A great way to get your veggies, spaghetti squash is rich in nutrients including potassium, vitamin A, beta carotene and folic acid and can be substituted for spaghetti in any pasta dish. It's lower in calories than pasta and not nearly as heavy so you don't feel like you've eaten too much afterwards as sometimes happens with pasta.
Spaghetti squash can be served as a main course with marinara sauce and meatballs, just as you would serve spaghetti (pasta). Or, make it a side vegetable with roast beef, pork or fish. Toss it with butter for a simple side or add your own mixture of herbs and spices. It also adds a nice texture and color to any salad.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
by candy47
Golden yellow and oval shaped, spaghetti squash usually weighs about 4 to 8 pounds. When cooked, the inside looks just like spaghetti and can be prepared in the same way.
Above photo credit Wikimedia Commons
The Basics
When selecting a squash look for a pale yellow color with no bruises or soft spots. Avoid the ones that still have some green skin as they would not have matured yet.
Spaghetti squash can be baked, boiled, steamed or microwaved. The skin of an uncooked squash is thick and tough making it difficult to peel (practically impossible) or cut with a knife. I find it's easiest to bake it whole.
To Bake in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Pierce the skin in several places with a fork
- Place the squash in a shallow baking dish (there will be dripping from the little holes)
- For a 4 lb. squash bake approximately 1 hour or until tender when a fork pierces easily into the skin and flesh
- Remove from oven and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, they can be roasted for snacking
- Using a fork remove the spaghetti strands, they separate easily.
- Serve with your favorite sauce as you would for pasta spaghetti
 Select the right spaghetti squash |  Poke holes with fork |
 Separate spaghetti strands |  With Marinara |
Serving Bowls and Platters
Serve your spaghetti squash in any of these colorful dishes. A touch of Italy or beautiful Mexico inspired bright tones. Keep it simple with images of vegetables and herbs.
Use them for soup, cereal, salad...anything at all!
Shallow Baking Dishes
These Pyrex baking dishes are just what you'll need for spaghetti squash. They can go in the oven, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher and microwave. Use them for baking cakes, lasagna, casseroles and lots more.
 Nutrition Dala |
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Updated: 04/16/2018, candy47
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Thanks Veronica. It's lighter than pasta but can be served with the same sauces you would use for spaghetti.
I love squash and haven't tried spaghetti squash I agree it would healthier than spaghetti
Great post TY
Spaghetti squash salad is a great idea! I'll experiment with that. I drink water with meals, but I suppose white or red wine would be nice depending on the sauce.
candy47, Do you have any spaghetti squash salad recipes? What do you serve for drinks with your fresh and heated versions?
I'm glad you had a pleasant memory Brenda marie.
make me think of my grandmother, she would make all the time
Yes MBC, healthier and lighter than pasta. You don't feel 'heavy' after eating spaghetti squash.
I love spaghetti Squash! And it's healthier than pasta.
Go for it, jptanabe!
I've had spaghetti squash a few times - it's definitely a vegetable version of spaghetti! Happy that this article reminded me it's in season again right now.