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5 Ingredient Spaghetti Squash Pesto “Pasta” Recipe

Jan 5, 2018 · 45 Comments

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When you’re craving pasta but don’t want to have the crabs or calories, you can indulge in this healthy 5 ingredient spaghetti squash pesto “pasta” recipe as a delicious alternative.

The best recipe for spaghetti squash pesto "pasta" this image
Have you ever tried spaghetti squash?

How to make the best spaghetti squash pesto pastaIt’s squash that when cooked seriously looks like spaghetti. It can be used in place of pasta because it’s very mild in taste. It works so well as a healthy alternative to pasta.

A healthy and delicious alternative to pastaFor the first 5-ingredient recipe of the year in my Five Ingredient Friday series, I just had a to post a healthy recipe! The five ingredients for this recipe are a spaghetti squash, pesto, parmesan cheese, tomato and some parsley.

The best ever spaghetti squash pasta with pestoThe one thing I used to absolutely hate about spaghetti squash is that it would take FOREVER to bake in the oven. But guess what? I found out that spaghetti squash can be cooked in the microwave, and after testing it out a few times (I’ve had it explode in the microwave so I’ve got my best tips for you in the recipe so this doesn’t happen to you) I am so excited to share this 5 ingredient spaghetti squash pesto pasta recipe with you. And this recipe can easily be made into a “main” by adding your favorite protein (chicken, tofu, and shrimp work really well with this dish).

Other recipes you migth enjoy:

  • Pressure Cooker Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
  • Healthy Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
  • Five Ingredient Fridays – Spaghetti Squash Mac N Cheese

5 Ingredient Spaghetti Squash Pesto "Pasta" Recipe

When you’re craving pasta but don’t want to have the crabs or calories, you can indulge in this healthy 5 ingredient spaghetti squash pesto “pasta” recipe as a delicious alternative.
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes minutes
Servings: 2 large or 4 small servings

Ingredients

  • 1 2-2 1/2 pounds spaghetti squash
  • 2 tablespoons pesto
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 to matoes I like vine or roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

  • Using a fork poke holes all over a 2-2 1/2 pound spaghetti squash (you want to make sure to do this, otherwise the squash will explode in your microwave). Put the squash in a large microwave safe bowl, and microwave for 6 minutes. turn the squash and microwave until the shell is sofe when poked with a fork, another 5-8 minutes. Let cool for 5-10 minutes, or until it is ok to touch.
  • Transfer the squash to a cutting board and cut in half and scoop out the seeds/innards and discard.
  • Using a fork, gently pull apart the spaghetti strands of squash and put in a bowl.
  • Spoon pesto onto the squash and stir, then top with parmesan cheese, tomatoes and parsley and serve

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 314mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g

The best healthy and delicious ingredient spaghetti squash pesto pasta recipe, a healthy alternative when you're craving pasta

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Blog Posts, Five Ingredient Fridays, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Main Meals, Recipes, Vegetarian 5 ingredient spaghetti squash pesto pasta recipe, a healthy alternative to pasta, gluten free side dish, how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, low carb pasta, spaghetti squash, Spaghetti Squash Recipe

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Comments

  1. Alisha Ross says

    January 19, 2020 at 10:33 pm

    Making this again tonight – it is delicious! Even the picky kids likes it! And I love how quick and easy it is – with things I have on hand! Thanks for a great, easy recipe!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 21, 2020 at 7:56 pm

      You’re welcome! thank you so much for the kind feedback!

      Reply
  2. Dominic-Jagger Spicer says

    January 17, 2018 at 10:28 am

    my resolution was to drink more water

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 18, 2018 at 3:10 pm

      That’s such a great resolution, I need to do that too!

      Reply
  3. Maria D. says

    January 13, 2018 at 8:37 am

    This spaghetti squash looks amazing! My New Years Resolution is food planning that allows me to plan the week’s meals and freeze portions for the future. I tried a few prepare ahead and freeze before the holidays and it was a big help when guests arrived!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 15, 2018 at 8:32 pm

      I’m totally in the same boat – I’m all about meal planning this year!!!

      Reply
  4. Terri Goolsby says

    January 13, 2018 at 7:13 am

    Peace of Mind

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 15, 2018 at 8:33 pm

      🙂

      Reply
  5. Anita says

    January 10, 2018 at 8:20 am

    My resolution this year is to cut sugar out of my diet. I have found, while experimenting, that I have so much more energy when I do. Sugar in my diet always ends with a nap. No time for that!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      I am totally with you Anita! I have definitely reduced my sugar intake – I didn’t have any sugar for a few days and had the worst headache, but then I felt so much better, so I’m hoping to continue with the sugar reduction.

      Reply
  6. Linda says

    January 10, 2018 at 12:48 am

    My resolution is to lose 30 lbs!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:01 pm

      I’m right there wish you Linda, I definitely need to lose weight – hoping you reach your goals!!!

      Reply
  7. Joan Kubes says

    January 9, 2018 at 9:59 am

    I resolve to eat healthier and cook healthy meals for my family

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      I’m right there with you Joan, definitely I’m trying to eat better and cook more 😉

      Reply
  8. Lisa Burkhart says

    January 9, 2018 at 8:50 am

    My resolution is to be a better version of myself and reach out to, or stay in contact with old friends.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      Oh I love that Lisa! Best of luck in the coming year 🙂

      Reply
  9. Cherie says

    January 9, 2018 at 4:42 am

    I usually don’t make resolutions, however I’m challengeing myself to have a positive attitude going to work each and every day. I’m going to deflect negative attitudes and walk away before words can be said that can’t be taken back.
    I’m going to be grateful to have my job which I really like and allows me to live the lifestyle I have.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      I love that attitude Cherie!

      Reply
  10. Misrii - Homemade Food says

    January 9, 2018 at 4:32 am

    Looks great! I love your 5 ingredient meals! Happy New Year

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:06 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  11. Amy S says

    January 8, 2018 at 8:18 pm

    My resolution is to get exercising again. I had a horrible cold for a few weeks and need to MOVE!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:07 pm

      Best of luck Amy! I know how hard it is to get back into the swing of things!

      Reply
  12. Susan P. says

    January 8, 2018 at 7:48 pm

    One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to travel and explore new places. I won trip to NYC recently that is scheduled for middle of March and have a road trip scheduled for the end of this month to see places in my state that I haven’t seen.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:07 pm

      Oh my goodness, that’s such a wonderful resolution – and how cool you won a trip to NYC, I hope you have so much fun!

      Reply
  13. Mary W says

    January 8, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    I made the resolution to move more and sit less every day. So far, it has been easy to keep!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:08 pm

      That’s awesome Mary, thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  14. Vickie says

    January 8, 2018 at 7:15 pm

    My New Year’s Resolution really isn’t a Resolution……..Continue to be Healthy !!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      I love that Vickie! Continuing is definitely a great thing to look forward to 🙂

      Reply
  15. Jeffrey says

    January 8, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    My resolution for this year is to learn to make a great loaf of sourdough bread! Its been on my culinary bucket list way too long and I vow to make it happen in 2018. My kids love the flavor of sourdough bread as much as me, so I’m not just doing it for myself.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      That’s such a cool resolution Jeffrey, best of luck!!!

      Reply
  16. Crystal says

    January 8, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    My resolution this year is to just continue on my health and wellness journey and to give myself more grace. I’m my own worst critic (I know that’s pretty typical), but I’m really quick to doubt myself and beat myself up. I don’t think I can ever have true health and wellness on that path.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      I love that about giving yourself more grace. I too struggle with that. Happy 2018!

      Reply
  17. Kim Henrichs says

    January 8, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    That looks yum!! My new years resolution is to lose weight. And i’m actually serious about it this time….

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      Me too Kim, it’s so hard to get going on it, isn’t it? I’m here with you trying!

      Reply
  18. Susan Craig says

    January 8, 2018 at 6:12 pm

    That sounds amazing . I can’t wait until the ice storm we are having passes and I can try it. We freeze homemade pesto all summer when our basil is beautiful so we have plenty of garlicky pesto on-hand. Perfect.

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      Oh my goodness, that sounds amazing! I hope your ice storm has passed 🙂 Thank you as always for commenting!

      Reply
  19. GeneMae Reams says

    January 8, 2018 at 6:08 pm

    Love Spaghetti Squash but I also love, Brussels sprouts too the only vegetable I don,T like is broccoli.gene

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 2:53 pm

      So glad to hear Gene 🙂

      Reply
  20. Diane says

    January 6, 2018 at 10:50 am

    I love, love spaghetti squash but I always smile to myself when I hear it described as a replacement for pasta, lol, maybe somewhere in the four corners of my “nutrition wins out, good for my body” brain it can be described that way . . . Love your recipes . . . Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 3:10 pm

      Hahaha Diane, I’m with you – my hubby does not like spaghetti squash and says it is not a replacement for pasta lol! But it’s healthy so we try, right? Thank you so much for your kind words and commenting. Happy 2018

      Reply
  21. Jessica says

    January 6, 2018 at 6:42 am

    Looks great! I love your 5 ingredient meals! Happy 2018

    Reply
    • Sweetphi says

      January 10, 2018 at 1:44 pm

      Thank you so much, really appreciate you following along 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful 2018!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Mouthwatering Recipes to Keep Weeknight Dinners Interesting – Zwebeth says:
    September 6, 2020 at 10:00 pm

    […] Don’t be fooled by the name, this squash is not really spaghetti, but it’s just as delicious! This healthy version of the classic dish is sure to please both your palate and your waistline. Plus, it only takes 17 minutes, start to finish, so you can spend more time relaxing. Try the recipe here. […]

    Reply
  2. 17 Tasty Microwave Recipes You Can't Mess Up - Blog says:
    April 10, 2020 at 4:52 am

    […] Get the recipe from Sweet Phi. […]

    Reply
  3. Healthy Recipes for Your New Year - Sweetphi says:
    January 2, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    […] Spaghetti Squash Pesto “Pasta” – if you haven’t discovered the amazing-ness (yes, I’m making that a word!) of spaghetti squash, just start with this recipe and then make all of the other spaghetti squash recipes out there.  It is such a sneaky substitute for high carb noodles and you won’t miss a thing! […]

    Reply

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