21 Spaghetti Squash Recipes That Will Make You Forget You're Eating Veggies
On a no-pasta diet? Spaghetti squash is the perfect stand-in for carb-dense noodles.
There are SO many low-carb noodle alternatives out there today, like zoodles (like our pesto or burrito zoodles); cucumber noodles (like in our Thai peanut cucumber noodles or Greek cucumber noodle salad); and even cauliflower (like in our cauliflower mac and cheese or baked ziti). Our OG fave? Spaghetti squash! If you don’t already know the joys of spaghetti squash, get ready. We’ve highlighted a ton of cheesy, Italian pasta-inspired recipes, but it truly can be used in place of traditional noodles in everything from stir fries to casseroles. Check out our list of 21 spaghetti squash recipes–you won’t even miss the carbs.
It should be noted, like other hard-skinned squash (think pumpkin, acorn, butternut, etc.), spaghetti squash can be a little intimidating. How do you turn a heavy, sunshine yellow squash into delicious pasta strands? Firstly, you’ve got to get the thing open. Rather than try and cut lengthwise through the extra tough stem, cut off the stem and the sides first to create flat surfaces. Then stand your squash up, and cut straight down so you have two halves. Once you’ve got it open, follow our directions for how to cook spaghetti squash—it’s super-simple in your oven, you’ve just got to have patience (they usually take ~1 hour to cook).
You could start simple and serve your squash as a side, tossed in some butter and seasoned with just salt and pepper—it can pair with just about anything. If you'd like to go the pasta route, heat up some marinara or Alfredo sauce and spoon it right on top. Add protein, like in our chicken primavera squash boats or our meatball stuffed spaghetti squash. Serve your squash strands inside the husk of your spaghetti squash for a convenient, low-carb weeknight dinner with less dishes. Win win!
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