Spaghetti squash is the ideal noodle alternative for people keeping an eye on their calorie intake.
When prepared properly, this squash yields thin, spaghetti-like strands with far fewer calories than traditional pasta.
Beyond being a low-calorie, low-carb favorite for those following paleo-style eating, spaghetti squash deliversa substantialamount of food at an affordable cost, making it an excellent option for families focused on nutrition.
Did you know a medium spaghetti squash typically provides roughly four servings of “spaghetti”?
That means for only a few dollars,you can serve a nutritious plate to the whole household — and you may even have leftovers!
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Making spaghetti squash is straightforward. Cut it in half, season, roast, then rake out the strands.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to cook spaghetti squash perfectly:
1.Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.Turn it on. Do it.
2.Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.Cutting this squash can be challenging, but with some effort you’ll manage. Slice from stem to tip and use a spoon to remove the seeds.
3.Place the halves on a baking sheet cut-side up. Drizzle each with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.Use sparingly; less is often more.
4.Bake the halves for 35 to 45 minutes.Remember when you used to press the oven light and watch your food? Now’s a great time to do that again.
5.Take the squash out of the oven and allow it to cool.You’ll know it’s cooked when a fork easily pierces the flesh. Occasionally the surface will brown slightly — that’s from the olive oil.
6.Use a fork to pull out the “noodles.”There you go! Nicely done!
Other Methods of Preparation
Besides halving and roasting, there are several other ways to prepare spaghetti squash.
Short on time? Use the microwave.If you’re pressed for minutes, you can steam spaghetti squash quickly in the microwave.
To do this, pour about 1 inch of water into a casserole dish, cut the squash in half, and place each half facedown in the water. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes.
Have plenty of time? Roast it whole.Prick the squash several times with a fork, then cook it as you would a halved squash, but increase the roast time to about 90 minutes. This technique can make seed removal a bit trickier, though.
Busy day? Let the slow cooker handle it.When life gets hectic, it’s tough to find time to prepare wholesome meals. You can cook spaghetti squash in a slow cooker: poke it with a fork or knife, pour two cups of water into the cooker, and cook on low for eight to nine hours.
Topping Ideas for Your Spaghetti Squash
No “pasta” meal is complete without some toppings. While spaghetti squash tastes great with just seasonings, you can also enhance it with a variety of delicious add-ons.
Here are some suggestions:
Meatballs and marinara:If classic spaghetti and meatballs is your go-to, swap pasta for roasted spaghetti squash for a healthier twist. Brown ground meat, prepare your favorite sauce, and place homemade meatballs over the squash.
Taco-inspired:You don’t have to skip Taco Tuesday to cut carbs. Top a serving of spaghetti squash with taco-style ingredients like black beans, diced tomatoes, nonfat Greek yogurt (as a sour cream substitute), jalapeños, corn, and more.
Cheesy spinach bake:Craving comfort food? Make a spaghetti squash casserole. Try layering the strands with chopped spinach, ricotta, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic and seasonings. Bake until bubbly and enjoy!
Jordan Lee is a junior writer and engagement specialist at Savinly. Find them onTwitter at @keywordjordan.
