Description
Learn how to make delicious Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti Squash Boats with this easy recipe. Perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal!
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (450 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup basil leaves, packed (40 g)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (35 g)
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (25 g)
- 1/2 cup olive oil for pesto (120 ml)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (1 g), optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Brush the cut sides of the squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Season the squash halves with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until tender.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the pesto by combining basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic in a food processor.
- Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of olive oil until smooth.
- Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using), and pulse to combine.
- Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the remaining olive oil.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- When the squash is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash into strands, leaving the shells intact.
- Mix the spaghetti squash strands with the prepared pesto in a large bowl.
- Divide the pesto-coated squash back into the squash shells.
- Top each squash boat with cooked shrimp.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Brush squash with less olive oil for a lighter option when roasting.
- Customize pesto with more or less garlic, cheese, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
- For a spicier dish, add optional red pepper flakes to the pesto.
