesto! Yep you can find that recipe on my blog : ))
Jenn S. says
Awesome! Going to check it out now!
Gin says
Mmm, I love the sound of that glorious pesto on spaghetti squash! What a smart alternative to pasta. 🙂
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Gin! It’s a great combo!
marlymcb says
I love how filling spaghetti squash is. This recipe looks like a real winner!
Jenn S. says
Yes..it is filling, yet it tastes light. The perfect balance! Thanks, Marly!
WholeFoodBellies says
Ah I need to try this! All of my past attempts at spaghetti squash have been less than stellar, but I love the sound of it! Trying again with your delicious sounding recipe
Jenn S. says
Oh, that’s too bad. Hopefully, it will turn out for you this time!! Let me know if you try it!
Traditionally Modern Food says
I m not a big fan of squash but this s super awesome ..nice idea will definitely try this
Jenn S. says
Thanks! You could always enjoy the pesto on something else!! 🙂
veggiesdontbite says
Spaghetti Squash must be on the brain because I’ve seen so much of it lately and we’ve actually been eating it a lot too! Looks delicious, I love it with pesto!
Jenn S. says
We don’t buy it that often, but I need to start putting it on the menu all the time. Inexpensive, easy, versatile…checks all the boxes!
Ginny McMeans says
I am so excited about this recipe. Can’t wait to try it and your pesto!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Ginny! The best part is that it’s so easy! 🙂
Healing Tomato says
I LOOOVE spaghetti squash. This one looks so delicious with pesto. I have to try it.
Jenn S. says
Thanks so much, Rini!! If you try it, let me know!
markr356 says
I love the simplicity of this dish. We have made this before but without the pesto. Good job.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Mark! It’s so good with the pesto!
dcclark13 says
I absolutely LOVE spaghetti squash. It’s my favorite squash and love the pesto, YUM!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Debra!
Mel @ avirtualvegan.com says
I just adore roasted squash and spaghetti squash always amazes me. Its like magic when you take it out of the oven and turn it into spaghetti with a fork!
Jenn S. says
It’s definitely a cool veggie! Thanks, Mel!
Dan B says
Another winner!!! You just keep them coming. My wife and I grow basil all summer and harvest and freeze after she makes amazing pesto. We both love following you and are grateful for you and your generosity.
Dan
Jenn S. says
Thank you so much, Dan! That makes me so happy! Such a great idea to freeze herbs. I need to start doing that. Can’t wait for summer to get my garden going again.
Jesse Ayers says
Definitely making this one. I absolutely love spaghetti squash!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Jesse! Please come back and let me know how it turns out! Have a great weekend!
Sarah says
What a great idea for pesto! Thanks for sharing!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Sarah! Hope you enjoy!
Tania @ COOKTORIA says
What a great idea to cook Spaghetti Squash with Pesto. I bet it’s a very tasty combination! Thanks for sharing!
Jenn S. says
It’s my favorite sauce for spaghetti squash for sure! Thanks, Tania!
Linda @ Veganosity says
Both hands are raised! This looks incredible! I love spaghetti squash and that pesto is just too delicious. It drives me crazy when people say that they try not to eat carbs. We need carbs for energy. There’s such a misunderstanding on that topic.
Jenn S. says
I know!! All carbs are NOT created equal! A simple baked potato and a jelly filled donut are NOT the same! 🙂 Sigh. Hope you love this, Linda. Thanks!
Natalie says
I love spaghetti squash, one of the most fun vegetables/starches! The struggle of getting that first knife slice through it haha, but then it’s practically easier than real pasta 🙂 This looks like a delicious meal, so easy too. And the spaghetti squash taco idea sounds quite interesting as well!
Jenn S. says
Getting the knife out of that first cut is even harder than getting it in! But, yeah, once it’s cut – easy peasy!! Doesn’t a spaghetti squash taco sound good?? Might have to work on that one! 🙂 Thanks, Nat!
Cadry's Kitchen says
It has been way too long since I’ve had spaghetti squash. I like your idea of mixing it with pesto!
Jenn S. says
I love spaghetti squash pretty much any way, but my favorite is definitely with any kind of pesto! Thanks!
Strength and Sunshine says
I’m ashamed…I haven’t made any spaghetti squash yet this season!!! I used to eat it all the time…I think I’ll pick one up this weekend 😉
Jenn S. says
That sounds like a great idea, Rebecca!