Spaghetti With Squash Noodles: A Delicious Alternative To Pasta

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Searching for a delicious and healthy alternative to conventional spaghetti? Spaghetti with squash noodles is a delicious dish to try! Squash noodles are full of nutrients, so making this meal is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to eat something healthy yet also delicious.

How to Make Spaghetti with Squash Noodles (Perfect Every Time)

This tutorial and recipe will show you how to make a spaghetti squash pasta dish that turns out perfectly every time.

Spaghetti squash, a winter squash, can be found in many locations throughout the spring months. Spaghetti squash is packed with nutrients and can taste just like authentic noodles if cooked correctly.

spaghetti with squash noodles

Spaghetti with squash noodles is a great substitute for gluten-free noodles. This is my favorite healthy swap recipe because it’s naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, high in fiber, and low in calories. Click To Tweet

Let’s take a look at why these noodles are so useful, and step-by-step instructions to make spaghetti with squash noodles perfectly.

Spaghetti Squash Pasta is the Perfect Healthy Swap

Noodles that aren’t noodles! Spaghetti squash pasta tastes amazing. You’ll love to add any noodles to a recipe for spaghetti squash pasta.

They can be made with the texture of noodles, but with a healthy dose of vegetable goodness. (Win!) Make sure they don’t get too soggy.

Spaghetti Squash Has Added Benefits

Spaghetti squash is healthier than traditional noodles. Squash is a vegetable so you are eating more vegetables than the processed flour in traditional noodles. Click To Tweet

spaghetti with squash noodles

It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. (Double win!) Expect a good dose of vitamin A, vitamin B, and tons of other good minerals.

As with any other dish, there is an art in making perfect spaghetti squash noodles.

There are many ways to cook squash. I prefer to cook my squash in the oven because it retains the best flavor. The microwave may zap nutrients, but there is still some debate.

However, baking your spaghetti squash in the oven will always give you a better taste and texture.

Ingredients 
1 spaghetti squash, about 2 pounds.
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided.
Kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper.
1 pound spaghetti.
4 ounces thick-cut pancetta or bacon, cut into cubes.
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup).
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste.
2 tablespoons diced preserved lemon peel (from about 1/2 a large preserved lemon).
1 cup finely grated pecorino romano (parmesan cheese can be substituted), plus more for serving.

Spaghetti Squash Directions

  1. Heat oven to 400° F.

    Optional step: Microwave spaghetti squash for 4 to 5 minutes to make it easier to cut, and to speed up its roasting time.

  2. Cut Squash.

    Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.

  3. Season & Roast.

    Sprinkle cut sides with salt and black pepper, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Roast, cut-side down, on a rimmed baking sheet until the interior is fork-tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes, then scoop out the spaghetti strands with a fork.

  4. Cook pancetta.

    Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add pancetta, and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to a small bowl; set aside. Leave 3 tablespoons of fat in the pan, supplementing if needed with olive oil.

  5. Saute veggies.

    Over medium heat, sauté onion, sage, red pepper flakes, and preserved lemon peel, stirring occasionally, until the onion is lightly golden and tender about 3 to 5 minutes.

  6. Add the squash.

    When the onion is tender, add the spaghetti squash. Sauté a few minutes to lightly caramelize the squash, running the back of your spoon across the squash to increase the surface area that browns and to help the strands relax and dissolve.

  7. Add the cheese.

    Add the pecorino and toss again until evenly integrated, then add the pancetta.

  8. Serve.

    Serve warm with extra cheese if desired.

A Final Thought

We hope you enjoy this recipe for spaghetti with squash noodles! A delicious and healthy alternative to classic spaghetti, this recipe is ideal for anyone searching for a quick and easy meal that is still filling. If you give this recipe a try, please let us know how it turned out in the comments section below.

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