Spaghetti Squash Puking Pumpkin

From looking at it, you might not think this recipe for Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash puking pumpkin is very crave-worthy...until you take your first bite! Then all bets are off, and you just might eat yourself sick! LOL! Sorry, not sorry!

Jump to:

• How this recipe came to be
• Is this basil pesto spaghetti squash only a recipe for Halloween?
• The ingredient list:
• Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
• Can the pesto filling be made in advance?
• The easy instructions:
• Additional spaghetti squash recipes:
• Printable Recipe Card

How this recipe came to be

The day I came up with this recipe for pesto spaghetti squash was the day I first spotted the little pie pumpkins in the produce section of the store.

I stood there for a moment pondering how I could use one of the pumpkins along with some spaghetti squash which was one section over.

The idea hit quickly. Kind of like nausea itself. But, trust me when I tell you that queasy never tasted so good!

Is this basil pesto spaghetti squash only a recipe for Halloween?

NO WAY!!

You guys, I know the presentation I've shown for this recipe is pretty gross and very Halloween'esque, but what I need you to know that this Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash is absolutely delicious as a "normal" side dish for any time of year. The puking pumpkin part is totally optional! 

The ingredient list:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash, cut in half and seeded
• 1 pie pumpkin (optional), cleaned, seeded and carved (if making the puking pumpkin)
• olive oil
• butter
• basil pesto
• heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• grated nutmeg
• salt and pepper

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

• Pumpkin Carving Tools
• Nutmeg Grater
• Parmesan Cheese Grater (optional)
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Pastry Brush
• Fork

Can the pesto filling be made in advance?

Yes!

Keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 4 days before you plan to serve your puking pumpkin.

Warm the pesto spaghetti squash slightly before filling and serving the puking pumpkin to ensure proper texture and flow. Sorry. LOL

The easy instructions:

• Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
• Clean out the seeds and discard them or save them for another use.

• Cut the top off the pumpkin (if making the puking pumpkin version). Clean, seed, and carve a face on the pumpkin.
• Brush the flesh of the spaghetti squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Place the spaghetti squash, flesh side down, on a baking sheet and place it into a preheated 425-degree oven (along with the pumpkin, optional) for 30 - 40 minutes. Cool completely. 

• Once the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the strands of the spaghetti squash out of the shell.

• In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil on medium heat. 
• Add the spaghetti squash strands, grated nutmeg, basil pesto, salt, and pepper.
• Cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
• Cook an additional 2 - 3 minutes and spoon the pesto spaghetti squash into a prepared carved and roasted pumpkin (optional), OR spoon into a bowl and serve warm.

Additional spaghetti squash recipes:

• Roasted Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi - (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

"Making Roasted Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi is an easy and delicious way to appreciate (and devour) what I consider one of Mother Nature’s finest late-season squash crops…the spaghetti squash."

• Spaghetti Squash Fritters from Divalicious Recipes

• Fall Festival Spaghetti Squash Soup (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

"Spaghetti Squash Soup is a wonderfully hearty, comforting and healthy way to eat your veggies. This soup can be made with or without sausage so it’s perfect for anyone, or any table."

• Harvest Squash Casserole from What a Girl Eats

• Spaghetti Squash and Veggie Quiche (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

"Spaghetti Squash Quiche is entirely gluten-free and delicious. Roasted spaghetti squash is pressed into a pie plate and baked. The “crust” is then filled with veggies, eggs, cheese, and then baked again."

• Three Methods for Cooking Spaghetti Squash from Flavor the Moments

• Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash Puking Pumpkin (pictured below) This is the place!

Printable Recipe Card

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's Pesto Spaghetti Squash Puking Pumpkin for Halloween as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!