In a carb-curbing world, many people are resorting to zoodles and spiralized sweet potatoes to get their pasta fix. But the great thing about spaghetti squash is that it can be used to prepare a variety of recipes beyond our fettuccini fixation. From tater tots and pancakes to taco bowls and pizza crusts, this versatile winter squash cuts calories and fat in our favorite dishes and lends filling fiber and vitamin C and potassium. Read on for seven feel-good spaghetti squash recipes you’ll crave every day.
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7 Creative Spaghetti Squash Recipes
1. Low Carb Chorizo-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
On nights when you want to bad but gotta be good, these stuffed spaghetti squashes will have your back. Cheesy bits of chorizo are cooked with tomatoes, and then stuffed into spaghetti squash halves. Under a broiler, these boats cook up in three to five minutes, making for a speedy weeknight dinner. Photo and recipe: Martina / Keto Diet
2. Spiced Spaghetti Squash Pancakes
Pancakes are usually a sweet breakfast staple, but these savory flapjacks are just as delicious. In this recipe, shredded squash is combined with grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic and a little flour to prepare the batter. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and green onions. Now, that’s something to you’ll want to wake up to. Photo and recipe: Emily Hein, RDN, LN / Zen and Spice
3. Spaghetti Squash Pizza Crust
We’re all about cauliflower crust pizza, but spaghetti squash is a great alternative if you don’t own a food processor and want to sneak veggies into your dough. Spaghetti squash also lends a light but filling texture. Something to keep in mind: You might want to go easy on your toppings because the crust is thin. Photo and recipe: Jean Choi / What Great Grandma Ate
RELATED: Spaghetti Squash with Chickpea Tomato Sauce Recipe
4. Vegan Spaghetti Squash Taco Bowls
Never underestimate the deliciousness of a vegan meal. This taco bowl recipe has all the great flavor of the finger food — without the added calories. By swapping the tortilla for spaghetti squash, you’ve got an instant plant-based option that still hits the spot. And for the “taco meat?” A flavorful combination of brown rice, chickpeas and nuts. Photo and recipe: Vicky / Avocado Pesto
5. Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash
It never hurts to keep things a little traditional. Garlic and Parmesan cheese come together to create an incredibly flavorful and comforting dish. You can choose to add some smoked paprika to bring a little heat. Serve it alongside some ground turkey meatballs for a satisfying, homestyle meal. Photo and recipe: Liza / Salu Salo Recipes
6. Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Crispy Kale Leaves
We all love the creamy, rich flavor of alfredo sauce, but it’s also calorie-dense and full of fat — the bad kind. This healthier option swaps squash for fettuccini and organic whipping cream for butter and flour. The crispy kale leaves offer some crunch — not to mention antioxidants and filling fiber. Photo and recipe: Stephanie Pollard / Healthy Glow
RELATED: Cauliflower and Kale Pasta Recipe
7. Spaghetti Squash Chicken Noodle Soup
As we enter cold-and-flu season, you’ll be glad you bookmarked this recipe. Unlike canned chicken noodle soup, which tends to have skyrocketing levels of salt, this recipe uses only a touch of it and relies heavily on dried herbs for flavor. Using lemon juice and a touch of hot sauce adds a nice kick to your broth, while grilled vegetables give the soup a smoky flavor. Photo and recipe: Matt Kearns / Fresh Menu Planner