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Two spaghetti squash halves on a brown cutting board shot from overhead
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Cheesy Garlic Pesto Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

You really can't go wrong with spaghetti squash! Cheesy garlicky with a does of pesto for added flavor, this spaghetti squash is sure to become a side dish you put on repeat!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Instant pot recipes
Servings: 3 -4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 whole spaghetti squash
  • cup part skim ricotta
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chopped thyme
  • ¼ cup basil pesto
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  • Cook the spaghetti squash.  Cut the stem off of the spaghetti squash.  Using a paring knife make about 10 vents in the spaghetti squash.  Place the trivet in your Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.  Add the spaghetti squash.  Close the lid and be sure the vent is set to Sealing.  Set to high pressure for 20 minutes.  Once the 20 minutes is up turn off your pot and let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then carefully quick release.
  • Preheat the oven.  While the spaghetti squash is cooking preheat the oven to 400°F.   
  • Cool and scrape.  Using a pot holder or towel remove the squash from the pot.  Let it cool for 15 minutes and then using a sharp knife, slice in half long-ways.  Remove the seeds from the middle of the squash and then use a fork to carefully scrape the spaghetti squash strands.  Reserve the squash halves for later.  Place the strands in a large mixing bowl.  
  • Add the cheese and herbs.  Add the cream cheese, ricotta and 1 tablespoon of parmesan to the spaghetti squash.  Also add the herbs, pesto and garlic.  Toss until well combined.  
  • Stuff the squash.  Take the two squash halves and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Divide the squash mixture between the two halves.  Season with salt and pepper.   
  • Bake the squash.  Bake the squash halves for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese.  
  • Broil to melt the cheese.  Turn your oven to broil and broil for 4-5 minutes.  Keep an eye on the squash as broiler vary and you don't want to end up with burnt squash!  

Notes

  1. If you prefer you can roast the spaghetti squash in the oven.  Cut in half, remove the seeds and roast cut side down for 30 minutes at 400°F.  
  2. If the squash halves are not in good enough shape to restuff them, use a baking dish coated with cooking spray instead.