how to cook spaghetti squash? and your fav recipes?

tmariethomas5

The avocado pesto sounds delicious!

mi2ak2co

Bump... Great recipes

mike_ny

I always come back to just butter. Spaghetti squash has such a subtle sweet flavor and is so low in calories itself, that salted butter is about all it needs. What else can you eat with a few pats of butter and still be low calorie?

Sometimes less is more and definitely true here.

gomezeureka

Very informative, please keep this post updated. thanks!

Mkmassey3

I have one in my fridge, now I have a great reason to get it baked!!

bcattoes

This may sound like a stupid question but would substituting a spaghetti squash for a butternut squash or some other sort of gourd-like vegetable work? They don't seem to be available where I live but I really want to try this! :bigsmile:

I would say no, not butternut squash or other winter squashes. Although spaghetti squash is a winter squash, it taste more like a summer squash. The best substitute IMO would be very thinly sliced lightly steamed zucchini (just steamed enough to soften so it falls in ribbons).

tonybalony01

Here's one of my favorites from South Beach Diet.
I've never found a 1lb spaghetti squash, so I usually end up getting the smallest one at the store and doubling everything else.
It makes enough for two servings for dinner and a side for lunch for several days.
Italian Style Spaghetti Squash
INGREDIENTS

1 pound spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch dice
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 cup reduced-fat grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/2 small lemon, sliced
DIRECTIONS

1
Place the squash halves, cut sides down, in a glass baking dish. Add 1/8 cup water and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes until tender; cool slightly.
2
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the onion and cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Add the zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes until the zucchini begins to brown. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat; simmer gently for 10 minutes.
3
Using a fork, scrape the squash strands into a bowl. Toss with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Mound the squash in the center of 4 pasta bowls and spoon the vegetable mixture around the squash. Drizzle with more oil, if desired, and garnish with Parmesan cheese, if using. Add the lemon slices.

cmkile1003

Yum

NerdyTXChick

Bump

willrun4bagels

Saving these recipes for later!

Does the texture change if you microwave it vs. baking it?

jillianbeeee

Thank you so much all for all the great recipes! Going to cook it tonight, wish me luck!

kbolton322

bump

JenniTheVeggie

LOVE spaghetti squash! I cut mine in half...clean out the seeds and microwave until it is soft.

I cooked some cherry tomatoes with garlic and olive oil yesterday and tossed it with the cooked squash along with some crumbled Parmesan. I did the same thing today except I used sun dried tomatoes (I was out of fresh).

katbirdinpa

I love spaghetti squash. slice it in half, remove seeds. Olive oil, salt and pepper bake cut side down 350 1 hour
I put meat sauce, just like spaghetti with noodles. Awesome

rhonda966

I saw a low carb recipe using zucchini. It was scooped out and topped like pizza with meat cheese marinara... or whatever you like! sounds good!

rhondatime2chg

I pierce it a few times, then cook it whole. Once softened, cut in half, remove the seeds, and use a fork to pull the flesh out. It will come out like strands of spaghetti. I top with a sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and fresh basil.

ConnieKay1

You can pierce these a few times, then put it in the microwave on the potato setting. Once cool, slit and scoop out seeds. Shred the squash out with a fork. Then put a little olive oil in a pan, whatever veggies and seasoning you like and serve it with a piece of baked chicken or fish topped with a small amount of your favorite cheese. Very filling.

tonybalony01

Saving these recipes for later!

Does the texture change if you microwave it vs. baking it?

IMO it doesn't change it.

brittanynicole_86

Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
1 spaghetti squash, cut in half, seeds scooped out
2 tablespoons of butter
1 small onion, sliced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon thyme
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Place the squash flat side down in a dish with 1/2 inch water, microwave for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the onion in the butter, add thyme and red pepper. Cook until brown.
Use a fork to scrape the insides of the squash out into a bowl. Add onions, sour cream, and half the cheese. Mix well.
spread into a greased casserole dish, top with rest of cheese. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes until squash is cooked,and it's brown and bubbly.

mmstone13

Easy Healthy Alfredo:
cooked spaghetti squash
jar light alfredo sauce (there are a bunch of different brands)
cut up rotisserie chicken.
Done.

if you want to get real adventurous, cook some onions and mushrooms before hand and add them!