Skip to main content

Summertime Spaghetti Squash

Cooking spaghetti squash in the microwave steams the squash and the strands come out nicely—unlike cooking it in a conventional oven, which can cause the strands to bake to the skin. A simple quick fresh pesto is a snappy sauce for the steamed squash.

Cooks' Note

Dried Zante currants that have been soaked in red wine are a nice addition to this dish.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

1 (3- to 3 1/2-pound) spaghetti squash
1/2 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prick the squash in 3 or 4 places with a fork, put it on a plate, and loosely cover it with plastic wrap. Microwave at full power for 9 minutes. Let the squash stand, still covered, for another 5 minutes.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, make the pesto. Put the basil, cheese, oil, pine nuts, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste in a food processor and pulse until well combined.

    Step 3

    Halve the squash and scrape out the seeds. Using a fork, scoop the pulp into a large bowl. Add pesto to taste and toss to combine.

A Southerly Course
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Juicy steak, crisp lettuce, and a blender dressing come together for a breezy summer dinner.
This frozen cocktail uses instant espresso for a strong flavor and unbeatable convenience.