25 Delicious Reasons to Keep a Spaghetti Squash on Hand (2024)

25 Delicious Reasons to Keep a Spaghetti Squash on Hand (1)

Whether you're cutting back on carbs or just trying to get more veg in your life, spaghetti squash recipes are a simple way to make weeknight dinners fun and easy.

The magical spaghetti squash can be baked just like any other kind of winter squash, but then it can be separated into long spaghetti-like strands that can be used as a substitute in pasta dishes, or just to liven up a meal! (Here are some other winter squash recipes for you.)

The Best Way to Prepare Spaghetti Squash for Pasta

If you're making spaghetti squash into, well, spaghetti, here's a smart trick: Instead of cutting it in half, cut the squash into rings. Then, either bake or microwave them.

After they're cooked, lay the rings flat and scrape the strands into the middle with a fork. This will result in much longer spaghetti squash strands, which look better on a plate and are more fun to eat!

1

Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash

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When scraped out with a fork, cooked spaghetti squash transforms into noodle-like strands. It's a great way to satisfy pasta cravings without the guilt, especially when paired with oven-broiled turkey meatballs.

Get the recipe for Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash.

2

Spaghetti Squash with Olives and Pecorino

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This simple dish can be made mostly in the microwave and comes together in minutes.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Olives and Pecorino.

3

Spaghetti Squash Alfredo

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Half the fun of this rich, cheesy, creamy dish is eating it straight out of the squash.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash Alfredo.

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4

Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca

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This vegetable dish, disguised as a pasta, is a fresh and flavorful take on a traditional Italian recipe.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca.

5

Roasted Spaghetti Squash, Tomatoes, and Zucchini

Like a cross between ratatouille and vegetable pasta, this sweet, tangy vegetable dish is a sure winner.

Get the recipe for Roasted Spaghetti Squash, Tomatoes, and Zucchini.

6

Spaghetti Squash with Chunky Sauce

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Turkey sausage, zucchini, diced tomato and onion make up a thick, satisfying sauce to top this easy weeknight dinner.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Chunky Sauce.

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7

Perfect Spaghetti Squash

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One of our favorite bloggers, Charlotte, shows us a technique for getting longer, better strands out of the spaghetti squash — and for cooking it perfectly. Use this technique in any of your favorite recipes.

Get the technique for Perfect Spaghetti Squash at Clean Foodie Cravings.

8

Low-Carb Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash

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This super fresh and simple dish uses just seven ingredients. What could be more weeknight-friendly than that?

Get the recipe for Low-Carb Basil Pesto Spaghetti Squash at Food Fidelity.

9

Spaghetti Squash with Eggplant Marinara

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Here's a creamy take on Eggplant marinara that you can scoop right out of the squash itself. It's perfect for Meatless Mondays — or any other day of the week.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Eggplant Marinara at Rosalynn Daniels.

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10

Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Roasted squash rubbed with oil, then loaded up with sautéed veggies and covered in cheese makes for an incredibly satisfying and healthy meal.

Get the recipe for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash at Clean Foodie Cravings.

11

Spaghetti Squash Boats

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If you're looking for a meaty, cheesy, decadent alternative to pasta night, with a few more grams of fiber and a few less carbs, these delicious sauce-filled boats will fit the bill.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash Boats at Savory Thoughts.

12

Creamy Spaghetti Squash with Browned Butter Walnuts

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Creamy goat cheese and crispy sage are the perfect complements to the browned butter walnuts in this warm, cozy dish.

Get the recipe for Creamy Spaghetti Squash with Browned Butter Walnuts at Half Baked Harvest.

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13

Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash

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Get all the creamy, garlicky delight of a traditional shrimp scampi with a lighter twist—just by swapping out the pasta.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash at Damn Delicious.

14

Spaghetti Squash with Feta and Herbs

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Keep things simple and fresh with this spaghetti squash tossed with olive oil, fresh herbs, and feta.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Feta and Herbs at Recipe Runner.

15

Huevos Rancheros-Inspired Spaghetti Squash

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Fuse your spaghetti squash dinner with the classic Mexican breakfast in this tasty dish.

Get the recipe for Huevos Rancheros-Inspired Spaghetti Squash at Taste and Tell.

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16

Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

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Toss your spaghetti squash in this creamy roasted red pepper sauce for a supremely satisfying meal.

Get the recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce at Two Peas and Their Pod.

17

Four-Cheese Spaghetti Squash

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Cheese lovers, unite! This four-cheese spaghetti squash is here to make your cheesiest dreams come true.

Get the recipe for Four-Cheese Spaghetti Squash at Delish.

18

Spicy Tomato Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

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Warning: Once you make this meal, you might never head back to your favorite Italian restaurant again. It's loaded with a spicy tomato sauce, homemade pesto, and melty mozzarella cheese.

Get the recipe for Spicy Tomato Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash at Half Baked Harvest.

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19

Southwest Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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Think of this casserole as a low-carb spin on your favorite Mexican meal. It's loaded with chicken, black beans, and corn, and topped with Monterey Jack cheese.

Get the recipe for Southwest Spaghetti Squash Casserole at Recipe Runner.

20

Chili Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

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Customize this dish with your favorite chili recipe. Although this blogger chose a vegetarian version, you can definitely do one with meat.

Get the recipe for Chili Stuffed Spaghetti Squash at Peas and Crayons.

25 Delicious Reasons to Keep a Spaghetti Squash on Hand (2024)

FAQs

What part of the body is spaghetti squash good for? ›

Aids Digestive Health

Spaghetti squash is an excellent source of fiber, with 1 cup clocking in at 2.2 grams, or 9% of a person's daily fiber needs. This helps to promote good digestive health and keep things moving.

What is the best way to keep spaghetti squash? ›

The ideal storage space for whole, raw squash is a dark, cool area such as a cabinet, pantry, or closet. If you can keep the storage area between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (13 and 16 degrees Celsius), then it may last as long as 3 months without going bad.

Is spaghetti squash really healthy for you? ›

In particular, winter squash provides plenty of beta carotene — a potent plant pigment that can help protect your cells and DNA from damage ( 3 , 4 ). Spaghetti squash is also a source of vitamin C, which doubles as an antioxidant and has been shown to play a significant role in disease prevention ( 1 , 5 ).

Is spaghetti squash good for kidneys? ›

Kidney-friendly squashes include yellow crookneck, scallop, and spaghetti. Some that should be enjoyed on occasion in half serving sizes (due to their potassium content) include pumpkin, butternut, acorn, hubbard and zucchini.

Does spaghetti squash help gut health? ›

Colon Health

Because of the appearance of spaghetti squash, you might assume that it is rich in fiber. It has over 2 grams per serving, which is more than regular pasta but not as much as many other vegetables. Fiber in the diet contributes to colon health by increasing the regularity of bowel movements.

Can I freeze raw spaghetti squash? ›

You sure can, and you may even reap some extra benefits by doing so. “Freezing spaghetti squash and many other kinds of produce when they are at their peak freshness not only locks in its nutrients,” says Warwick, “but also offers the ability to meal prep in season for out-of-season flavor.”

Should you keep spaghetti squash in the fridge or counter? ›

Whole raw spaghetti squash can be stored for up to two months in a cool (55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit), dry location such as the pantry. What is this? Whole raw spaghetti squash also keeps well in the refrigerator although it spoils more quickly than in a cool, dry place mentioned above.

How long can you leave spaghetti squash on the vine? ›

The maximum length recommended for most varieties is 110 days on the vine. After then, it will become overripe, but be sure to check the rind, color, and vine to test when to harvest.

When should you not eat spaghetti squash? ›

The spaghetti squash should look lemon-yellow. It's perfectly fine if there are varying colors of yellow, but you don't want it to be green or white or have soft spots. It should feel heavy for its size. Avoid any bruises or a cracked stem.

Which is healthier, zucchini or spaghetti squash? ›

A look into essential Vitamins & Minerals, shows that Zucchini Pasta outdoes Spaghetti Squash on every one, except for Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium and Selenium. Information found from SELF's Nutrition Data calculator. What do you think of this comparison?

Is spaghetti squash a super food? ›

Like other members of the squash family, the spaghetti squash is high in vitamins and nutritional value. “You're getting tons of vitamin C, vitamin B6, betacarotene and fiber,” Czerwony says. It also has antioxidants, which Czerwony notes are especially helpful for other reasons.

Is spaghetti squash good for inflammation? ›

Registered dietitian Jennifer Neale notes that spaghetti squash contains moderate amounts of vitamin C and carotenoids—both of which have anti-inflammatory benefits. Though spaghetti squash doesn't quite stack up against nutritional powerhouses like kale or berries, its versatility is nearly unmatched.

What part of the body is squash good for? ›

This squash has a lot of antioxidants, which can boost your immunity and help your body to fight off certain diseases. Acorn squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C that help strengthen bones and blood vessels. It also has vitamin A, which helps improve the health of your lungs, heart and other vital organs.

Does squash detox your body? ›

Foods to Support a Natural Detox

Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is a good source of vitamin C and an excellent source of vitamin A. These vitamins support your immune system by fighting off invading bacteria and viruses.

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