9 Spaghetti Squash Recipes That Cut Carbs and Add Flavor

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

If you follow a gluten-free, Paleo, or Whole30 diet, chances are, you miss pasta. We don't blame you. Heck, maybe you don't follow any of these diets, but are just looking to lighten things up a bit. Say hello to your friend, the spaghetti squash. A great stand-in for noodles, spaghetti squash soaks up all the delicious flavors of the sauce it cooks with. Add to that its high fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A content, and it's a great veggie to have even if you're a member of the I Love Carbs club.

Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spaghetti Squash Alfredo

Not only is spaghetti squash alfredo a real thing, but you can eat it straight out of the shell! This lightened-up version contains over 40 grams of protein, and cuts back on fat and cholesterol by subbing in Greek yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese.

Roasted Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash

Power up on protein by making roasted shrimp over spaghetti squash. This low-calorie, high-fiber dish keeps things simple, making it a great place to start if you're experimenting with seafood.

Cheesy Veggie "Pasta" Bake
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cheesy Veggie "Pasta" Bake

Gooey, delicious, and gluten-free — need we say more?! You might as well get used to making our cheesy veggie "pasta" bake because after your friends and family try it, they're going to want you to make it all the time.

Paleo Meatballs and Spaghetti Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Meatballs and Spaghetti Squash

Even if you follow a Paleo lifestyle, you can still get all the comfort of a big bowl of spaghetti (squash) and meatballs. This version is much lower in carbs, and almond flour stands in for classic breadcrumbs to hold the meatballs together.

Paleo Pad Thai
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Pad Thai

Tangy, creamy, and sweet, this Paleo-friendly pad thai has all the delicious flavors of the original. We especially love it because it's missing all the added sugar you'll find in the original.

Spaghetti Squash With Tomato Sauce and Roasted Mushrooms
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Spaghetti Squash With Tomato Sauce and Roasted Mushrooms

A delicious dinner doesn't have to be an elaborate affair. A batch of our spaghetti squash with tomato sauce and roasted mushrooms only calls for a handful of ingredients, and is pretty easy to prepare.

Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese

Spaghetti squash mac and cheese is a revelation. It has all the cheesy goodness of a traditional recipe, but the use of spaghetti squash helps lower the carb content while upping its fiber count.

Maple Cumin Lentils Over Spaghetti Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Maple Cumin Lentils Over Spaghetti Squash

The vegan equivalent of spaghetti bolognese, our maple cumin lentils over spaghetti squash is higher in fiber and protein than its meat counterpart.

Crockpot Spaghetti Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Crockpot Spaghetti Squash

While not a recipe, this hack for cooking spaghetti squash in a slow cooker will save you time during dinner prep. Start your slow cooker in the morning and your squash will be ready to serve once you're home from work.