Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Basil Pesto – A Flavorful, Light Pasta Alternative
Hey friends! Let’s talk about spaghetti squash—one of my favorite veggie swaps for pasta! Not only is it a fun, noodle-y way to enjoy a comforting meal, but it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a light yet satisfying dish. This recipe is all about simple, vibrant flavors. Roasted spaghetti squash tossed with homemade basil pesto and topped with crunchy pine nuts and fresh parsley… it’s all the cozy pasta vibes with a healthy twist.
And trust me, with the addition of fresh pesto, you won’t even miss traditional pasta. The pesto is rich, nutty, and has that perfect hint of garlic and Parmesan. It’s my go-to for a fresh, Italian-inspired dinner that feels a little fancy but is totally easy to make!
Why I Love This Dish
Spaghetti squash is such a versatile ingredient and so fun to work with. I love roasting it with just a touch of olive oil and letting its natural flavor shine. It soaks up the basil pesto beautifully, making every bite feel indulgent but light. Plus, this dish is loaded with healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s an easy way to get more veggies into your meal, and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a lower-carb pasta alternative that’s still super satisfying.
Spaghetti Squash with Pesto
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Equipment
- sharp chef's knife
- food processor or blender
- fork for scraping the squash
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash
- 2 med spaghetti squash cut in half
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Italian parsley for garnish
- 2 tbsp pine nuts toasted
- 1 cup Christine's Easy Pesto click title for recipe or see below
Christine's Easy Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves tightly packed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- sea salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- If the spaghetti squash is hard to cut, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake it whole for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then slice in half and scoop out the seeds.2 med spaghetti squash
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Brush the squash halves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 35 minutes, or until tender.2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- While the squash roasts, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, cayenne, and garlic. With the machine running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is thick and bright green. Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust with a bit of water if needed for the perfect consistency.½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup pine nuts, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 clove garlic, ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, ground black pepper, 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- Toast 2 tablespoons of pine nuts in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until golden. Set aside.2 tbsp pine nuts
- Once the squash is done, use a fork to scrape out the strands, creating “spaghetti.” Transfer to a serving platter.
- Toss the squash with pesto, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, and garnish with fresh parsley.1 cup Christine's Easy Pesto, Italian parsley
- Serve warm as a delicious, nutrient-packed pasta alternative!
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More About This Recipe
Tips for Making the Best Spaghetti Squash with Pesto
This recipe is super simple, but here are a few tips to make sure it turns out perfectly every time:- Pre-Bake the Squash if Needed
If your spaghetti squash is hard to cut, bake it at 375°F for about 10 minutes to soften it up. This makes slicing much easier and safer. - Toast Your Pine Nuts
A quick toasting brings out the rich, nutty flavor of pine nuts. Just toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until they’re golden and fragrant. Watch them closely—they can go from toasted to burned quickly! - Adjust Pesto Consistency with Water
If your pesto seems a little thick, add a small amount of water to get it just right. This helps it coat the spaghetti squash strands perfectly without clumping.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
These tools make putting this dish together easy and fun:- Sharp Chef’s Knife
A good knife is key for cutting through spaghetti squash. If it’s tough, start with a small incision and work your way around the squash. - Food Processor or Blender
For that perfectly smooth pesto, a food processor or high-speed blender is a must. It blends the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic into a beautifully creamy texture. - Fork for Scraping the Squash
Once the squash is roasted, use a fork to gently scrape the flesh. It naturally separates into spaghetti-like strands, making it perfect for this dish.
Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash with Pesto
This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s packed with ingredients that are great for your health!
- Spaghetti Squash for Fiber and Vitamin C
Spaghetti squash is low in calories but high in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin vibrancy. According to Harvard School of Public Health, vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and supports collagen production, which is great for skin health as we age. - Basil and Pine Nuts for Heart-Healthy Fats and Antioxidants
Basil and pine nuts are both rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that support heart health. Basil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and pine nuts are high in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol. Research from Harvard Medical School shows that including nuts and fresh herbs in your diet can support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. - Olive Oil for Heart and Skin Health
Extra-virgin olive oil is a star in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its heart-protective properties. It’s rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that help reduce inflammation, support brain health, and keep skin hydrated and glowing. Studies from Mayo Clinic show that incorporating olive oil into your diet may reduce the risk of heart disease and support overall wellness, especially for women over 50.