Tips for Cooking Spaghetti Squash - and the 100 Best Recipes For You to Try!
Last week, I harvested roughly 40 perfect spaghetti squashes from my garden.
There’s nothing I don’t love about spaghetti squash. It’s delicious, it’s good for you, and most of all, it’s easy to grow.
However, I tend to fall victim to the temptation of always cooking spaghetti squash in exactly the same way. I bake it in the oven, cook up some tomato sauce with all the season’s ripest tomatoes, slap some cheese on it, and call it good to go. Occasionally, I’ll throw in some venison burger for my carnivore husband.
I love spaghetti squash cooked this way, and honestly, I could eat it every day of the week like this. My husband, though...not so much. I think he gets sick of this recipe.
His grumblings led me to the Internet in search of alternative recipes...and I found quite a few. Consider my tips for growing, harvesting, and cooking spaghetti squash - then give these unique recipes a try.
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What’s the Easiest Way to Cut Spaghetti Squash?
Before I go any further, let me get this tidbit out of the way, since it’s something I’m asked so often - how do you cut spaghetti squash?
First, start by cutting off the ends of the squash.
Then, cut the squash in half lengthwise.
If the squash is too large to comfortably cut in half, you can also cut it into quarters.
Once the squash is cut in half or quarters, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center.
Once that’s done, you can cook the rest of your squash as desired. Another option - one I’ll talk about later in this post - is simply to cook the entire squash whole, rind and all, before attempting to cook it. This will soften the exterior shell and make it easier to cut later on.
Here’s a video with more tips on how to prepare your squash:
Growing Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is an incredibly easy vegetable to grow, and can be grown in just about any corner of the world. It likes heat, so I like to grow it in black plastic. Here’s my technique.
In late May or early June, depending on how muddy it still is, I laid down a thick layer of black plastic like this. After waiting about two weeks for the soil to warm, I cut five-inch holes in the plastic. I drop three to four seeds inside each planting hole, then mound each one over with compost.
The seeds germinate in about two weeks (usually less). This year, it took longer for them to germinate...because I had to replant. Not naming any names, but one of us here on the farm left the pig fence turned off after feeding one morning. I came home after work to discover a garden that was mostly unscathed...except for my young squash seedlings.
So I replanted at the end of June. Luckily, the growing season was long enough that I didn’t suffer any losses besides a couple of dollars in wasted seeds. The pigs were happy though!
Spaghetti squash plants require very little maintenance. When grown in black plastic, you don’t even need to weed, as the plants take up so much space and there’s no room for weeds to appear anywhere else. Water frequently, keeping an eye out for communion squash issues like squash borers and powdery mildew.
How to Harvest and Store Spaghetti Squash
Your plants will be ready for harvest in the fall. You’ll know they are good to go when the vines start dying back. If you aren’t sure whether your spaghetti squash are ready for harvest, try poking the skin of one with your thumbnail. If your finger leaves an indentation, they aren’t quite ripe yet.
Once your plants are ready to harvest, you can use a sharp knife to detach the squash from the vine. Try to leave as much stem intact as possible, and don’t pull on the plant.
Allow your plants to cure for several weeks. To do this, place them in a warm, dry location. I put mine in our hoop house, whether they received plenty of sun but weren’t exposed to the rain.
Once your plants have cured, you can store them in an equally dry location, but it should be cool. I put ours in wooden crates in the basement, where they last the entire winter without going bad. A root cellar would also work.
You can also freeze spaghetti squash. I don’t do this just because we don’t have enough room in our freezer. However, it’s a good option if you have any spaghetti squashes with blemishes or bad spots - these likely won’t hold up for very long in the storage.
To freeze spaghetti squash, bake it first and then scoop out the innards. Put them in vacuum-sealed bags like these and make sure you label each one with the date on which it was frozen. Use within a year for the freshest flavors.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
There are several ways you can cook spaghetti squash. The first time I ever used one, I was honestly bewildered as to how I was supposed to cook it. The skin can be quite difficult to penetrate with a knife, especially if you are making a particularly hard-shelled squash.
I find it easiest to bake the entire spaghetti squash first, before scooping out innards. Usually, I put it on a baking sheet like this and then bake it for one hour at 375 degrees. Once the squash has baked and cooled, I scoop out the innards, feeding the shell and seeds to the pigs.
Alternatively, you can cook your spaghetti squash in a slow cooker like this one. Let it cook for six hours on low, and you can just discard the seeds and shell after it’s done. Some people also cook their spaghetti squash in cast iron skillets or saucepans. Check out this article for some great tips on cooking in cast iron skillets. You can even cook it in a microwave, if you’re crunched for time (just watch out for those flying innards - they’re like lava when they’re heated up!).
The 100 Best Spaghetti Squash Recipes
1. Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti - recipe by Salu Salo
This is, hands-down, my favorite way to use spaghetti squash. It’s a classic! Check out a great recipe for it here.
2. BBQ Spaghetti Squash Pizza - recipe courtesy of She Likes Food
3. Tomato Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash- recipe courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
4. Spaghetti Squash and Chickpea Sauté- recipe over at Woman’s Day
5. Spaghetti Squash Pizza Nests- recipe by Delish
6. Italian Spaghetti Squash- recipe from Delish
7. Parmesan Spaghetti Squash, Spinach, and Bacon with Pine Nuts- recipe courtesy of Julia’s Album
8. Four Cheese Spaghetti Squash - recipe courtesy of Delish
9. Vegan Spaghetti Squash- recipe courtesy of Neurotic Mommy
10. Chow Mein Spaghetti Squash- recipe over at Little Bits Of
11. Spiced Coconut Squash Breakfast Porridge- recipe courtesy of Tasty Yummies
12. Southwest Spaghetti Squash - recipe from Recipe Runner
13.Spaghetti Squash With Olives and Pecorino - recipe courtesy of Good Housekeeping
14. Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti Squash - recipe by The Recipe Critic
15. Spaghetti Squash Frittata- recipe courtesy of The Little Honey Bee
16. Spaghetti Squash Brunch- recipe from Swim Eat Repeat
17.Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese- recipe over at Completely Delicious
18. Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowl- recipe courtesy of Making Thyme for Health
19. Pulled Spaghetti Squash Tacos - recipe by Oh My Veggies
20. Tuscan Spaghetti Squash- recipe from Delish
21. Spaghetti Squash with Bacon, Spinach and Goat Cheese- recipe by Buzzfeed
22. Skinny Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Squash- recipe over at Pineapple and Coconut
23. Bacon Parmesan Spaghetti Squash- recipe courtesy of Home Cooking Memories
24. Caramelized Onion Spaghetti Squash- recipe by The Almond Eater
25. Spaghetti Squash Breadsticks - recipe courtesy of Kirbie’s Cravings
26. Chicken Piccata Spaghetti Squash Boats - recipe over at No Spoon Necessary
27. Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca- recipe courtesy of Good Housekeeping
28. Spinach Artichoke Dip Spaghetti Squash- recipe from Taste and Tell
29. Primavera Chicken Spaghetti Squash Boats- recipe courtesy of Delish
30. Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Stuffed with Spaghetti Squash- recipe by Recipe Runner
31. Lemon and Herb Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp- recipe courtesy of Eat Yourself Skinny
32. Spaghetti Squash with Vegan Fire-Roasted Tomato Cream Sauce- recipe over at Hummusapien
33. Spinach and Spaghetti Squash Dip- recipe courtesy of Julia’s Album
34. Spaghetti Squash and Quinoa Fritters- recipe from Julia’s Album
35. Spaghetti Squash Carbonara- recipe courtesy of Simple Healthy Kitchen
36. Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Spinach- recipe over at Lemons and Basil
37. Parmesan Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms - recipe courtesy of Well Plated by Erin
38. Spaghetti Squash Comfort Bowl- recipe from Sprinkle of Green
39. Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats- recipe courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
40. Spaghetti Squash Crust Pizza- recipe over at Cookies to Kale
41. Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash - recipe courtesy of Recipe Runner
42. Spaghetti Squash Fried Rice- recipe from Marla Meredith
43. Chili Stuffed Spaghetti Squash - recipe courtesy of Peas and Crayons
44. Spaghetti Squash with Chickpeas and Kale- recipe over at Love and Lemons
45. Spaghetti Squash Marinara- recipe by She Wears Many Hats
46. Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Boats- recipe courtesy of Nutmeg Nanny
47. Spaghetti Squash Egg Nests- recipe over at Inquiring Chef
48. Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Bowl- recipe from Closet Cooking
49. Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai with Chicken- recipe courtesy of Evolving Table
50. Spaghetti Squash Kugel with Apples and Raisins- recipe over at Cara’s Cravings
51. Skinny Shrimp Parmesan Spaghetti Squash- recipe by Baker by Nature
52. Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash- recipe courtesy of Salu Salo
53. Spaghetti Squash Coconut Custard Pie- recipe over at Food for a Hungry Soul
54. Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash- recipe courtesy of One Lovely Life
55. Spaghetti Squash Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze- recipe from Savour the Senses
56. Spaghetti Squash Kheer recipe over at My Heart Beets
57. Cinnamon Spice Spaghetti Squash Cake- recipe courtesy of One Green Planet
58. Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash- recipe from Paleo Running Mama
59. Brown Sugar Spaghetti Squash- recipe courtesy of Sweet and Savory Meals
60. Turkey Spaghetti Squash Casserole- recipe over at Well Plated by Erin
61. Mock Coconut Pie - recipe courtesy of All Recipes
62. Cheesy Bacon Broccoli Spaghetti Squash- recipe by Peas and Crayons
63. Sun Dried Tomato with Caramelized Onions Spaghetti Squash- recipe from Choosing Chia
64. Sweet Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Toasted Pecan Crumble- recipe over at Cooking Light
65. Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash- recipe courtesy of 40 Aprons
66. Chicken Fajita Spaghetti Squash Bowls- recipe over at Gluten Free with LB
67. Bacon Spaghetti Squash Fritters- recipe courtesy of My Suburban Kitchen
68. Instant Pot Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash- recipe by The Gunny Sack
69. Spaghetti Squash Dessert Bars- recipe courtesy of Healthy and Fit Life For All
70. Turkey Meatballs and Spaghetti Squash- recipe over at Country Living
71. Eggplant Parmesan Spaghetti Squash- recipe courtesy of Kara Lydon
72. Quinoa Lentil Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash - recipe from Simply Quinoa
73. BBQ Chicken Spaghetti Squash Boats- recipe courtesy of Peas and Crayons
74. Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Cups- recipe by Destination Delish
75. Breakfast Spaghetti Squash Bake- recipe courtesy of Salu Salo
76. Caprese Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes- recipe over at Cookin’ Canuck
77. Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Casserole- recipe courtesy of Smile Sandwich
78. Scallops and Spaghetti Squash - recipe from JZ Eats
79. Healthy Peanut Pad Thai Spaghetti Squash- recipe from The Soccer Mom Blog
80. Herbed Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan- recipe over at Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
81. Parmesan Hash Brown Cups- recipe courtesy of Averie Cooks
82. Pepperoni Pizza Spaghetti Squash Boats- recipe courtesy of Everyday Maven
83. Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya- recipe by Good Cheap Eats
84. Southwestern Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Black Beans and Avocado- recipe over at Taste and Tell
85. Spaghetti Squash with Vegan Tomato Basil Cream Sauce- recipe courtesy of Hummusapien
86. Yakisoba Spaghetti Squash - recipe from Pickled Plum
87. Garlic Herb Spaghetti Squash - recipe courtesy of Pinch of Yum
88. Cheesy Pesto Chicken Lasagna Stuffed Spaghetti Squash - recipe over at Peas and Crayons
89. Coconut Cashew Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Cauliflower - recipe courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
90. Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bake- recipe by Destination Delish
91. Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash - recipe courtesy of The View From Great Island
92. Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bowls- recipe from Peas and Crayons
93. Sinfully Decadent Spaghetti Squash Bake- recipe courtesy of Noble Pig
94. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash with Marinara and Meatballs- recipe over at The Suburban Soapbox
95. Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Spaghetti Squash- recipe courtesy of Paleo Running Mama
96. Spaghetti Squash Tots- recipe over at Kirbie’s Cravings
97. Greek Spaghetti Squash Bowls- recipe by Fit Mitten Kitchen
98. Spaghetti Squash Chicken Parm- recipe over at Damn Delicious
99. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash- recipe from Delightful Mom Food
100. Avocado and Egg Spaghetti Squash Boats- recipe by I Food Real
Why You Should Grow, Cook, and Eat Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a vegetable that’s super easy to grow - besides watering, I did absolutely zero maintenance on my squash plants all season. It stores well, taking up minimal space in your freezer if you choose to just store the cured vegetables.
Plus, spaghetti squash has a ton of health benefits. It’s rich in minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin. It’s also loaded with fiber! If you’re trying to watch your weight or simply stay healthy at a time of the year when other fresh vegetables are in short supply, then spaghetti squash is a great way to go.
Do you enjoy cooking spaghetti squash? What recipes have I missed? Be sure to let me know in the comments - and add spaghetti squash to your garden planning chart this year.
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