Spaghetti Squash: Better than pasta!

Spaghetti squash is a great alternative to its high-carb counterpart “spaghetti” and is better than pasta. It’s a great replacement for higher-carb foods when serving dinner, or even meal prep. One of the main reasons people struggle to lose weight is the high carb content at dinner. By simply replacing pasta and bread at dinner with something like spaghetti squash, you can decrease bloat, improve bowel movements and even shave a few pounds off of the scale. One cup of spaghetti squash contains only 42 calories. So dig on in and have 2 cups if you wish! 

Spaghetti squash is a nutrient-dense food, meaning it's low in calories but contains a good amount of important vitamins and minerals. In particular, spaghetti squash is a good source of pantothenic acid which helps to support the adrenal glands. It's also a great source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, and niacin. 

Spaghetti squash is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals circulate in the body and cause damage to our cells which is why keeping a diet high in antioxidants is so important. 

If you are looking for another similar recipe to use spaghetti squash, check out my Pasta with Pesto and Tuna recipe!

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• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Storage
• Equipment
• Tips
• FAQ
• More Delicious Spaghetti Recipes
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Ingredients

This recipe takes only one ingredient! Spaghetti squash! It’s that simple. You always have the option to add olive oil, sea salt, or pepper when finished, but it truly can be served as is! 

Instructions

• First, wash your spaghetti squash. 
• Then, pierce the spaghetti squash all around with a sharp knife. 
• Place the spaghetti squash in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 5 minutes. 
• Carefully remove the squash from the microwave with oven mittens. 
• While holding one side of the spaghetti squash, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, remove the pulp and the seeds and throw away. 
• Fill a microwave-safe dish with ½ inch of water. 
• Place both sides of the spaghetti squash into the dish and microwave for 7 minutes. 
• Using a fork, carefully check to see if the squash is ready to shred completely. If so, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and allow it to cool for 2 minutes. If not, continue to microwave in 3-minute increments until done. 
• Since all spaghetti squash are different sizes, you will find they will all take a slightly different time to finish. Once finished, follow the steps above by removing and allowing it to cool. 
• Use a fork to take rake and forth to remove the strands of squash and place them into a bowl. 
• Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or serve with your favorite dish. 

Storage

Spaghetti squash keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container for up to three days. If your spaghetti squash is extremely fresh, you can go for as long as four days. To reheat the spaghetti squash, simply sauté in a pan for a few minutes, or place in the microwave covered for 45 seconds to 1 minute. 

Equipment

Glass Baking Pan: The pan is made of high-quality, durable glass that is resistant to thermal shock. This means it can withstand high temperatures without cracking or shattering, making it safe for oven use.

Tips

Why microwaving spaghetti squash makes sense.

• Cutting a raw spaghetti squash is extremely hard to do. In fact, oftentimes without a very sharp knife, it’s almost impossible. Microwaving the spaghetti squash makes this step easier. 
• Cooking the spaghetti squash in the microwave saves time, which leaves time for other recipes during dinner or meal prep. 
• Cooking spaghetti squash in the microwave takes between 15 and 20 minutes depending on the size. Placing a spaghetti squash in the oven can take up to an hour to finish. 

FAQ

Is spaghetti squash gluten-free? 

Yes, spaghetti squash is gluten-free. 

Is spaghetti squash dairy free?  

Yes, spaghetti squash is dairy free. 

Carbs in spaghetti squash?  

Spaghetti squash is low-carb. 

How will I know when the spaghetti squash is done? 

You will be able to tell when the spaghetti squash is done when you are able to easily shred it with a fork.

Will my spaghetti squash explode in the microwave?

Absolutely not. Spaghetti squash is completely safe to put in the microwave.

How can I serve my spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash serves as a great pasta substitute. It also goes great on salads, with steak, a medley of vegetables, and grilled chicken breast. The possibilities are endless.

Can I freeze spaghetti squash? 

I do not recommend freezing, spaghetti squash, it may become mushy. 

How long does spaghetti last in the fridge?

Spaghetti squash, can generally be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Can I microwave spaghetti?

Yes, you can microwave spaghetti squash in as little as 15 minutes. That’s right! There’s no need to spend all night trying to cut through a spaghetti squash or an hour roasting it in the oven. Microwaving spaghetti squash is the fastest and easiest way to get it on the table, with little to no effort. 

Can I make Spaghetti squash in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make spaghetti squash in air fryer!

More Delicious Spaghetti Recipes

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