The plated dish radiates calm summery vibes with bright yellow strands of spaghetti squash forming a nest, glossed with the creamy butternut pesto. Scattered above are juicy red cherry tomatoes and vibrant green basil leaves, punctuated by white mozzarella pearls. A drizzle of balsamic reduction draws dark, captivating lines across the plate.

Twisted Italian Spaghetti Squash Caprese

Name: Twisted Italian Spaghetti Squash Caprese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: medium Spaghetti Squash, 1 halved and seeds removed; small Butternut Squash, 1 peeled and diced; Cherry Tomatoes, 1 cup halved; fresh Mozzarella Pearls, 1 cup none; fresh Basil leaves, handful none; Olive Oil, 2 tbsp none; Garlic, 2 cloves minced; Salt and Pepper, to taste none; Balsamic Reduction, 1 tbsp for drizzle

Category Quick and Easy

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 45 minutes

Style Italian

Technique Roasting

Diet Friendly Gluten-Free

Daily Recipe: July 07, 2025

This delightful recipe puts a fresh spin on Italian cuisine, offering both vibrant colors and a burst of flavor. The centerpiece of our dish is the versatile and summery squash, paired with succulent cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil and a unique butternut squash 'pesto'. Italian-inspired, yet unexpected, this is a surefire conversation starter for any meal.

Ingredients (for 2)

Medium spaghetti squash - 1 - halved and seeds removed
Small butternut squash - 1 - peeled and diced
Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup - halved
Fresh mozzarella pearls - 1 cup - none
Fresh basil leaves - handful - none
Olive oil - 2 tbsp - none
Garlic - 2 cloves - minced
Salt and pepper - to taste - none
Balsamic reduction - 1 tbsp - for drizzle

Preparation

Step 1 - 🌡️🍝🎃

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly brush the inside of the spaghetti squash halves with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet, cut side down, and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until tender.
Step 2 - 🍳🔥🍠

While the spaghetti squash roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced butternut squash and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3 - 🍯🥣🧂

Transfer the butternut squash mixture to a food processor and blend until it reaches a pesto-like consistency. Add a splash of water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4 - 🍝🍴❄️

Once the spaghetti squash is done, let it cool a bit. Then, use a fork to scrape out the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
Step 5 - 🍽️🍅🌱

To assemble the dish, mix spaghetti squash with butternut squash pesto. Make a nest on the plates. Scatter cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil over the top. Drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving.

Additional

This delightful fusion of a classic Italian dish with seasonal favorites is sure to wow your guests. For variations, feel free to add grilled chicken or swap regular pesto for the butternut one for an extra protein boost. Kids can participate by scraping out the squash or tearing up the basil leaves!