7 Ways to Make Spaghetti Squash That Doesn't Suck

Updated on 4/16/2018 at 3:15 PM

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Congratulations — you've finally learned how to prep a spaghetti squash! Now, what the heck do you make with it? Since no amount of staring will magically transform the "noodles" into actual carbs, you're going to need to consult the flavor department to make this veggie as appealing as possible. As a self-proclaimed pasta addict, I've figured out ways to work with spaghetti squash and turn it into a packed lunch I really do look forward to eating. Read on for seven tips and recipes that just might convince you to eat low-carb spaghetti squash more often than spaghetti.

Don't forget to season it from the beginning.

Treat spaghetti squash as you would any other roasted vegetable and season it with salt and pepper before you cook it. Drizzling the squash with olive oil and seasoning it with salt and pepper before it goes into the oven ensures the strands are permeated with flavor, and your final dish will taste even better.

Get the recipe: basic spaghetti squash

Microwave it if you're short on time.

Roasting spaghetti squash in the oven can take up to an hour, but you can microwave the squash and get the same results. If you're short on time and want to make a healthy dinner, opt for this cooking method that takes just 15 minutes. Once it's ready, you can top the squash with anything you have on hand, like garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, canned tomatoes, spinach, parmesan, or goat cheese.

Get the recipe: how to microwave spaghetti squash

Pair it with a big batch of slow-cooker bolognese.

I like to pair spaghetti squash with bolognese because the protein in the sauce is guaranteed to fill me up. When the squash is covered in a flavorful Italian meat sauce, you almost forget you're eating vegetables instead of real spaghetti. Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for an even healthier meal.

Get the recipe: slow-cooker bolognese

Or go for a hearty and filling meat-free sauce.

If beef bolognese isn't your thing, try a vegetarian sauce with roasted mushrooms and an easy tomato sauce.

Get the recipe: fast and easy spaghetti squash with tomato sauce and roasted mushrooms

Meal-prep it!

What makes spaghetti squash perfect for meal prepping is that one medium-to-large squash makes four servings. Taking the time to roast one squash on a Sunday evening pays off and guarantees you'll have a healthy, filling lunch for every day of the workweek but Friday (which is the perfect day to treat yourself). I like to divide my cooked squash into four equal portions and add them straight to Tupperware containers, top each one with sauce, and have my lunch packed and ready to go in my fridge.

Load it up with parmesan.

Even Guy Fieri eats spaghetti squash . . . when it's covered in a mountain of parmesan cheese. The saltiness of parmesan cheese goes well with the ever-so-slightly sweet vegetable, and roasted kale "chips" add crispy texture to mix things up.

Get the recipe: Guy Fieri's spaghetti squash with kale and parmesan

Disguise it as mac and cheese.

When in doubt, add cheese. And more cheese. If nothing else turns you into a spaghetti squash convert, this cheddar broccoli "mac" and cheese will.

Get the recipe: spaghetti squash mac and cheese