Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (2024)

Tuscan Spaghetti Squash is an easy vegetarian meal perfect for busy week nights. With only 18 net carbs per generous serving, it’s naturally low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free.

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (1)

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Spaghetti squash is such an amazing stand in for regular pasta. It doesn’t have a strong flavor of its own and easily takes on the other flavors in the dish.

In this recipe for Tuscan Spaghetti Squash, the creamy Parmesan sauce gives the squash the same delicious flavor. It has a very similar taste and texture to that of angel hair pasta.

This recipe is vegetarian, but if you’d like add a little more protein, try thisTuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe, as written, is vegetarian, gluten free, low carb and keto diet friendly. It’s an excellent choice for dinner for Meatless Monday.

If you’re not vegetarian and want to add a little more protein to the recipe, it’s easily adaptable. Simply mix in some cooked chicken or beef strips.

You can make the spaghetti squash ahead of time. Finishing the dish will be even quicker and easier when dinner time rolls around and everyone is hungry.

How to Make Tuscan Spaghetti Squash

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (2)

To make this recipe you will need a spaghetti squash, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, shallot, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

If desired, you can garnish this dish with fresh parsley.

Chef’s Tip: if you’re not vegetarian and want to add more protein to this dish, you can mix in cooked chicken or beef.

The full amounts and printable instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Chef’s Tip: if you have extra spinach and sun-dried tomatoes after making this recipe, a great way to use them up is to makeGreek Omelets the next day for breakfast or dinner.

Prep!

You will need to mince the garlic, shallot and parsley if using. You can buy julienne cut sun-dried tomatoes or you can slice them yourself.

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Create!

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (3)

Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

Place on a baking sheet and brush with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (4)

Roast for 45 to 60 minutes or until the squash can be easily shredded with a fork.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Tip: to save time, you can cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave. Leave the spaghetti squash whole and pierce about 10 holes into it. Microwave on high for 10 to 15 minutes or until tender. Allow to cool before cutting in half and removing the seeds. Then use a fork to scrape out the inside.

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (5)

While the squash is cooling, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the garlic and shallot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until just starting to soften.

Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook an additional minute.

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (6)

Pour in the heavy cream and cook until hot and bubbly, about 1 to 2 more minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach.

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (7)

Once the squash is cool, use a fork to scrape it all out of the skin.

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (8)

Stir the squash into the cream sauce and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Present!

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (9)

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Techniques

  • To save time, you can cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave.
  • You can mix in cooked chicken or beef for added protein and heartiness, if desired.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 to 5 days.

FAQ’s

Is Spaghetti Squash Healthy?

Yes, spaghetti squash is an excellent choice as part of a healthier diet. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates making it a great alternative to pasta.

Does Spaghetti Squash Taste Like Pasta?

No, spaghetti squash does not taste like pasta. It has a relatively mild squash flavor and tends to take on the other flavors in the dish.

More Vegetarian Recipes to Try

Another low carb, gluten free vegetarian recipe that you may enjoy is this one for Keto Mac and Cheese Zoodles.

If you’re not low carb or gluten free and want to try a couple more really delicious vegetarian recipes, be sure to check out this recipe for Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos and this one for Creamy Goat Cheese Pasta Sauce.

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Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (10)

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (11)

Print

Tuscan Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Spaghetti Squash is an easy vegetarian meal perfect for busy week nights. With only 18 net carbs per generous serving, it’s naturally low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free.

Course Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine Gluten Free, Low Carb, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 389kcal

Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic * minced
  • 1 shallot * minced
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained, julienne cut
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese * grated
  • 3 ounces baby spinach
  • fresh parsley * optional, garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

  • Place on a baking sheet and brush with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Roast for 45 to 60 minutes or until the squash can be easily shredded with a fork.

  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

  • While the squash is cooling, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

  • Add the garlic and shallot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until just starting to soften.

  • Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook an additional minute.

  • Pour in the heavy cream and cook until hot and bubbly, about 1 to 2 more minutes.

  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach.

  • Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape it all out of the skin.

  • Stir the squash into the cream sauce and toss until everything is evenly coated.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • To save time, you can cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave or make it ahead of time and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator until needed.
  • You can mix in cooked chicken or beef for added protein and heartiness, if desired.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 to 5 days.

** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 543mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3332IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 222mg | Iron: 2mg

This recipe was originally posted on January 9, 2016. It was updated with an improved recipe, more thorough instructions, new images, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in March 2020.

Vegetarian Tuscan Spaghetti Squash Recipe - Delicious Little Bites (2024)

FAQs

Is spaghetti squash really healthy for you? ›

Spaghetti squash is a winter vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Due to its low calorie content and high fiber content, it may aid weight loss and digestive health. Try roasted spaghetti squash as a low carb alternative to pasta, combined with veggies, protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.

How do you keep spaghetti squash from getting soggy? ›

Give the slices a touch of salt, but not too much! Adding too much salt can cause the squash to get too watery as it cooks. And then you'll be left with mushy strands. You're only seasoning to cook the squash here, and you can add more salt once it has cooked to actually season it to your taste.

Is spaghetti squash high in sugar? ›

One cup of spaghetti squash has 40 calories, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of sugar. Spaghetti squash is fat free and one cup provides 2 grams of fiber making it a great alternative to noodles and rice.

What is chicken spaghetti made of? ›

Chicken spaghetti is made with a creamy, cheesy, super flavorful cream sauce that coats tender chicken and spaghetti noodles. Tangy Rotel tomatoes are also added to give it an extra pop of flavor and to balance the creaminess of the dish.

What are the downsides of spaghetti squash? ›

Does the spaghetti squash have any downsides? According to Czerwony, the only real downside of the spaghetti squash is if you have an allergy. “Unless you have an allergy, it's high in fiber and essential vitamins while being low in calories and carbs,” she says.

When should you not eat spaghetti squash? ›

That's a long time, but it would be a mistake to use spaghetti squash once it's started going bad. Some small unsavory spots can be cut away, but you'll want to toss the squash if it feels mushy, soft, or hollow.

Why does spaghetti squash make me so full? ›

Spaghetti squash is a low-calorie food. Its fiber content makes it filling. Since people use it as a substitute for high-calorie foods, it can be a valuable part of a weight-control regimen.

Do you have to cut spaghetti squash in half before cooking it? ›

You need to cut your spaghetti squash in half before cooking it. Don't let spaghetti squash's hard shell scare you! I've got the trick for cutting spaghetti squash safely (watch our video to see me do it).

Why is spaghetti squash so hard to cut? ›

Spaghetti squash can be tough to cut raw. The outside is hard and the raw flesh can be a bit of a challenge to work through. To safely cut into a squash (spaghetti or another kind), you need to make sure you have a nice sharp knife and a flat, stable work surface to cut on.

Is spaghetti squash a carb or veggie? ›

For example, like all non-starchy vegetables, spaghetti squash is low in carbohydrates, making it a particularly good choice for people concerned about their blood sugar levels (more details below). Spaghetti squash also contains some essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants.

Is spaghetti squash inflammatory? ›

Registered dietitian Jennifer Neale notes that spaghetti squash contains moderate amounts of vitamin C and carotenoids—both of which have anti-inflammatory benefits. Though spaghetti squash doesn't quite stack up against nutritional powerhouses like kale or berries, its versatility is nearly unmatched.

Can diabetics eat spaghetti squash? ›

Spaghetti squash is a low-carb pasta substitute

Spaghetti squash has lots of fiber, making it among the best veggies for people with diabetes. This large amount of fiber causes a slow release of sugars into your body after you eat, which lowers your overall blood sugar.

What is spaghetti called in China? ›

Mi Xian ( 米线 ) (Yunnan Rice Noodles)

Rice noodles come in different shapes, and the most common one is the round, spaghetti-like noodles called Yunnan rice noodles or mi xian. Originating from Yunnan province in southwest China, the noodles are often made fresh from a mixture of non-glutinous rice and water.

Is spaghetti a veg or non veg? ›

Vegetarians can eat pasta. The only ingredients included in dried pasta are usually wheat flour and water. Fresh pasta usually includes egg. If you are a vegetarian that does not consume eggs, be sure to check that the pasta you are buying does not have egg listed as an ingredient.

Is spaghetti from Italy or China? ›

But who invented pasta? Legend has it that spaghetti is descended from noodles, based on the premise that Venetian nobleman and merchant Marco Polo imported long, worm-like strands of the latter to Italy from China in the late 13th century. To many, though, the Chinese origins of Italian pasta are a myth.

How much healthier is spaghetti squash than pasta? ›

Spaghetti contains on average about 200 calories and 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving (2 ounces). However, spaghetti squash contains only 70 calories and around 17 carbohydrates per serving. A serving of spaghetti squash is about 4 ounces, and one spaghetti squash serves four people.

What part of the body is spaghetti squash good for? ›

Colon Health

Because of the appearance of spaghetti squash, you might assume that it is rich in fiber. It has over 2 grams per serving, which is more than regular pasta but not as much as many other vegetables. Fiber in the diet contributes to colon health by increasing the regularity of bowel movements.

Is spaghetti squash or zucchini healthier? ›

A look into essential Vitamins & Minerals, shows that Zucchini Pasta outdoes Spaghetti Squash on every one, except for Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium and Selenium. Information found from SELF's Nutrition Data calculator.

Is spaghetti squash high in carbs or sugar? ›

For example, like all non-starchy vegetables, spaghetti squash is low in carbohydrates, making it a particularly good choice for people concerned about their blood sugar levels (more details below). Spaghetti squash also contains some essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting antioxidants.

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