It’s almost peak season for one of my favorite vegetables: spaghetti squash! I’m Italian and picky about my pasta, however, I love a perfectly cooked bowl of spaghetti squash– even more than any of those low carb noodles available these days. Therefore, I’ve compiled 28 spaghetti squash recipes to satisfy those pasta cravings.
Once you master the art of cooking spaghetti squash, you get all those flavors from your favorite pasta dish but with a delicious, nutritious, lower carb noodle. It’s available year-round but peak season is August to October.
Some Tips on Cooking SPaghetti Squash
I totally get that cooking a spaghetti squash can seem daunting but it really is worth it! There are various ways to cook spaghetti squash – and I have tried them all. My favorite is cutting the spaghetti squash crosswise (not lengthwise) and baking it for 30-40 minutes at 400 degrees F. This creates longer strands of al dente noodles and it’s so much easier to cut it!
However, many recipes call for making pretty spaghetti squash boats and cooking it that way. This requires the squash to be cut lengthwise. It does help to poke some holes in the squash and microwave for 5 minutes to soften before cutting. Otherwise, attempting to cut a spaghetti squash lengthwise can be a bit dangerous.
You can even air fry a spaghetti squash depending on the size. If you have a small spaghetti squash it can be cut in half lengthwise and air-fried for just 20 minutes at degrees F. Or, you can take a larger one and air fry in batches.
For spaghetti squash beginners, it might be worth trying this Microwave Spaghetti Squash (Recipe This) or Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash (Love and Other Spices).
Spaghetti Squash Recipes Ideas
28 ways to use spaghetti squash this season – even a soup and salad option! I find that most recipes make really good leftovers, too. Therefore, all that hard work can make for a nutritious lunch the next day as well.
Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash (Running to the Kitchen)
The spaghetti squash is filled with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes and cheese then baked in the oven. It’s then pulled out, mixed together, and topped with more cheese and breadcrumbs to create a crispy broiled crust. Therefore, why it’s called twice-baked!
Healthier Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
One of my favorite spaghetti squash recipes is this lighter version of a chicken alfredo, utilizing a whipped cottage cheese sauce instead of cream. It’s paired with decadent, juicy chicken thighs and peas for some added color and texture. A low carb, high protein option.
Also try:
— Alfredo Spaghetti Squash (Lauren Kelly Nutrition); vegan with cashews and nutritional yeast.
Salmon Spaghetti Squash Bake (Champagne Tastes)
A creamy, decadent seafood casserole featuring salmon, squash, milk and parmesan cheese. Salmon is what I like to call a “superfood” as it is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA- as well as vitamin D!
Also try this Spaghetti Squash Gratin from Champagne Tastes: similar to the recipe above but without the salmon.
Spaghetti Squash Pizza Boats (Basics with Bail)
If you’re craving the classic pizza flavors, try this low-carb healthier twist. These pepperoni pizza spaghetti squash boats might just do the trick and are a guilt-free alternative.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Fox and Briar)
This recipe utilizes the microwave to cook the spaghetti squash for convenience. It is then shredded and combined with Italian spices, sausage and tomato sauce in a pan for a quick and easy meal. Lastly, it’s topped with cheese and then baked until bubbly.
Vegan Bolognese with Lentils and Spaghetti Squash (Fannestastic Food)
An amazing lentil vegan Bolognese made in the Instant Pot! Lentils and mushrooms are added to the sauce, which gives it a meaty flavor without actually adding meat. A comforting, nutritious plant-based meal that’s higher in protein and fiber!
For more plant-based protein spaghetti squash, try this Italian Chickpea Casserole (Strength and Sunshine). A vegan option featuring chickpeas, zucchini and tomato basil sauce.
Whole30 Spaghetti Squash Carbonara (Mary’s Whole Life)
Spaghetti squash noodles are tossed with crispy bacon, peas and a creamy sauce made with cashews, coconut milk, nutritious yeast and chicken broth. Therefore, this recipe is egg free and Whole30 approved. A healthier version of a traditional comfort food!
Also try:
— Baked Spaghetti Squash Carbonara Casserole (Masala Herb)
— Vegan Chipotle Alfredo Spaghetti Squash (Spa Bettie)
Keto Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti Squash (Summer Yule)
A keto-friendly Cincinnati chili (also known as skyline chili) served over al dente spaghetti squash. The chili is meaty and spiced with cinnamon, cloves, ground cumin which gives it a unique flavor.
Other options incorporating beans:
— Chili Cheese Spaghetti Squash (Plant Based on a Budget)
— Quinoa & Black Bean Stuffed Spaghetti Squash (Lauren Kelly Nutrition)
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash (Hello Frozen Bananas)
A “semi-homemade” ground turkey Bolognese made with jarred marinara sauce and some additional ingredients like carrots, garlic, onion and celery to make it more flavorful. A perfect balance of convenience and nutrition! Each serving has about 34 grams of protein!
Baked Feta Spaghetti Squash (Basics with Bail)
This recipe is similar to the viral TikTok recipe but with spaghetti squash! The feta and tomatoes are baked inside each spaghetti squash half, which creates a creamy, slightly tangy sauce. Garnish with basil leaves and balsamic glaze for a burst of color and even more flavor dimension.
Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash (Dr. Davinah Eats)
A lower carb shrimp scampi with fresh ingredients like garlic, shallots, parsley, lemon juice and dry white wine. Top with parmesan cheese for an absolute explosion of flavors.
Sheet Pan Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes (Life as a Strawberry)
A simple, one pan spaghetti squash meal! The spaghetti squash, tomatoes and onions are roasted on a sheet pan. That same pan is then deglazed with white wine and reduced to make a delicious tomato sauce. Serve with some leftover chicken and it’s an easy, well-balanced dish.
Also try One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs (Snacking Emily).
Cheesy Spaghetti Squash with Spinach (Little Sunny Kitchen)
Spaghetti squash boats filled with a creamy, cheese sauce (similar to alfredo) made with just 5 ingredients. It’s sure to be a comforting fall favorite!
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Ground Beef (Simple and Fraiche)
Spaghetti squash halves stuffed with ground beef, Italian sauce, marinara sauce, pesto, mozzarella cheese and Italian spices! A dish the whole family will love and ready in under an hour.
Cheesy Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash (Three Olives Branch)
A hearty, filling chicken and basil pesto spaghetti squash topped with ooey gooey melted cheese. Make your own homemade pesto sauce or store-bought one.
Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash (The Forked Spoon)
Low carb buffalo chicken “pasta” anyone? These spaghetti squash bowls are filled with juicy shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a buffalo sauce made with Frank’s Red Hot, butter and Greek yogurt. A creamy, well-balanced dinner for those who love this spicy flavor combination.
Also try:
— Healthy Buffalo Chicken Casserole (Mary’s Whole Life)
Spaghetti Squash Soup (The Herbeevore)
Transform your traditional chicken noodle soup by using spaghetti squash instead! This soup is fresh and bright with lots of vegetables, chickpeas, and a delicious broth. It makes for great leftovers for a nutritious light lunch the next day or two.
Zesty Spaghetti Squash Salad (Whole New Mom)
A different take on spaghetti squash… this spaghetti squash salad is tossed in a zesty dressing with onion, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil! It can be served warm or cold and makes a delicious side dish. Or, top with some leftover chicken for an easy, well-rounded meal.
Braised Lemon Chicken with Spaghetti Squash (A Grateful Meal)
Bright and refreshing lemon braised chicken served over spaghetti squash. The chicken is dredged in flour and Italian seasoning, then seared in a pan and braised with chicken stock and lemon juice. Simple yet healthy flavors are sometimes the best way to serve spaghetti squash.
Enjoy!
As a spaghetti squash fanatic, I can’t wait to try some of these recipes! Even when I have seeds and pulp all over the place I always feel accomplished after cooking spaghetti squash. I’m telling you, it’s totally worth it! If you try one of these recipes, let me know how it goes!