Delicious and Easy Keto Spaghetti Squash Recipes

Spaghetti squash is a versatile and healthy winter squash that makes an excellent low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. With its mild, slightly sweet flavor and unique stringy texture, it readily absorbs the flavors of various sauces and seasonings, making it a perfect base for countless keto-friendly dishes. Whether you're craving a cheesy baked side dish or a hearty main course, spaghetti squash can be easily incorporated into your ketogenic diet.

Twice-Baked Cheesy Keto Spaghetti Squash

This twice-baked keto spaghetti squash recipe is a simple and satisfying side dish that requires only a handful of ingredients. It's an excellent way to enjoy the natural flavors of spaghetti squash while adding a boost of healthy fats and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• Butter
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Basil
• Provolone or mozzarella cheese slices
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a large, sharp knife, carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds.
3. Place the squash cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the squash is tender and you can easily squeeze the outside.
5. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly.
6. Use a large spoon to scoop the flesh of the squash into a medium bowl, reserving the skins.
7. Add butter to the bowl with the hot squash and let it melt. Then, add Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined.
8. Divide the mixture between the reserved squash skins and top with sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese.
9. Return the stuffed squash halves to the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garlic and Parmesan Keto Spaghetti Squash

This recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy spaghetti squash as a low-carb pasta alternative. The combination of butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs creates a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Fresh basil
• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese
• Toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Slice the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place on a rimmed baking sheet cut side down.
2. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the flesh can be easily pulled apart with a fork.
3. Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scoop out the 'noodles' from the shell and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti squash to the skillet and toss to coat with the butter and garlic mixture.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts (optional), chopped fresh basil, and parsley.
7. Grate Parmesan cheese over the top and serve immediately.

Keto Spaghetti Squash Aglio Olio

Inspired by the classic Italian dish, this keto-friendly version of Aglio Olio uses spaghetti squash instead of pasta. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a simple yet flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the mild taste of the squash.

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and poke some holes in the skin with a fork.
2. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
3. While the squash is baking, finely slice the garlic.
4. In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat until a drop of water sizzles. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
5. Once the squash is cooked, scoop out the flesh and add it to the skillet with the garlic. Toss to combine.
6. Add remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss again.
7. Add Parmesan cheese and toss until well combined. Serve immediately.

Cheesy Keto Spaghetti Squash Skillet with Meat Sauce

This recipe transforms spaghetti squash into a hearty and satisfying meal by combining it with a tangy meat sauce and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting pasta-like dish while staying within your ketogenic macros.

Read also: Low-Carb Stuffed Squash

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• Ground beef
• Onion
• Bell peppers
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Mozzarella cheese
• Creole seasoning
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut spaghetti squash in half and scoop out seeds. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast oiled side down at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes.
2. Brown ground beef with chopped onions and bell peppers. Season with creole seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder.
3. Once beef is browned, add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Allow it to simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
4. Remove squash from oven and use a fork to scrape squash from sides. You can remove this to a bowl or just add your toppings on top of the squash.
5. Top with a little shredded cheese and stir into spaghetti squash.
6. Top with half of ground beef mixture on each side of squash.
7. Top with shredded cheese and place under broiler for a few minutes to melt cheese.

Spicy Keto Spaghetti Squash with Bell Peppers and Herbs

This recipe adds a kick of flavor to your spaghetti squash with the addition of bell peppers, herbs, and spices. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a light meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Bell peppers
• Spices (such as chili powder, cumin, or your favorite blend)
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400F. Poke about 4 to 5 holes on each side of the spaghetti squash vertically with a sharp knife.
2. Microwave for 3-4 minutes. When done, allow to cool a bit, cut out the stem and cut open vertically.
3. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, and place the squash halves on the parchment paper, cut-side down.
4. Put in the oven and set the timer for 30 minutes.
5. While the spaghetti squash is baking, prepare the sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a pan, then add the chopped onions. After a minute, add the chopped bell peppers and stir for about 5 minutes on medium-low heat.
6. When the spaghetti squash is done, bring it out and let it cool down for a few minutes as it will be scalding. When it cools down a bit, remove as many strands as you can from the inside of the squash, using a fork.
7. Add the spaghetti squash and spices to the pan with the veggies and stir thoroughly for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
8. Taste for salt BEFORE you add more spices.

Tips for Cooking with Spaghetti Squash

• Choosing a ripe spaghetti squash: Look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a deep yellow or golden color. Avoid squash with blemishes, soft spots, or cracks. If you try to scrape it with your nail, it should not peel off easily.
• Cutting spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can be challenging to cut due to its hard skin. Use a large, sharp knife and be very careful. Microwaving the squash for a few minutes before cutting can soften the skin and make it easier to handle. Poke holes in it before microwaving to prevent exploding!
• Cooking methods: Spaghetti squash can be baked, microwaved, or cooked in an electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot). Baking is the most common method and results in a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Seasoning: Spaghetti squash has a mild flavor, so don't be afraid to season it generously with your favorite herbs, spices, and sauces.
• Storage: Cooked spaghetti squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Is Spaghetti Squash Keto-Friendly?

Yes, spaghetti squash is a keto-friendly vegetable. With just under 8 net carbs per cup, it's a great low-carb alternative to pasta and other high-carb foods.

Read also: Healthy Keto Comfort Food

Read also: Homemade Keto Pasta Sauce

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