What to Eat With Spaghetti Squash: Best 14 Picks

Looking for a low-carb vegan spaghetti? How about trying spaghetti squash? This incredible winter veggie can be cooked in many ways! You can boil it, bake it, roast it, and of course,  it can be made into spaghetti! Now are you wondering about what to eat with spaghetti squash? Here we are listing 14 side dishes that go well with spaghetti squash!

1. Why You Should Try Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a healthy winter vegetable packed with many nutrients. It is one of the best alternatives available to your regular spaghetti. The spaghetti squash is rich in carotene and folic acid. It is a low-calorie vegetable. Wondering how many calories? It’s about 31 calories per 100g. 

The spaghetti squash is an easy-to-grow vegetable. But it has a longer growing season about 100 days. It gets its name from the fact that when cooked its flesh comes in strands like spaghetti. These squash strands are an excellent vegan substitute for your regular spaghetti.

The best thing about spaghetti squash is that it can be eaten in multiple ways. Besides steaming, baking, and roasting, you can make delicious spaghetti squash casserole, chicken pesto spaghetti squash, shrimp scampi spaghetti squash, spaghetti squash burrito bowls and the list is endless!

So, are you ready to try cooking spaghetti squash? Then switch on to cooking mode! In the next section, we are going to discuss the best ways to cook spaghetti squash!

Experts on How does Spaghetti Squash contribute to Health-Conscious Choices?

Meaghan Greenwood, a registered dietician and Health Coach at Hourglass Waist describes spaghetti squash as a valuable addition to a health-conscious diet for several reasons:

• Low in Calories and Carbohydrates: Spaghetti squash is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates [compared to] traditional pasta.

[This] makes it [a suitable] option for individuals looking to manage their weight or reduce their overall carbohydrate intake.

• Rich in Nutrients: Spaghetti squash is a good source of various nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. [These] nutrients [play essential roles] in supporting overall health, immune function, and digestion
• High in Fiber: The fiber content in spaghetti squash can aid in promoting satiety and supporting digestive health. High-fiber foods help individuals feel full and satisfied, which can [be beneficial for] weight management.
• Versatile Substitute for Pasta: Spaghetti squash can [be] used as a substitute for traditional pasta, especially for those [who are] looking to reduce their refined carbohydrate intake.

It provides a similar texture to pasta and can [be paired] with various sauces and toppings.

• Gluten-Free Option: For individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, spaghetti squash offers a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat-based pasta.

[This] can be especially important for those who need to avoid gluten for medical reasons.

• Antioxidant Properties: The presence of vitamins A and C in spaghetti squash contributes to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Supports Blood Sugar Control: The lower carbohydrate content and higher fiber content of spaghetti squash can contribute to better blood sugar control.

[This] is particularly relevant for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.

It’s important to note that while spaghetti squash can be a nutritious and health-conscious choice, a balanced and varied diet is [key] to overall well-being.

Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains ensures that individuals receive a broad spectrum of nutrients for optimal health.

2. Best Ways to Eat Spaghetti Squash

The spaghetti squash can be cooked in many ways. Here we are discussing two of the best ways to cook spaghetti squash.

2.1. Spaghetti Squash Noodles Recipe

I. Gathering Your Ingredients

• Spaghetti Squash
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Seasonings of Your Choice

II. Making Spaghetti Noodles

After preparing all the ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking part. 

Step One: Preheat The Oven and Prepare Spaghetti Squash

Preheat the oven to 176 ºC. Cut the spaghetti squash into halves. Remove the seed part and also poke around the outer areas. 

This allows air passage while baking. Place the spaghetti squash on a baking sheet in such a way that the inner part is on the downside.

Step Two: Add Water and Bake

Add water to the baking sheet and bake the spaghetti squash. Give about 45 minutes to cook the spaghetti squash.

Then, using a fork, make spaghetti-like strands. Your spaghetti squash noodles are ready. To make it flavourful add mozzarella cheese, spaghetti sauce, and your favorite seasoning and bake again.

2.2. Boiled Spaghetti Squash 

If you are in a rush and want to eat something delicious in less time, you can simply boil the spaghetti squash.

Prepare your spaghetti squash by cutting it into even pieces and then adding it to a pot. Pour water and wait until it boils. Then cook in mid-flame to low flame for about 20 minutes. 

Garnish the boiled spaghetti squash with your favorite seasonings or you can simply sprinkle pepper flakes and salt.

The spaghetti squash recipes don’t end here, you can try various stuffings inside to make stuffed spaghetti squash and tasty squash boats. Now, are you thinking about what to eat with spaghetti squash? Let’s discuss some delicious side dishes that go with spaghetti squash recipes!

A Creative Way to Use Spaghetti Squash in Meals

Catherine Rall, Registered Dietitian, Happy V, presents a simple yet healthy spaghetti squash recipe:

“One of my favorite spaghetti squash recipes is [very] simple – using spaghetti squash as [spaghetti] noodles and then topping it with meat sauce.

It’s truthfully just swapping out regular pasta noodles with spaghetti squash that’s been baked and shredded.

I like to top it with homemade meat sauce made with ground turkey rather than ground beef, as ground turkey is leaner and more heart-healthy.

[This] is a meal that’s not only super nutritious and [delicious] but leaves you feeling [very] full and satisfied.

Plus, it’s easy to make!”

3. What to Eat With Spaghetti Squash? 14 Best Side Dishes

3.1. Vegetable Salad

Are you fond of vegetable salads? Salads are healthy side dishes that go well with spaghetti squash. It is one of the best answers to your query on what to eat with spaghetti squash. The cooked spaghetti squash with vegetable salads makes your tasty meal a healthier one.

To make the vegetable salad, pick your veggies. You can use any veggies of your choice but try to balance the flavours.

Carrots, zucchini, onions, bell peppers, beat root, cherry tomatoes, cabbage, cucumber. Lettuce all are great options. You can also add hard-boiled eggs, olives, and black beans if you need extra flavors. 

Add olive oil, salt, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. You can also try adding roasted garlic or extra species as per your preferences. 

If you need an extra sweet taste add maple syrup. The vegetable salad is ready to serve with spaghetti squash recipes like spaghetti squash noodles and spaghetti squash casserole

3.2. Orange Chicken

This Asian-origin recipe is a delightful treat for anyone who loves chicken. The best part is it goes well with spaghetti squash. Roasted spaghetti squash with orange chicken is a pair rivaling restaurant combos!

The key highlight of orange chicken is its tangy flavourful orange sauce. To make the orange sauce at home, mix vinegar, soya sauce, orange juice, lemon juice, and water. Heat the mixture then add orange peels, ginger roots, pepper flakes, and onion. Bring the whole mix to the boiling point, and the orange sauce is ready.

The next part is marinating the chicken, you can slice the raw poultry chicken into small pieces and soak it in the sauce. Keep it sealed in a plastic bag. Keep it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Later, can cover the chicken in batter made of flour, egg, and garlic. 

Cook the chicken in the orange sauce. The orange chicken is ready to serve with spaghetti squash! So, are you ready to cook this tasty Chinese orange chicken for your next tasty meal?

3.3. Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp is an amazing ingredient that can turn into mouth-watering delicacies. The garlic shrimp is a classic recipe that pairs greatly with spaghetti squash noodles. 

To make an easy garlic shrimp, fry the shrimp in a pan. Let the color of the shrimp turn pink. Keep the fried shrimp aside.

On a separate skillet saute the garlic well. If you want a creamy garlic shrimp, add cream as well. After cooking for a while add parmesan cheese and earlier fried shrimps. Season your dish with the seasoning of your choice.

This simple and classy garlic shrimp is ready to serve with spaghetti squash noodles. You can also try the spaghetti squash casserole. 

The garlic shrimp is a delicious solution to solve all your queries on what to eat with spaghetti squash. Try different squash recipes with garlic shrimp to find your ideal choice!

3.4. Marinara Sauce

The pasta sauces are a must-try not only with pasta but also with spaghetti squash recipes.  It’s an easy-to-make recipe that solves all your worries on what to eat with spaghetti squash. Try a marinara sauce to elevate the flavor of your spaghetti squash noodles. A simple marinara sauce is easy to make and can be your best choice, especially on a busy day.

To make marinara sauce, saute onion in olive oil. When the onion is fried enough add minced garlic. Add vegetable or chicken stock. Keep stirring the mixture well, then add chopped tomatoes and parsley. Finally, add pepper and salt. 

The simple marinara sauce is ready to pair with any spaghetti squash noodles! Not only marinara sauce, you can also try tomato sauce and mushroom sauce with spaghetti squash.

3.5. Chicken Spinach Artichoke

Still confused about what to eat with spaghetti squash? Try chicken spinach artichoke! The chicken spinach artichoke recipe is a good option when it comes to making a side dish that goes well with spaghetti squash. Spinach and artichokes are healthy additions to your meal. 

To prepare a chicken spinach artichoke, cook the chicken first. Then saute garlic, and add chicken broth and cheese. Use cheese of your choice, feta cheese, and parmesan cheese all are good options.

To this mixture add ground pepper and stir it continuously. Add spinach cut into smaller pieces, mix them thoroughly, and then add artichoke hearts. 

Finally, add the cooked chicken into the mixture or you can simply serve the chicken with spinach and artichoke sauce topping. Try making stuffed spaghetti squash with the mixture.

People love spaghetti squash noodles with chicken recipes. The chicken spinach artichoke spaghetti squash is a delicious treat for your taste buds. So, what is stopping you from making chicken, spinach, and spaghetti squash?

3.6. Vegetable Stew

Well, are you looking for some vegan solutions for what to eat with spaghetti squash? The spaghetti squash with vegetable stew is one of the best choices as a complete vegan course.

To make a delicious vegetable stew, choose your veggies. Carrot, onion, celery, potato, and beans all are good options. Heat the pan and cook the vegetables. Add mushrooms, garlic, pepper and oregano. Try adding herbs for your choice. 

After cooking the vegetables well enough, it’s time to add flour. The flour creates that ideal creamy consistency in your vegetable stew. Add balsamic vinegar and soya sauce. 

Finally, add potatoes, tomato sauce, and lentils. Cook the whole mixture until it boils. Your delicious creamy vegetable stew is ready to serve with spaghetti squash.

3.7. Eggplant Puttanesca

The eggplant is a great vegetable with a lot of nutrients. The eggplant puttanesca is a must-try with spaghetti squash recipes.

Are you curious to know about how to prepare eggplant puttanesca? It is an easy-to-make dish. To prepare eggplant puttanesca, chop the onions and eggplant into small pieces. Saute both veggies well in olive oil. Add pasta sauce to the mixture.

Add olives and pepper flakes. Give ample time for cooking eggplant. The eggplant puttanesca is ready to mix with spaghetti squash noodles. Simply top it on the roasted spaghetti squash or serve it on squash boats.

Finally, garnish with cheese. Try adding different herbs to elevate the flavor.

3.8. Vegetable Soup

Who dislikes a warm cup of soup? The best part is vegetable soup is an excellent pair for your stuffed spaghetti squash dishes.

You can make basic vegetable soup by picking your favorite veggies. To make a basic vegetable soup, slice potatoes, beans, carrots, etc. into even pieces and saute garlic in a pan. Toss the vegetables and cook them. If you are fond of corn, boil corn kernels too. 

In a separate pot add olive oil, sauteed garlic, vegetables, corn kernels, and tomatoes. pour the vegetable stock. Finally add salt, pepper, and the seasonings. 

The hot vegetable soup is ready. Soups go well with many spaghetti squash recipes like spaghetti squash casserole, noodles, and spaghetti squash bread sticks.

3.9. Black Bean Salad

Black bean salad is an easy side dish to eat with spaghetti squash recipes. The black beans have this rich meat texture which makes it an ideal vegan addition to your meals.

The black beans bring incredible Latin American flavors to your dinner table. Like most of the salads, black bean salad is also easy to make. 

Mix the black beans, corn kernels, cabbage, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, avocado, and other veggies of your choice in a salad bowl. Mix them well by adding olive oil and lemon juice. Finally, add ground pepper and salt to taste. 

You can try different salad dressings to bring unique flavors! You can also try other salads like tomato salad with spaghetti squash. The other way to eat black beans with squash is to make black beans and vegetable-stuffed spaghetti squash. 

3.10. Meat Sauce

Meat sauce is an excellent choice for any spaghetti and spaghetti squash noodles are no exception. 

To make meat sauce at home, add onion, garlic, and ground pork in a saucepan with olive oil. Let the mixture cook for about 8 minutes. Add tomato paste, oregano, garlic powder,  fennel, and herbs of your choice.

If you are fond of the spicy flavor of pepper, add grounded pepper as well.  Pour the broth and add a little sugar to balance the flavor. Give enough time to the mixture to get that classy creamy flavor of meat sauce. You can add butter to get the right consistency.

Serve the meat sauce with spaghetti squash recipes like noodles, stuffed spaghetti squash, roasted spaghetti squash, etc. Meat sauce is an excellent choice when it comes to what to eat with spaghetti squash!

The meat sauce makes creamy spaghetti squash noodles a delicious treat! So, next time try to add this creamy sauce to your spaghetti squash dish. Other sauces you can try with spaghetti squash boats include mint sauce, enchilada sauce, etc. 

3.11. Meat Balls

Thinking about what to eat with spaghetti squash, meatballs are hard to miss. Meatballs are a delicious side dish to many main courses, including spaghetti. Adding meatballs to your spaghetti squash recipes makes them rich and flavorful. Meatballs can be made in different ways. You may have your favorite versions. 

To make meatballs, first mix ground meat, seasonings, and bread crumbs in a bowl. Add whisked eggs to the mixture. For seasonings, you can try different herbs, salt, pepper, etc. Try Italian seasoning if you want to try Italian meatballs. As for the meat, ground beef and ground turkey are good options.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, and now it’s time to make small balls. To bake the balls, place them in a preheated oven after spreading some olive oil on the baking dish. Don’t forget to flip the meatballs after the downside is cooked enough. 

You can also make meatballs without baking; just cook them in a pan. Meatballs pair well with spaghetti squash recipes. You can also try topping your spaghetti squash boats with meatballs.

3.12. Chicken Alfredo

How about making a restaurant-style chicken alfredo to compliment your spaghetti squash boat? Chicken alfredo is a much-loved meat recipe for people of all ages.

To make the chicken alfredo at home, first, you need to cook seasoned chicken pieces after spreading some canola oil in a pan. Cook the seasoned chicken and don’t forget to flip sides. Apply some butter while cooking. Give ample time to cook the chicken and keep it aside. 

To make alfredo sauce, saute garlic in butter and add cream. Add cheese, kosher salt and pepper. You can also add spices of your choice to enhance the overall flavor. Cook it for about 

5 minutes until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Now add your spaghetti squash noodles on top of the sauce or you can mix it with alfredo sauce. The spaghetti sauce is an excellent pasta substitute. Top it with cooked chicken pieces and garnish with pepper and parsley. A hearty meal of roasted spaghetti squash with chicken is ready to serve. 

So, what to eat with spaghetti squash? Try classy chicken alfredo!

3.13. Chicken Salad

Chicken salads go well with roasted spaghetti squash dishes. The chicken salads are easy to make and delicious to eat. It makes the meal wholesome. 

There are numerous ways to make chicken salad. You may have your recipes or family’s recipes for chicken salads. To make a simple chicken salad, boil the chicken pieces and cook it for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then drain and slice the chicken pieces into evenly sized small pieces. Keep it aside. Take a salad bowl and add the diced vegetables of your choice. 

You can choose lettuce, celery, berries, cherry tomatoes, cabbage etc. If you are fond of fruits, add some diced apples or pears. Add diced chicken pieces to the vegetable and fruit mix. 

Finally, use your favorite salad dressing to complete the dish. The chicken salad can be paired with any roasted spaghetti squash recipe of your choice. If you are still wondering about what to eat with spaghetti squash, just go for a chicken salad.

The crunchiness of fresh veggies, and the slight sweetness of fruits combined with spaghetti squash noodles and spaghetti squash boat recipes is a delicious treat to all foodies.

3.14. Grilled Fish

Our final answer to what to eat with spaghetti squash is delicious grilled fish. Grilled Fish is a great side dish for squash dishes. You can grill the fish of your choice. Yellow tail and salmon are all great choices for grilling.

To make a perfectly grilled yellowtail, first mix garlic. slat, pepper in olive oil. Spread the mixture on a well-sliced yellowtail. Marinate for some time and add some lime juice on the top. Grill the fish until it turns yellowish. Flip in time to cook both sides. Garnish with herbs and other seasonings of your choice. 

Along with grilled fish, grill a few vegetables too. The grilled veggies and delicious fish with spaghetti squash noodles, spaghetti squash casserole, and cooked spaghetti squash are enjoyable treats. 

So, are you ready to cook grilled fish and roasted spaghetti squash recipe for tonight’s dinner?

Expert Views on Spaghetti Squash as a Low-Carb Pasta Alternative: Nutritional Benefits

Krutika Nanavati, a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist practicing in New Zealand and a medical advisor at Clinicspots for Diet and Nutrition, highlights the nutritional benefits of Spaghetti Squash as a Low-Carb Pasta Alternative:

• Low in Calories and Carbohydrates: Spaghetti squash is significantly lower in calories and carbohydrates than traditional pasta.

A one-cup serving of cooked spaghetti squash contains approximately 42 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates, compared to 175 calories and 31 grams of carbohydrates in a similar serving of whole-wheat pasta.

• High in Fiber: Spaghetti squash is an excellent source of dietary fiber, providing about 2 grams per one-cup serving. Fiber helps regulate digestion, promote satiety, and improve overall gut health.
• Rich in Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Spaghetti squash is a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, [as well as] minerals like manganese and potassium. These nutrients play crucial roles in various bodily functions.

4. Wrapping Thoughts on What to Eat With Spaghetti Squash

In this blog post, we discussed fourteen delicious dishes to settle all your worries about what to eat with spaghetti squash. From vegetable salad to grilled fish, it was a wonderful culinary trip with a multitude of flavors! Try these amazing side dishes and enjoy them with spaghetti squash! Happy cooking.

Guest Author: Saket Kumar