BUTTERED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Buttered spaghetti squash is an incredibly flavorful vegetable that will knock your socks off. It is a wonderful low carb, gluten free, pasta substitute.

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If you are trying to eat gluten-free, following an anti-inflammatory protocol, whole 30, keto or just plain healthy foods, it shouldn’t be a surprise that vegetables are a great option, no matter what diet you are following.

Speaking from experience, a lot of people are not a fan of vegetables though. We grew up eating carrots, broccoli, green beans, and peas, but probably didn’t eat too many other unique vegetables such as kohlrabi, kale, and spaghetti squash. With global trading and better transportation, the variety of fruits and vegetables we can buy at the store is outstanding. However, we probably don’t always know HOW to make a lot of these vegetables.

The first time I had spaghetti squash was when a friend of mine made dinner for us and I remember thinking, this tastes healthy. Fast forward a few years and now it is a staple around our house. Because I try to eat gluten-free for health reasons, pasta alternatives, like spaghetti squash, are life savers!

Spaghetti squash is an AMAZING vegetable that is a wonderful low carb pasta substitute. It is one of my favorites!

Shredded spaghetti squash is a great item to meal prep and have in the fridge. Grab throughout the week when you need some extra veggies or a low carb side dish.

WHY I LOVE SPAGHETTI SQUASH

GLUTEN FREE. In an effort to fix some thyroid issues, I have been avoiding gluten. I love finding cheap, whole foods that I can still enjoy! There are tons of “gluten-free” foods out there, but that doesn’t mean they are healthy.

LOW CARB. This buttered spaghetti squash is a wonderful low carb alternative to traditional pasta. Even though I don’t watch my carbs, I do try to eat carbs BEFORE supper because my body doesn’t need much fuel in the last few hours of the day.

GREAT FOR MEAL PREP. If you are not into meal prep, I don’t know why ever not. We typically think of single portions dished out and ready to grab when we think of meal prepping. Honestly, that is just not practical sometimes.

As a busy mom that still wants to eat healthy, I have learned to have meats, veggies, and fruits prepped and ready for snacks, breakfasts, and meals. Checkout my MEAL PREPPING GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS for more information on how you can make meal prepping work for you and your busy schedule. It’s a LOT easier than you think!

HOW DO I MAKE SPAGHETTI SQUASH?

I really don’t think that you can mess up a spaghetti squash.

You can cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, crosswise, or cook it whole. I have done all three. Cook it whole, cut and remove seed, or cut, remove seeds, and then cook. Like I said, you can do it lots of ways!

OVEN– Preheat oven to 400, slice squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Drizzle inside with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut side down on baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes.

CROCKPOT– Place a little water in crockpot. Take a knife a vent a few holes in the squash. For an average sized squash (~3 lbs) cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6. Remove whole squash from the crockpot. Cut in half, remove seeds, and shred.

INSTANT POT– Cut squash in half crosswise (not lengthwise). Scoop out seeds. Add 1 cup of water to the pot. Place squash halves cut side up. Pressure cook for 7 minutes. (If you like it more tender, pressure cook for an additional 1-3 minutes.) Do a rapid pressure release. Remove halves and shred.

WHAT DO I SERVE WITH SPAGHETTI SQUASH?

You can serve spaghetti squash as a side for anything really. Here are a few of our favorite ways to eat spaghetti squash.

Sometimes we do a Mexican flair, and put taco meat, black beans, sour cream, and cilantro on top of our shredded spaghetti squash. Sprinkle a little homemade taco seasoning in the squash and enjoy!
Go more traditional and serve with Chicken Parmesan, spaghetti meatballs, or chicken Alfredo!
If Asian is more your style, try a Pad Thai dish using shredded spaghetti squash.

You have LOTS of options! Anytime you would see noodles in a dish, try spaghetti squash!

One of my favorite mains to serve with buttered spaghetti squash is Healthy Chicken Parmesan. It is gluten free and healthier than the traditional chicken parmesan dishes.