In case you aren’t yet familiar with cooking this versatile vegetable, spaghetti squash has captured the attention of health conscious foodies (like me!) and summer is the perfect time to experiment with this fun, easy and delicious veggie.
For those of you seeking healthier alternatives to traditional pasta, spaghetti squash is perhaps my favorite stand-in, thanks to its unique ability to transform into delicate strands resembling spaghetti noodles. When cooked well, it serves as the perfect canvas to absorb rich flavors and sauces, providing a satisfying pasta-like experience without the excess carbs and calories that so many of us are trying to avoid.
Beyond its culinary versatility, you can sit back and rest assured that you’re also consuming a bowl rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber. More than you can say for traditional pasta!
Spaghetti squash recipes abound and below I’ve highlighted some of my faves. My kids’ favorite way to eat spaghetti squash is tossed with marinara sauce and cheese but here are some other flexible ideas. Enjoy!
Spaghetti squash with tomato and cream Rose sauce
When our taste buds yearn for Italian deliciousness while staying low-carb, spaghetti squash saves the day! And let me tell you, it never disappoints. Get ready to indulge in the mouth-watering delight known as the Parma Rosa sauce!
This heavenly concoction combines the richness of cream and the tangy sweetness of tomato sauce, perfectly infused with aromatic basil, chives, and the irresistible flavor of parmesan. Mamma Mia, it’s a true winner that will leave you craving more with every bite! Go here to read the recipe.
Pad Thai with spaghetti squash noodles
I used to shy away from ordering or making Pad Thai because those rice noodles would always leave me feeling uncomfortably bloated. But guess what? Life took an exciting turn when I started recipe testing for my very first cookbook, FOOD YOU WANT For The Life You Crave, and decided to get a little adventurous.
In my flexible style, I swapped those carb-loaded noodles for cooked spaghetti squash, and made a few tweaks to the sauce. The result? A guilt-free indulgence with all the deliciousness of the classic dish.
Dare I say this lightened-up Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai recipe is even better than the original?! And you know what adds that extra oomph of flavor? Cilantro! Oh, and let me tell you, when you put all those ingredients together in one bowl, it’s like a party for your taste buds. Just watch the video below to watch how you can recreate this at home or head over here for the list of ingredients.
Burrito bowls
Let me introduce you to the wonder of my spaghetti squash burrito bowl! It’s a prime example of my flexible cooking style, where I add my own spin to a recipe based on what’s available in my pantry.
This dish captures all the bold and flavorful goodness of a perfectly seasoned burrito, but guess what? It’s actually a plate full of scrumptious vegetables. You won’t believe how tasty and satisfying it is! Get ready to savor every bite and enjoy a healthy twist on a classic favorite. The full recipe is here.
Pizza with spaghetti squash crust
If your family’s kids are anything like mine, they’re absolutely obsessed with pizza! But guess what? I have a game-changing idea that’s tastier, cheaper, and even more fun. Picture this: pizza without the greasy guilt and heavy carbs. Sounds amazing, right? Well, get ready to discover a whole new world of pizza goodness that will leave everyone craving more!
Just combine cooked spaghetti squash with an egg and cheese, and voila! You’ve created a mouth-watering pizza crust that’s a close relative to the beloved cauliflower crust you’ve seen me share before.
But here’s the best part: the real magic happens when you get the family involved and everyone customizes their bases with their favorite toppings. It’s a win-win situation: a healthier pizza alternative and fun bonding time all in one. And it’s all shown in the video below, plus the ingredients are here. 🙂
Paleo-friendly beef bolognese and spaghetti squash
During pregnancy, most people crave chocolate or pickles. But my heart was set on spaghetti squash! The only problem was that every local supermarket seemed to be out of stock. So there I was, on a wild pregnant goose chase, calling up suppliers at farms all over New York, trying to satisfy my growing baby’s needs (okay, okay, *my* cravings). I’ll never forget the joy I felt when I finally got my hands on that elusive squash. Even now, whenever I spot one, it takes me right back to that special time, and I can’t help but smile. Ah, the memories! So this last recipe is true comfort food at its finest: beef bolognese with spaghetti squash for the pasta.
Have you tried these recipes?
I love to see your flexible creations with the versatility of spaghetti squash! If you’ve made the recipes featured here—or any of my easily adaptable dishes—share a photo on Instagram and tag me @TheFlexibleChef.
