Spaghetti Squash Pasta with Basil Pesto

Serves: 4  Prep Time: 10 min. Cook Time: 45 min.

Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti Squash Pasta:

• 1 large or 2 small spaghetti squash

For the Basil Pesto:

• ¼ cup raw cashews
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (or raw walnuts)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 2 cups fresh basil, packed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (if in oil, drain)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

For the Spaghetti Squash Pasta:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with foil.
2. Carefully halve spaghetti squash lengthwise using a sharp knife (the best way is to pierce the skin with the very tip of the knife and push it all the way through to the other side). Rock the knife back and forth to cut one half all the way through, then repeat on the other side. Use an ice cream scoop (or sharp spoon) to scrape out the seeds and most of the stringy parts.
3. Brush the interior with oil and sprinkle with a little salt. Place cut-side down on baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces the skin and flesh. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. In the meantime, move on to making basil pesto.
5. Use a fork to scoop out spaghetti squash into fine strings and divide between serving plates. Top with desired about of pesto and lightly toss.
6. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 days, though best when fresh. Pasta can be enjoyed hot, chilled, or at room temperature.

For the Basil Pesto: 

1. Add cashews, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and sea salt to a blender or food processor and pulse until a fine meal.
2. Add basil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and olive oil and puree into a fine paste. If it has trouble mixing, add a bit more oil or hot water (2 – 3 tablespoons) to help encourage it along. It doesn’t need to be finely pureed, just well-mixed. A bit of texture is a good thing in this dish. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.