This is so much fun to make! Any spiralizing of vegetable are fun, guilt-free, and “noodle” like goodness. I could eat pasta every day, but who couldn’t? This is a healthy way to crush the pasta dishes and re-create with oodles of noodles of fun!
I mixed in the flavorful Kale Pesto. You can totally use pasta noodles instead of vegetables. The pesto and smooth texture of the butternut squash are the stars here!
Butternut Squash & Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
- Kale Pesto
- 1 butternut squash, peeled (optional, see directions and notes)*
- 2 large zucchini, peeled
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
For the squash:
- Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease or line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- With a fork, poke holes in butternut squash. Place in microwave for 2-3 minutes. Remove, using a flat peeler, flesh off squash. (Running a knife down each side vertically will work, too)
- Cut along the equator into 1-inch thick slices. Dice into cubes.
- Place squash cubes into a large bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoon of olive oil to coat.
- Place on prepared baking sheet. bake 23-25 minutes.
For the zucchini noodles:
- Using a spiralizer, spiral 2 zucchini’s.
- Over medium heat, drizzle 2 tables olive oil in a large skillet.
- Let the oil heat, and place the “noodles” into the pan.
- Stirring occasionally, sautee the noodles to your liking. (I like mine about three-quarters cooked, it helps the noodle retain its’ structure and still has a bit of a crunch.)
- Place noodles in a large bowl. Let side for a few minutes to allow the excess juice to drain then transfer into another bowl.**
- Add pesto, using tongs to toss and coat zucchini.
- Remove the butternut squash from the oven, top over noodles.
- Enjoy!
*By microwaving the squash we are loosing and softening the skin so it is easier to remove. I sometimes just run my knife down the side. Leaving the skin on does no harm, just adds nutrients!
**Zucchini when cooked releases moisture. Lay down a paper towel on plate to let the juices soak up the water is another way to speed up the drying process. I like it a little wet because it helps move the pesto around.
Let me know what you think in the comment box below!
