Spaghetti squash is a versatile, healthy alternative to pasta that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any time you want a lighter, vegetable-forward dish. With its naturally stringy texture, it soaks up flavors beautifully, making it a great base for sauces, seasonings, and even baked casseroles. These 11 easy spaghetti squash recipes prove that this veggie is not only nutritious but also delicious enough to crave again and again.
For a classic approach, roasted spaghetti squash with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan is simple, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. Add a hearty marinara or bolognese sauce, and you’ve got a comforting, low-carb meal that rivals traditional spaghetti. For something creamy, try a cheesy Alfredo-style spaghetti squash bake or a loaded spaghetti squash casserole with vegetables, chicken, and a golden melted topping.
Spaghetti squash also works wonderfully in stir-fries and one-pan dinners. Toss roasted strands with sautéed vegetables, garlic, and ginger, or mix with shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a protein-packed, balanced meal. For a zesty twist, try Mexican-inspired recipes with black beans, corn, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for bold flavor that’s still easy to make.
For lighter, fresh options, spaghetti squash salads with roasted vegetables, herbs, and a simple vinaigrette are perfect for lunch or dinner. You can also use it in Mediterranean-style bowls with olives, feta, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a healthy, satisfying dish. Even spaghetti squash “pasta” primavera with seasonal vegetables delivers a colorful, flavorful plate that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
The beauty of these easy spaghetti squash recipes is how versatile they are. They can be made ahead for meal prep, adapted to suit vegetarian or meat-eating diets, and flavored to match whatever cuisine you’re craving—Italian, Mexican, Asian, or classic comfort food. Plus, spaghetti squash is naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re new to spaghetti squash or looking for fresh ideas to elevate this humble vegetable, these 11 recipes will inspire you to make it a staple in your kitchen. From cozy bakes and hearty one-pan meals to light salads and vibrant bowls, these easy spaghetti squash recipes are flavorful, versatile, and guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.
Spaghetti Squash and Potato Gratin
This recipe takes classic creamy potato gratin to a new level. Spaghetti squash adds amazing texture and great flavor — giving you yet another reason to buy the versatile veggie!
Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Tomatoes and Ricotta
There’s no need to preheat the oven, or even use pots and pans for this recipe! A fresh, no-cook sauce and microwave squash prep help bring this flavorful and healthy side to the table in under 30 minutes.
Spaghetti Squash Scampi Boats
Toss butter, lemon, garlic and shrimp with your spaghetti squash for even more flavor. Serve in the hollowed-out squash shell for a pretty presentation.
Spaghetti Squash Chicken Lasagna
Have to feed a crowd? Craving something comforting? Looking for a recipe that freezes beautifully? This lasagna checks all the boxes.
Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
No waiting for water to boil here: Spaghetti squash proves (once again) that it can sub out pasta. It’s perfect in this pancetta and egg-enriched cream sauce.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Marinara
This might be the easiest way to cook spaghetti squash — pierce a whole squash all over with a fork, then cook it in a pressure cooker until perfectly tender. It cooks in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven, and there’s no need to struggle with cutting the sturdy squash beforehand.
Shrimp Burrito Bowl with Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is often thought of as a noodle substitute, but why not use it as a rice substitute too? Microwaving the squash for this dish will get it done in about 1/3 of the time it takes in the oven. Properly cooked squash will still have a little texture and bite, and is an earthy, neutral base for the bold flavors in this recipe.
Spaghetti Squash Pizza Crust
Pizza night just got a whole lot healthier. Before adding the spaghetti squash into the rest of your ingredients, Katie recommends squeezing as much excess water out as you can — so the pizza crust gets nice and crispy.
Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Pancetta and Peas
Cut down on carbs by switching pasta out for spaghetti squash in this flavorful, pancetta-laced Alfredo dish.
Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Calabrian Pine Nut Pesto
Perfect for a special occasion side dish or vegetarian main course, here we top strands of perfectly cooked spaghetti squash with a nutty and spicy-sweet pesto. The creamy pesto is great warm or at room temperature and comes together quickly with pantry ingredients including jarred roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts, tomato paste and Calabrian chile paste. For a showstopping presentation, we spread the spaghetti squash on a large serving platter, then top it with the pesto, fragrant basil, sharp pecorino and more toasted pine nuts.
