10 healthy spaghetti squash recipes you must try for hearty meals

10 healthy spaghetti squash recipes you must try for hearty meals, plus 10 more

Pumpkin’s got competition for the title of fall’s best food. Spaghetti squash proves its versatility in this collection of recipes with everything from buffalo chicken spaghetti squash and healthy spaghetti squash crust pizza, to spaghetti squash shrimp scampi and lasagna stuffed spaghetti squash. 

Buffalo chicken spaghetti squash

Photo source: SweetTreatsMore.com

If you’re trying to convince a man to like spaghetti squash, this is your recipe. (We’ve tested this. It works.) This squash dish from Sweet Treats & More packs a punch and uses hot sauce and blue cheese to mimic the flavors that come with an order of hot wings. Gotta love comfort food that’s actually good for you. 

Asian peanut spaghetti squash stir-fry

Photo source: SnappyGourmet.com

It’s kind of like pad Thai only with significantly less calories and very low-carb. What’s not to like? The recipe, from Snappy Gourmet, uses spaghetti squash, chicken, mushrooms, green pepper, onion, soy sauce, peanut butter, lime juice, cilantro and peanuts. 

Spaghetti squash crust pizza

Photo source: JoAndSue.blogspot.com

We might have surprised you with cauliflower pizza crust back in April, but this will blow your mind: Spaghetti squash can transform into pizza crust, too. In fact, the recipe developers over at Jo and Sue’s blog claim it’s even better than its cauliflower counterpart. 

Spaghetti squash shrimp scampi

Photo source: PumpsAndIron.com

Everyone knows that they can sub spaghetti squash for pasta in a classic spaghetti with marinara sauce. But you can go beyond that! Try this shrimp scampi from Pumps & Iron for a super easy, nutritious meal. All the yum without the carbs. 

Lasagna-stuffed spaghetti squash

Photo source: ArisMenu.com

If you’re really craving some comfort food, this spaghetti squash recipe from Ari’s Menu is here for you. Spicy turkey sausage, meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and brown and bubbly mozzarella cheese all packed inside a spaghetti squash. You won’t even miss the pasta.

Creamy garlic spaghetti squash

Photo source: AHealthyMakeover.blogspot.com

Give yourself some garlicky goodness with this recipe from A Healthy Makeover, which pulls off a creamy veggie dish with zero cream. Healthy, simple and delicious. 

Pesto spaghetti squash & prawns

Photo source: TheLushNest.com

Make your own homemade pesto from pine nuts, garlic, basil leaves, arugula and Parmesan with this recipe from The Lush Nest. Use it to coat your spaghetti squash, cherry tomatoes and prawns, and you’ve got a super delicious Meatless Monday dinner. 

Southwestern stuffed spaghetti squash

Photo source: TheComfortOfCooking.com

It’s like a Chipotle bowl — only better for you! This recipe from The Comfort of Cooking stuffs a spaghetti squash with onion, garlic, jalapeño, red bell pepper, beans, corn, cilantro, lime juice and some seasonings. 

Cheesy spaghetti squash casserole

Photo source: Detoxinista.com

The recipe creator at Detoxinista swears this yummy casserole tastes ridiculously similar to her family’s creamy hash brown casserole — only this one has low-calorie, nutritious spaghetti squash instead of potatoes. And it only requires six ingredients: spaghetti squash, butter, yellow onion, garlic, Greek yogurt and raw goat cheddar (feel free to use regular cheddar).

Spaghetti squash gremolata

Photo source: AFamilyFeast.com

This gremolata recipe from A Family Feast makes for a wonderful light and fresh meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. You make the sauce from sautéed fresh red tomatoes and then top the dish with fresh yellow garden tomatoes. Colorful, healthy and flavorful. 

Sriracha Spaghetti Squash with Turkey

Source: Carmen's Kitch

Carmen’s Kitch adapts this Asian inspired recipe from Slender Kitchen. The sriracha and hoisin sauce give spaghetti squash a nice kick, and vegetarians can easily substitute the ground turkey with meat alternatives or leave it out entirely.

Asparagus Quiche with a Spaghetti Squash Crust

Source: Tasty Kitchen

We’ve seen spaghetti squash as pizza crust, so it’s no surprise that it’s the crust in this delicious recipe from Tasty Kitchen for asparagus quiche. Brilliant!

Cheesy Chili Spaghetti Squash Casserole

I Breathe... I'm Hungry...

This recipe from I Breathe… I’m Hungry… looks decadent but it’s actually low carb and gluten-free, thanks to the spaghetti squash.

Spaghetti Squash with Swiss Chard, Dried Cranberries & Dijon Vinaigrette

Source: Cookin' Canuck

Cookin’ Canuck wanted to do something different with spaghetti squash. Some Swiss chard, dried cranberries and Dijon vinaigrette turned created this light, refreshing side dish, which is still perfect for fall.

Avocado and Egg Spaghetti Squash Boats

Source: ifoodreal

iFoodReal had us at avocado and egg.

Purple Kale, Cilantro & Spaghetti Squash Cakes with Sriracha Avocado Sauce

Source: Dolly and Oatmeal

Dolly and Oatmeal’s recipe for these spag squash cakes is gluten- and dairy-free, and you seriously won’t miss the dairy — not with that sriracha and avocado sauce, which complements these baked cakes nicely. Who says healthy needs to be boring? Pfft.

Spaghetti Squash Yoga Bowl

Source: Grok Grub

This Paleo and vegan-friendly recipe from Grok Grub almost looks like it can be a summer dish, doesn’t it? It’s certainly light and refreshing, but thanks to the spaghetti squash, greens and cashews, it’s quite filling.

Sweet Spaghetti Squash Kugel with Apples and Raisins

Source: Cara's Cravings

You don’t have to wait until Passover to enjoy this delicious recipe for kugel from Cara’s Cravings. And we love that it’s perfect for breakfast, too. Bonus? It’s gluten- and refined sugar-free, and you won’t miss the sugar because oh my goodness the apples and raisins. Drool…

Spaghetti Squash Curry with Roasted Chickpeas

Source: Making Nice in the Midwest

And we’re back to savory and then some with this recipe from Making Nice in the Midwest. Go on and roast extra chickpeas to enjoy as a snack after you enjoy this curry.

Cajun Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Source: Healthy. Delicious.

We couldn’t resist this recipe from Healthy Delicious for Cajun-stuffed spaghetti squash. It’s vegan, dairy- and egg-free and depending on the spices you use, gluten-free, too. And as Healthy Delicious aptly points out, it’s so scrumptious that everyone, even those without dietary restrictions, is bound to enjoy it.