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.
Have you ever tried spaghetti squash?
It’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.
For 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 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
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
Alisha Ross says
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!
Sweetphi says
You’re welcome! thank you so much for the kind feedback!
Dominic-Jagger Spicer says
my resolution was to drink more water
Sweetphi says
That’s such a great resolution, I need to do that too!
Maria D. says
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!
Sweetphi says
I’m totally in the same boat – I’m all about meal planning this year!!!
Terri Goolsby says
Peace of Mind
Sweetphi says
🙂
Anita says
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!
Sweetphi says
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.
Linda says
My resolution is to lose 30 lbs!
Sweetphi says
I’m right there wish you Linda, I definitely need to lose weight – hoping you reach your goals!!!
Joan Kubes says
I resolve to eat healthier and cook healthy meals for my family
Sweetphi says
I’m right there with you Joan, definitely I’m trying to eat better and cook more 😉
Lisa Burkhart says
My resolution is to be a better version of myself and reach out to, or stay in contact with old friends.
Sweetphi says
Oh I love that Lisa! Best of luck in the coming year 🙂
Cherie says
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.
Sweetphi says
I love that attitude Cherie!
Misrii - Homemade Food says
Looks great! I love your 5 ingredient meals! Happy New Year
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much!
Amy S says
My resolution is to get exercising again. I had a horrible cold for a few weeks and need to MOVE!
Sweetphi says
Best of luck Amy! I know how hard it is to get back into the swing of things!
Susan P. says
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.
Sweetphi says
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!
Mary W says
I made the resolution to move more and sit less every day. So far, it has been easy to keep!
Sweetphi says
That’s awesome Mary, thank you for sharing!
Vickie says
My New Year’s Resolution really isn’t a Resolution……..Continue to be Healthy !!
Sweetphi says
I love that Vickie! Continuing is definitely a great thing to look forward to 🙂
Jeffrey says
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.
Sweetphi says
That’s such a cool resolution Jeffrey, best of luck!!!
Crystal says
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.
Sweetphi says
I love that about giving yourself more grace. I too struggle with that. Happy 2018!
Kim Henrichs says
That looks yum!! My new years resolution is to lose weight. And i’m actually serious about it this time….
Sweetphi says
Me too Kim, it’s so hard to get going on it, isn’t it? I’m here with you trying!
Susan Craig says
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.
Sweetphi says
Oh my goodness, that sounds amazing! I hope your ice storm has passed 🙂 Thank you as always for commenting!
GeneMae Reams says
Love Spaghetti Squash but I also love, Brussels sprouts too the only vegetable I don,T like is broccoli.gene
Sweetphi says
So glad to hear Gene 🙂
Diane says
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!
Sweetphi says
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
Jessica says
Looks great! I love your 5 ingredient meals! Happy 2018
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much, really appreciate you following along 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful 2018!