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    Home » Holiday Inspired Recipes » Halloween Recipes

    Published: Oct 22, 2019 · Modified: Oct 25, 2022 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

    Spaghetti Squash Puking Pumpkin

    Jump to Recipe

    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!

    Freaky Good Pesto Spaghetti Squash Puking Pumpkin for Halloween - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • 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
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

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    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!

    Vertical title text image of a puking pumpkin with basil pesto vomit for Halloween.

    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

    Horizontal overhead photo of a vomiting pumpkin with basil pesto spaghetti squash for Halloween on a black plate with a 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.
    How to make a puking pumpkin with basil pesto spaghetti squash for Halloween.
    • 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. 
    How to make a puking pumpkin with basil pesto spaghetti squash for Halloween.
    How to make a puking pumpkin with basil pesto spaghetti squash for Halloween.

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    • Once the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the strands of the spaghetti squash out of the shell.
    How to make a puking pumpkin with basil pesto spaghetti squash for Halloween.
    • 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.
    How to make a puking pumpkin with basil pesto spaghetti squash for Halloween.
    How to make a puking pumpkin with basil pesto spaghetti squash for Halloween.
    How to make a puking pumpkin with basil pesto spaghetti squash for Halloween.

    Vertical closeup photo of a carved pumpkin with spaghetti squash vomit for Halloween.

    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."

    Overhead photo of spaghetti squash shrimp scampi on a blue plate with a lemon and a napkin.
    • 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."

    Vertical photo of a bowl of spaghetti squash soup with a pot and ladle in the background along with a whole spaghetti squash.
    • 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."

    Vertical photo of a spaghetti squash quiche with a slice taken out and a salt and pepper shaker.
    • Three Methods for Cooking Spaghetti Squash from Flavor the Moments
    • Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash Puking Pumpkin (pictured below) This is the place!
    Vertical title text closeup image of a basil pesto spaghetti squash puking pumpkin for Halloween.

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    Freaky Good Pesto Spaghetti Squash Puking Pumpkin for Halloween - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    Pesto Spaghetti Squash Puking Pumpkin

    Renee Goerger
    From looking at it, you might not think this 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! 
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Halloween recipe, Side Dish, Vegetables - Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 213 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 medium spaghetti squash cleaned and seeded
    • 1 small pumpkin cleaned, seeded and carved
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
    • 3 teaspoons salt divided
    • 2 teaspoons pepper divided
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • ¼ cup basil pesto
    • ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg
    • 8 ounces heavy cream
    • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Clean out the seeds and discard 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 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
    • Place the spaghetti squash, flesh side down, on a baking sheet and place into a pre-heated 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 the butter and the remaining olive oil on medium heat. 
    • Add the spaghetti squash strands, grated nutmeg, basil pesto, remaining 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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 213kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 2gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 1030mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 0gSugar: 0gVitamin A: 695IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 0.1mg

    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!

    Horizontal Halloween photo of a jack-o-lantern on a black plate with squash and vomit.

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

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    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

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    Comments

      5 from 9 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    1. Ashley F says

      October 22, 2019 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      I love the sound of the pesto with the squash! Can't wait to try it soon!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 22, 2019 at 12:10 pm

        It's a winner, Ashley. I know the puking pumpkin can be off-putting, but the recipe works.
        Thanks.
        Renee

        Reply
    2. Micki says

      October 22, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      My kids absolutely love this! Everyone here's a big fan of pasta and Halloween, so this is perfect!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 22, 2019 at 12:03 pm

        Happy Halloween!

        Reply
    3. Theresa says

      September 16, 2019 at 9:12 am

      Hello:

      I would have tried your recipe if there hadn't been such unappetizing photos. They don't put me in the mood to want to eat.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 16, 2019 at 10:41 am

        Hello, Theresa.
        Thanks for the comment, and believe me, I get it!
        Since I developed this recipe for Halloween, then I think I hit my target! LOL
        That said, this recipe (minus the pumpkin) is really, really delicious so I'm going to repost it as a spaghetti squash side dish as soon as I can.
        Hopefully, once I do, you'll revisit this recipe and perhaps give it a try.
        Thanks again and please visit again. 😉
        Have a great day!
        Renee

        Reply
    4. Tara says

      October 17, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      So deliciously gross -- my boys will approve!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 17, 2018 at 12:32 pm

        HaHaHa! I love that phrase "deliciously gross." My job here is done. 😉

        Reply
    5. Krissy Allori says

      October 17, 2018 at 11:45 am

      I loooooove the puking pumpkin idea! My kids would love it and it's so cute!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 17, 2018 at 12:32 pm

        LOL. It's all about the kids on Halloween. Big kids too. Glad you like this gory (yet fun) recipe.

        Reply
    6. Aimee Shugarman says

      October 15, 2018 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      OMG this is the BEST idea. Delish and hilarious 🙂

      Reply
      • Lindsay says

        October 25, 2024 at 9:01 pm

        How come you roast your pumpkin and not just leave it raw and carved ? Wouldn’t hold its shape better …?

        Reply
    7. Marjory says

      October 15, 2018 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      This is my new favorite Halloween idea. Looove it! So creative and I know I would gobble it up!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        October 15, 2018 at 2:22 pm

        HaHaHa! So glad to hear it. Thanks, Marjory!!

        Reply

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