Healthy Spaghetti Squash Recipes

Find healthy, delicious spaghetti squash recipes, from the food and nutrition experts at EatingWell.

Staff Picks

Cheesy Spinach-&-Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

18
This spaghetti-squash-for-pasta swap slashes both carbs and calories by 75 percent for a delicious, creamy casserole you can feel good about eating. It's worth roasting the squash versus cooking it in the microwave if you have the time: the flavor gets sweeter and more intense.
By Carolyn Malcoun

Spaghetti Squash with Herbs & Garlic Breadcrumbs

1
This microwave spaghetti squash recipe comes together in less than a half-hour so you can easily get dinner on the table.
By Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

15
This low-carb riff on classic lasagna layers mushrooms and tomato sauce with spaghetti squash noodles instead of lasagna pasta. Make the layers right in the shell of the spaghetti squash and top with mozzarella cheese for a melty top and fun presentation. Serve with a green salad and a glass of Chianti for an easy, healthy dinner.
By Carolyn Casner

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna with Broccolini

37
In this low-carb spaghetti squash lasagna recipe, garlicky broccolini, spaghetti squash and cheese are combined for a healthy take on a favorite casserole. This bakes right in the squash shells for a fun presentation. Serve with a big Caesar salad and some warm and crusty whole-grain bread.
By Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats

8
Spaghetti squash stuffed with ground turkey taco filling, pico de gallo and chopped avocado is a fun alternative on family taco night. This recipe is sure to please the kids (omit the spices if your children are sensitive to spices) and perfect for a family dinner.
By Hilary Meyer

Chicken-Spaghetti Squash Bake

7
In this version of a chicken-and-broccoli casserole, spaghetti squash takes on a creamy texture when baked with cream of mushroom soup.

Air-Fryer Spaghetti Squash

This simple air-fryer spaghetti squash takes on a nice roasted flavor from the air fryer. You can enjoy it plain or dress it up with your favorite sauce or grated cheese.
By Laura Kanya

Spaghetti Squash & Chicken with Avocado Pesto

8
Give pesto pasta a healthy makeover with this easy recipe that combines low-carb spaghetti squash with high-protein chicken breast. Top this powerhouse combo with homemade basil pesto that gets a creamy upgrade from ripe avocados to complete a mouthwatering chicken dinner.
By Carolyn Casner

Slow-Cooked Ranch Chicken and Vegetables

8
This creamy, veggie-packed chicken dinner comes together easily in your slow-cooker-and makes enough for another night's casserole (see associated recipe)!
By Diabetic Living Magazine

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

9
Strands of tender squash replace pasta for a more flavorful version of spaghetti pie casserole. Not to mention, spaghetti squash is a low-carb alternative to pasta and saves more than 150 calories per serving compared to a traditional recipe. A sprinkling of nutty fontina cheese melts into a gooey topping.
By Devon O'Brien

Pizza-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

5
Skip the dough and stuff all of your favorite pizza toppings into spaghetti squash boats for a fun and healthy dinner that'll please the whole family. We love the combination of mushrooms, bell peppers, pepperoni and mozzarella, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite pizza ingredients. You could throw in a bit of chopped cooked broccoli, for example, or add some olives or chopped artichoke hearts. And of course feel free to omit the pepperoni to make the dish vegetarian. Round out the meal with a simple salad.
By Carolyn Casner

Thai Spaghetti Squash with Peanut Sauce

4
This gluten-free, vegan version of peanut noodles has a high protein content thanks to edamame and peanut butter. Spaghetti squash turns delicately sweet when roasted, which pairs wonderfully with the Thai-inspired peanut sauce.
By Carolyn Casner
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Inspiration and Ideas

Make Chicken Spaghetti Squash
This healthy 5-Ingredient chicken enchilada–stuffed spaghetti squash recipe is a satisfying low-carb alternative to taco night.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
You've never had lasagna like this! Replace traditional pasta with low-carb spaghetti squash for an easy, healthy dinner.
Healthy Recipes with Vegetable Noodles
Chicken Enchilada-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
20
Garlic Shrimp with Cilantro Spaghetti Squash
21

Garlicky shrimp are served on top of buttery, cilantro-flecked spaghetti squash in this quick, healthy dinner recipe inspired by shrimp scampi. Pair with a side of sautéed greens, such as kale, collards or spinach.

All Healthy Spaghetti Squash Recipes

Spaghetti Squash Soup with Sausage

3
This easy soup is a great way to showcase the versatility of spaghetti squash. Sweet Italian sausage pairs well with the subtle sweetness of the squash. The broth that coats the thin strands of spaghetti squash is flavorful and light.
By Jasmine Smith

Broccoli & Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

5
This low-carb, gluten-free take on fettuccine Alfredo is lower in calories than classic versions, and it provides protein and extra vegetables thanks to a spaghetti-squash base.
By Carolyn Casner

Tomato & Feta Quiche with Spaghetti Squash Crust

1
You've used spaghetti squash in place of pasta, but have you used it for a low-carb quiche crust? Shredded roasted spaghetti squash turns into a perfectly crispy quiche crust in this healthy Mediterranean-inspired brunch recipe.
By Joy Howard

Beef-Broccoli Stir-Fry

1
Reduced-sodium soy sauce and beef broth limit the sodium in this stir-fry, keeping it healthy and fresh-tasting.
By Diabetic Living Magazine

Vegan Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1
Low-carb spaghetti squash stands in for wheat noodles in this updated twist on a classic pesto pasta dish. Cashews lend richness to the pesto, while nutritional yeast, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes contribute satisfying umami to this vegan dinner recipe.
By Carolyn Casner

Baked Spaghetti Squash Fritters

1
These crispy loaded fritters are perfect for parties. Baking them instead of frying cuts down on labor (and oil splatters). Be sure to squeeze as much of the liquid out of the spaghetti squash and onion mixture as possible--moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
By Liz Mervosh

Broccoli-Cheddar Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Tender strings of spaghetti squash replace pasta in this cheesy gluten-free casserole that's studded with broccoli. Cheddar cheese melts into a bubbling topping. Serve with roasted chicken or pork or as part of a vegetarian dinner.
By Carolyn Casner

Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Basil Sauce

2
Swapping spaghetti squash for pasta is a great way to cut back on carbs and calories in this saucy vegan dinner. Here, we have tossed the squash with a simple fresh tomato sauce. Jazz up the sauce with crushed red pepper flakes, Kalamata olives and/or capers, if you like.
By Sylvia Fountaine

Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi

2
Give buttery shrimp scampi a healthy update with delicately sweet spaghetti squash. The parsley-flecked squash "noodles" slash calories, add fiber and leave this classic dish still plenty decadent.
By Hilary Meyer

Kielbasa-&-Swiss Spaghetti Squash Casserole

5
Zesty sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and rye bread add Reuben-esque flavor to this surprisingly addictive spaghetti squash skillet recipe. If you can't find seeded rye bread, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon caraway seeds to the mixture in Step 2. Serve with a green salad tossed with red-wine vinaigrette.
By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Lemongrass Pork & Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowl with Peanut Sauce

8
In this Asian-flavored spaghetti squash recipe, thin slices of lean pork tenderloin are marinated with lemongrass, ginger, brown sugar and soy sauce. The flavorful marinade is then cooked with peanut butter and coconut milk to make a delicious sauce for this low-carb noodle bowl.
By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Spaghetti Squash & Pork Stir-Fry

12
Here's an unusual but delicious way to use the delicate strands of spaghetti squash--in an Asian-inspired pork stir-fry. The flavors of toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic and a hit of spicy red chile sauce cling to the beautiful strands. Serve with jasmine rice.
By EatingWell Test Kitchen

Seared Chicken with Mango Salsa & Spaghetti Squash

7
A quick mango salsa gives this easy chicken dinner recipe a tropical flavor boost. A generous serving of spaghetti squash rounds out the healthy meal.
By Katie Webster

Slow-Cooker Caprese Spaghetti Squash with White Beans

This recipe feels and looks indulgent without being high in calories. The "caprese" components--fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and tomatoes--beautifully shine through, while the white beans add protein and a creamy texture. If you can't find fresh small mozzarella balls, tear a large ball of fresh mozzarella into small pieces.
By Cooking Light

Sun-Dried Tomato, Mozzarella & Chicken-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Serve this cheesy stuffed spaghetti squash for an impressive and hearty main dish. Cooking the squash in the microwave makes this recipe doable on a busy weeknight, but if you have the time, you can also roast the squash for a sweeter, more intense flavor. Serve with a simple side salad.
By Carolyn Casner

Spaghetti Squash Nests with Sausage, Mushrooms & Tomatoes

Cutting spaghetti squash into horizontal rings instead of in half lengthwise not only cuts down on cooking time, it also makes for a fun presentation.
By Devon O'Brien

Spaghetti Squash Peanut "Noodles" with Chicken

2
Chinese five-spice powder, a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns, adds a hint of warmth and the suggestion of sweetness to this healthy chicken recipe. It's great on just about anything you grill or roast, so it's worth keeping in your spice cabinet.
By Breana Killeen

Sautéed Spaghetti Squash

Lemon, garlic and Parmesan cheese flavor this easy sautéed spaghetti squash. Cracked black pepper adds some spice to this simple side dish.
By Julia Levy

Loaded Spaghetti Squash

This loaded spaghetti squash recipe has all the fixings of a classic baked potato, but with a fraction of the carbs. The pasta-like spaghetti squash is combined with Cheddar cheese, bacon and scallions that melt together in the oven. Top with sour cream and garnish with more scallions and bacon and you have a delicious low-carb side dish ready to go.
By Carolyn Casner

Pesto Spaghetti Squash Bake

1
This delicious, cheesy, full-flavored pesto-stuffed spaghetti squash is hearty and filling, full of vegetables and topped with melted fresh mozzarella cheese. It's a perfect main dish for vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike!
By Karen Rankin

Vegan "Pancit Bihon" with Spaghetti Squash

1
Umami-rich shiitake mushrooms take the place of meat, and spaghetti squash strands stand in for the traditional rice noodles, in this riff on the classic Filipino noodle dish pancit bihon. Serve alongside your favorite vegan main or add some cubed tofu to make it a meal.
By Natalia B. Roxas

Spaghetti Squash Lo Mein

2
Swap regular noodles for veggie noodles in this low-calorie, healthy spaghetti squash recipe. For a fun presentation, serve the lo mein in the hollowed-out spaghetti squash boat. If you like it hot, serve with extra Sriracha.
By Breana Killeen

Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Tomatoes, Beans & Almond Pesto

12
Looking at a tangle of spaghetti squash tricks your brain into thinking you're about to eat a serving of eggy noodles, when in fact, you get a nice calorie and carb savings in this healthy recipe. Giving tomatoes a stint in a hot oven makes them candy-sweet.
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