10 Best Spaghetti Squash Recipes: Delicious and Healthy Alternatives

Spaghetti squash is a versatile and healthy alternative to pasta that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its unique texture, which resembles spaghetti strands when cooked, makes it a favorite among those looking for low-carb, gluten-free options. In this blog post, we'll explore the ten best spaghetti squash recipes, complete with detailed instructions, ingredients, and necessary kitchen tools. We'll also provide a short background for each recipe. Let's dive into the world of spaghetti squash!

1. Classic Spaghetti Squash with Marinara

Background: This recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy spaghetti squash as a low-carb substitute for traditional pasta. It's a classic dish that pairs well with a rich marinara sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
   • Drizzle the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Roast the Squash:
   • Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet.
   • Roast for 40-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
   • Let it cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape out the strands.
3. Heat the Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce until simmering.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss the spaghetti squash strands with the marinara sauce.
   • Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Saucepan

2. Spaghetti Squash Alfredo

Background: This creamy Alfredo recipe is a decadent and healthier alternative to traditional Alfredo pasta. Using spaghetti squash reduces the calories and carbs while still delivering a rich, flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Follow the same instructions for roasting the squash as in the classic spaghetti squash recipe.
2. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss the spaghetti squash strands with the Alfredo sauce.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Saucepan

3. Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Background: Inspired by the classic Italian pasta dish, this spaghetti squash carbonara is a lighter, low-carb version that retains all the rich and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Follow the same instructions for roasting the squash as in the classic spaghetti squash recipe.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
   • Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese.
   • Add the spaghetti squash strands and cooked bacon to the skillet with the garlic.
   • Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the squash and toss quickly to combine.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

4. Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

Background: This recipe transforms spaghetti squash into a flavorful and healthy version of the popular Thai dish, Pad Thai. It's packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Follow the same instructions for roasting the squash as in the classic spaghetti squash recipe.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and carrot. Cook until tender.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
   • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet.
   • Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble until cooked.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, and honey.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the spaghetti squash strands to the skillet.
   • Pour the sauce over the squash and vegetables, tossing to combine.
   • Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

5. Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats

Background: These spaghetti squash lasagna boats are a fun and healthy twist on traditional lasagna. Each squash half serves as its own "boat," filled with layers of cheese, sauce, and meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Follow the same instructions for roasting the squash as in the classic spaghetti squash recipe.
2. Cook the Beef:
   • In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned.
   • Drain the fat and stir in the marinara sauce.
3. Assemble the Lasagna Boats:
   • Scrape out the spaghetti squash strands, leaving the shells intact.
   • In each squash half, layer the ricotta cheese, spaghetti squash strands, beef mixture, and shredded mozzarella.
   • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
4. Bake:
   • Place the filled squash halves back on the baking sheet.
   • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Skillet

6. Spaghetti Squash Primavera

Background: This recipe is inspired by the classic pasta primavera, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables and a light garlic and olive oil sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Follow the same instructions for roasting the squash as in the classic spaghetti squash recipe.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
   • Add the zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and peas. Cook until tender.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the spaghetti squash strands to the skillet and toss to combine.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Skillet

7. Spaghetti Squash Bolognese

Background: This recipe replaces traditional pasta with spaghetti squash, pairing it with a rich and flavorful Bolognese sauce made from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Follow the same instructions for roasting the squash as in the classic spaghetti squash recipe.
2. Make the Bolognese Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss the spaghetti squash strands with the Bolognese sauce.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Skillet

8. Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi

Background: This recipe is a healthy take on shrimp scampi, using spaghetti squash instead of pasta. The lemony, garlicky sauce pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp and squash.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Follow the same instructions for roasting the squash as in the classic spaghetti squash recipe.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
   • Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss the spaghetti squash strands with the shrimp and sauce.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Skillet

9. Spaghetti Squash Pesto

Background: This simple yet flavorful recipe combines spaghetti squash with a fresh basil pesto, creating a light and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Follow the same instructions for roasting the squash as in the classic spaghetti squash recipe.
2. Make the Pesto:
   • In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
   • Pulse until finely chopped.
   • With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss the spaghetti squash strands with the pesto.
   • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Food processor

10. Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Background: This hearty spaghetti squash casserole is a perfect comfort food, combining squash with ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash: Follow the same instructions for roasting the squash as in the classic spaghetti squash recipe.
2. Cook the Beef:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large baking dish, layer the spaghetti squash strands, beef mixture, and shredded mozzarella.
   • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy hot.

Kitchen Tools:

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Fork
• Skillet
• Baking dish

Conclusion

Spaghetti squash is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you're looking for a low-carb alternative to pasta or simply want to try something new, these ten recipes offer a range of flavors and styles to suit any palate. From classic marinara to creamy Alfredo, from shrimp scampi to hearty casseroles, there's a spaghetti squash recipe for everyone. Happy cooking and enjoy these delightful and nutritious meals!