Easy Gluten-Free Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Homemade Arugula Pesto: A Wholesome & Flavorful Meal

Discover a truly delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta with our spaghetti squash noodles. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking gluten-free options, but its appeal extends far beyond dietary needs. These “noodles” are incredibly tasty, surprisingly easy to prepare, and beautiful enough to impress at any dinner party. We value these characteristics highly, especially when hosting friends, ensuring every dish is a memorable experience. Get ready for a wholesome bowl of goodness, bursting with natural flavors and essential nutrients.

The Unexpected Delight of Spaghetti Squash

Our journey with spaghetti squash began as an experiment. We were already avid fans of pumpkin and butternut squash, but spaghetti squash remained an uncharted culinary territory. One day, Hugo returned from our beloved local health food store (Naturalia, for our Parisian readers) with a magnificent, bright yellow, organic spaghetti squash. Its sheer beauty promised an interesting adventure in the kitchen!

We had heard whispers of a remarkably simple preparation method: boiling the entire squash, skin on, to magically reveal perfect “noodles” when cut open. Could this be true? The idea sounded so interesting and almost too good to be true, igniting our curiosity to find out for ourselves!

Effortless Preparation: How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

Preparing spaghetti squash noodles is genuinely straightforward, far simpler than many assume. To begin, select a large pot, ensuring it’s spacious enough to fully submerge your spaghetti squash. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully place the whole, unpeeled squash into the boiling water. Let it cook for approximately 20 minutes. It’s truly that easy!

The boiling method ensures the squash cooks evenly, and the magic happens inside. Once tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, it’s ready. This simple technique transforms the squash flesh into its signature spaghetti-like strands without any special tools or complicated steps, making it an ideal choice for healthy, quick meals.

Whipping Up a Fresh Arugula Pesto

While your spaghetti squash simmers, you can quickly prepare a vibrant and flavorful arugula pesto. Our recipe calls for a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients: fresh arugula, high-quality olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and aromatic garlic. Simply combine all these ingredients in a food processor or use a hand mixer until you achieve a smooth, bright green pesto. This homemade pesto is not only incredibly fresh but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust flavors to your preference. It’s a versatile sauce that pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of spaghetti squash.

Why You’ll Adore Spaghetti Squash Noodles + Arugula Pesto

• Effortless Spaghetti Squash: The method couldn’t be simpler – boil the whole squash for just 20 minutes, and it practically transforms itself into delicious noodles. Minimal effort, maximum reward!
• Quick & Fresh Pesto: Our arugula pesto comes together in minutes. Just a few fresh ingredients and a hand blender are all you need for a vibrant, flavorful sauce.
• A Nutritional Powerhouse: This meal is truly packed with goodness. Spaghetti squash itself is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and when combined with arugula and pumpkin seeds, it becomes a complete nutritional powerhouse. You’re getting a generous dose of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-12, and magnesium. It’s truly incredible how many vital nutrients this humble squash provides in a single, delicious serving!
• Gluten-Free & Light: For those avoiding gluten, this dish is a fantastic and satisfying alternative to traditional pasta. It’s light, yet filling, making it perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Its striking appearance and delicious flavor make it an ideal choice for hosting friends. It’s a dish that looks sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to execute.

The Post-Boil Slice: A Test of Strength (and a Special Knife!)

Once your spaghetti squash has cooked for roughly 20 minutes and is tender, the next step requires a bit of muscle, as its skin can be quite tough even after boiling. You’ll need a heavy-duty knife to safely cut through it and reveal the magic inside. It’s a moment of anticipation, as you’re about to see those natural strands!

Fortunately, we have just the right tool for the job: a handmade tribal butcher’s knife we acquired in Myanmar during our honeymoon. It might seem an unusual souvenir, but for a couple who loves to cook as much as we do, it’s an indispensable kitchen companion! Its sturdy blade is perfect for tackling tough squash skins with ease, making the task enjoyable rather than a chore.

We discovered this unique Burmese knife while exploring the serene beauty of Lake Inle. If you’re looking for your next travel adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend visiting Myanmar. For those who have followed our blog and our Instagram page, you’re well aware of our deep affection for Myanmar and how truly life-changing our honeymoon there was. We firmly believe that travel is unparalleled in its ability to push you out of your comfort zone, uplift your spirit, help you discover true happiness, and ultimately transform your life. Who else feels this way about exploring new places?

Myanmar captured our hearts in every way. Lake Inle, in particular, was a profoundly special place, overflowing with the kindest people and a rich, captivating culture. We promise to share more detailed accounts of our Myanmar adventures very soon. In the meantime, we are thrilled to share some of our favorite photos from Lake Inle with all of you, hoping they inspire your own wanderlust!

Join the Conversation: Your Favorite Travels & Our Recipe!

We absolutely love connecting with our readers! Where is your favorite place to travel, the destination that changed your perspective or offered unforgettable memories? We wish we could share these travel stories over a cup of coffee, but sharing them here in the comments section is the next best thing. Tell us all about your adventures!

We sincerely hope you enjoy making and savoring our spaghetti squash noodles with arugula pesto. It’s a dish born from curiosity, made with love, and packed with wholesome goodness. If you decide to make this delicious recipe, please remember to share your creations with us on Instagram! Tag us using the hashtag #ediblelovestory and #ahedgehoginthekitchen so we can see and celebrate your culinary successes!

Print