These spaghetti squash recipes prove that everything’s better with squash! Try everything from roasted to lasagna to pad Thai.
Roasting spaghetti squash and scraping it into long, luxurious noodles seems like a trick invented by a clever marketer. There’s something about this squash that’s just plain fun, and of course those noodles are completely all natural! Everyone’s favorite squash can be made into so many different things: mac and cheese, pad Thai, a simple side of “noodles,” or spaghetti with marinara. Here are all our favorite spaghetti squash recipes to make this season!
And now… our top spaghetti squash recipes!
Here's the right way to roast spaghetti squash! This trick makes for the longest, most luxurious spaghetti squash noodles. What's the secret? Cutting the squash in half width-wise instead of lengthwise makes for longer noodles. Head over for the full method!
One of our most popular spaghetti squash recipes is this spaghetti squash pad Thai! It's just like your favorite Thai takeout, but using spaghetti squash for the noodles instead. It's got a tangy, zesty sauce, lots of crunchy veggies, and is topped with peanuts and lots of cilantro.
An incredibly delicious spaghetti squash recipe? Spaghetti squash spaghetti! Roast up the squash (or cook it in the Instant Pot!). Then saute it with garlic and herbs to up the Italian flavors. To serve, douse it in your very favorite marinara sauce! Add a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parm) and it's a tasty side dish! To make it filling enough for a main dish, add lentils, meat, or vegan meatballs or another side of hearty plant based protein.
This mac and cheese recipe is just as comforting and homey as it sounds. The spaghetti squash noodles are mixed with a creamy cheesy Béchamel sauce made with Gruyere cheese, a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of white wine. It sounds fancy, but at its core: it's comfort food at its finest. Roasting or pressure cooking spaghetti squash transforms its interior into long, slender "noodles." You can even use the squash shell as a serving dish!
Here’s an easy spaghetti squash recipe that we’ve been making often as a healthy side dish. The tender squash noodles are swirled with basil pesto and doused with fluffy grated Parmesan. WOW! I announced after my first bite. And we hope you will too! (Side note: Kids love it.) You can make this in the oven or pressure cooker: and you’re going to want to make it all the time.
Meet your new favorite dream-boat spaghetti squash recipe: baked Spaghetti Squash Lasagna! This delicious no-noodle spin on the classic so satisfying, you’ll find yourself dreaming about the next time you get to eat it. It’s naturally gluten-free yet cheesy enough that you won’t miss the noodles. Mix those squash noodles with ricotta and Parmesan, then bake them with marinara and gooey mozzarella on top.
This casserole is an Italian style spin on the traditional, featuring basil pesto, sundried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. It’s seriously hearty and satisfying. Serve it as a vegetarian main dish with a few sides (like these?), or as a showy side dish when entertaining or for a pitch in.
Wow is all we can say about this pan of fire-roasted tomato goodness! It's similar to baked ziti, but using spaghetti squash! Cozy and saucy, topped with burrata cheese and crushed red pepper. via How Sweet Eats
Why not use spaghetti squash as noodles for shrimp scampi? This easy, flavorful, and healthy recipe comes together quickly! Juicy shrimp is served over tender spaghetti squash for a fun twist on the classic. via Grandbaby Cakes
Here's a fun way to mix up your spaghetti squash routine: with chicken alfredo! Swap out the pasta in this savory, cheesy blend of juicy chicken, creamy alfredo, and roasted squash. It's perfect for those chilly fall evenings!
Ever tried spaghetti squash...as soup? This creamy, flavorful soup features naturally gluten free noodles with chard, carrots, and celery in an herby tomato-based broth. A cozy soup for the fall and winter! via Crowded Kitchen
We're all about pairing the best flavor combinations with squash, so why not try broccoli cheddar? This one tastes like everyone's favorite creamy soup, but it's baked with squash noodles right in a skillet. via The Kitchn
Spaghetti squash as pizza crust? That's right, roast it up, combine with Parmesan and egg, and it makes a faux dough for pizza sauce and cheese. It's a fun inventive way to use this squash! via Skinny Taste
Add savory mushrooms, spinach and Parmesan cheese to your spaghetti squash noodles, and you've got a fun vegetarian meal! It's hearty and savory, loaded with flavor and fresh herbs. via Well Plated
We're ending with our favorite of these spaghetti squash recipes: buffalo chicken stuffed squash! Tender chicken, buffalo sauce, sharp cheddar, and blue cheese all in a spaghetti squash? Yes please! via How Sweet Eats
How to cut spaghetti squash
While most people think they know the right way to cut spaghetti squash: there’s actually a trick to it! Cutting it width-wise actually makes for the longest, most luxurious noodles. Here’s a video Alex made that shows you exactly how to cut it!
Spaghetti squash nutrition
As you might guess from its bright yellow color, spaghetti squash is full of nutrients. According to the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, squash is full of beta carotene, protein, Vitamin C & B6, potassium, and fiber.
While there are no studies to cite on specific health benefits of spaghetti squash, here’s what we can say! A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, and have a positive effect on blood sugar to keep your appetite in check.
More squash recipes
Got butternut instead? Found a delicata and not sure how to use it? Here are some resources for other types of squash:
- Grab all favorite 15 Acorn Squash Recipes
- Try 15 Delicata Squash Recipes for the Season
- Go for 21 Tasty Butternut Squash Recipes
- In summer, make 15 Tasty Yellow Squash Recipes
15 Fun Spaghetti Squash Recipes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 as a main; 4 with protein 1x
Description
The best way to eat everyone’s favorite squash? Spaghetti squash spaghetti! The noodles are sauteed with herbs, then topped with marinara and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (3 pounds)
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (or sub olive oil for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve (or Vegan Parmesan Cheese)
- Marinara sauce (use Easy Marinara Sauce or Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with meat or veggie crumbles)
- Protein, if serving as a main dish*
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti squash: Make Roasted Spaghetti Squash or Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash.
- Mince the garlic.
- When the squash is cooked, heat a large skillet to medium low. Add the butter and olive oil and warm until melted. Add the garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Warm, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until garlic just starts to brown. Remove from heat and add squash noodles, kosher salt and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until well combined. Taste, and add salt as necessary.
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce and a bit more grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
*Since squash isn’t as filling as normal noodles, you may want to serve with meat, eggplant meatballs, veggie meatballs, lentils, walnut meat, crispy tofu, tofu crumbles, or another plant based protein. We served with goat cheese, bread, and a salad.
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Squash
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: Spaghetti Squash Recipes, Roasted Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Let us know if you have any questions!
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