20 Best Spaghetti Squash Recipes

You may have picked up this mystery ingredient at the store and are wondering what to do with spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash is an awesome and underrated ingredient that you can use or replace in almost any dish, whether or not they are recipes with spaghetti squash.

These 20 easy spaghetti squash recipes will ignite your inspiration as you figure out the best ways to use this flexible vegetable.

With so many spaghetti squash recipe ideas, you are sure to find one that is perfect for everything from weeknight dinner with kids or a special dinner party entrée.

1. Parmesan Lemon Spaghetti Squash

Make your spaghetti squash into a bright and zingy main course with this parmesan lemon spaghetti squash.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds an essential burst of flavor that brings this meal together, but lemon juice from concentrate will do just fine as an ingredient substitute.

The addition of skinless chicken thighs makes this a protein-packed dish that can act as an entire meal in one.

Topped off with Parmesan and some cracked black pepper, this deceptively simple recipe tastes heavenly and is so easy to pull together for a weeknight meal.

2. Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash

If you are looking for the best spaghetti squash recipes to wow your guests – or your family – for dinner this week, you have found it in this shrimp scampi spaghetti squash recipe.

This recipe is rich with flavor and will taste so much more indulgent than it really is. A dash of paprika and lemon juice adds a nice kick of flavor.

If you don’t have a shallot, an ingredient substitute that will work is a quarter or a white onion, or add extra garlic to increase the flavor.

Add red pepper flake or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to add an even zestier kick to this recipe.

3. Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

No need to bother with the same old frozen lasagna for dinner when you can whip together this nutritious alternative just as quickly.

This spaghetti squash lasagna recipe saves time from the original dish because you don’t have to do all that layering, but still get the delicious taste of homemade lasagna!

The addition of creamy ricotta and ground turkey adds a hearty richness to this dish without having to sacrifice health.

Kids will love this recipe and may not even realize those are vegetables and not pasta packed in with the delicious sauce and yummy meat.

4. Baked Spaghetti Squash with Beef

This jam-packed dish is like a deconstructed stuffed bell pepper and is a breeze to whip up if you are in a hurry.

This recipe is so flexible and will come together with almost any flavor profile you want to make it with.

Add oregano and basil for an Italian twist, or swap out the bell peppers for some other seasonal veggies.

This recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but you can substitute an ingredient like pepper jack or Swiss. Top with Parmesan for an even more cheesy flavor.

This recipe is great for meal preppers or busy parents who want a make-ahead dish that they can just pop into the oven.

5. Simple Spaghetti Squash

Trying to cut out carbs and coming up with lots of spaghetti squash ideas? Use this recipe as a base for any number of other recipes.

This simple spaghetti squash recipe is perfect if you are trying to make spaghetti squash to replace pasta or another carb in a dish.

A touch of olive oil and salt goes a long way to bring out the natural flavor of the squash.

Just use a one-to-one replacement, and be aware that the spaghetti squash will naturally add a lot of moisture to whatever other recipe you are using.

6. Mexican Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash

Taco night gets an interesting twist with this Mexican spaghetti squash recipe.

Vegetarians at the table will be happy with this totally meatless recipe. To make the dish vegan friendly, just remove the cheese or sub it out with vegan cheese.

This dish works great on its own, or you can scoop the filling into a tortilla with some additional fixings for a nutritious and fiber-rich burrito.

Better yet, dollop this recipe into your next quesadilla for a flavorful addition to an otherwise simple dish.

7. Primavera Spaghetti Squash

Want spaghetti squash dinner recipes that are great for a dinner party? Try this primavera spaghetti squash recipe to really wow your guests.

This primavera spaghetti squash looks great on the plate, tastes wonderful, and has an elegant flavor profile.

This recipe is also a great idea if you have leftover or precooked chicken on hand and are getting sick of sprinkling it on your salads.

Mozzarella and parmesan make this primavera spaghetti squash a gooey and delicious cheese-covered delight.

8. Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats

Need a fun dinner idea and bored with all your usual recipes?

Try these taco spaghetti squash boats to shake things up. These boats totally beat burrito bowls and are so much healthier.

These zesty pockets of goodness are so fun to make – and eat! Kids and adults love them, and you will get your pickiest eater asking for seconds without a hitch.

Top with fixings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese for a colorful and interactive meal.

9. Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Who needs a bread bowl when you have this comforting at-home recipe? If you want your spaghetti squash recipes tasty and warm, you have got to try this broccoli cheddar stuffed spaghetti squash.

This comfort meal is low carb and low calorie compared to the typical broccoli cheddar dish.

This recipe is great for a cold night when you just need something cheesy and tasty to warm you up.

Set up these squashes in advance and refrigerate them for when you need them.

Then, just sprinkle with cheese and pop them in the oven for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

10. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Looking to make a basic cooked spaghetti squash without all the fuss of a complicated recipe?

Try cooking your spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot – no other ingredients are needed, not even oil!

It’s true, your Instant Pot can pretty much cook anything.

Make your life easier by popping your spaghetti squash into the Instant Pot for a quick and perfectly cooked squash every time.

This simple Instant Pot recipe is perfect if you just want to keep things simple and top your spaghetti squash with a sauce you already have on hand.

11. Creamy Chicken Spaghetti Squash

There are so many clever recipes using spaghetti squash, but this carbonara-Esque recipe might take the cake.

With smoky bacon and chicken, you will wow your dinner guests and enjoy a balanced, protein-rich meal at once.

The secret ingredient of sun-dried tomatoes adds a decadent layer of flavor, as well.

This recipe is great for non-dairy diets or anyone trying to reduce their lactose intake.

If you don’t have Nutritional yeast and you can handle dairy, Parmesan is a great ingredients substitute.

12. Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Have a ton of people to feed and are tired of the same old fajita casserole?

This spaghetti squash casserole might just become your new go-to casserole recipe.

Even as casseroles go, this spaghetti squash casserole is so simple to bring together and will last pre-cooked or cooked in the fridge for days.

If you like to plan ahead for leftovers, this is the recipe for you.

Top off with breadcrumbs and cheese for a nice golden-brown crust that will appeal to the eyes as well as the stomach.

13. Spaghetti Squash “Pizza” Bowls

Skip the cauliflower crust when you can enjoy an equally low-carb pizza-style meal with this fun and easy spaghetti squash “pizza” bowls.

This flexible recipe will work with almost any ingredients. You will be amazed you didn’t have this recipe in your rotation before now.

Add your own secret ingredients with any toppings you choose. You can even do a Hawaiian-style “pizza” bowl with pineapple and ham.

Sprinkle your squash bowls with Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flake for an even more authentic feel.

14. Air Fryer Spaghetti Squad

You need fewer things on your to-do list, not more! So why not make your life easier by putting the air fryer to use to cook up your spaghetti squash while you focus on…everything else?

No need to preheat or grease a pan or even pre-prep your spaghetti squash.

Just toss it whole into the air fryer basket and let the machine do the rest.

Air fryers can vary a little, so you might want to check on your squash a couple of minutes before the timer ends just to make sure things are on track, and add extra time if you need it.

15. Pesto Spaghetti Squash

With squash you might think of stews and roasted dishes, but did you know spaghetti squash can also be refreshing and bright?

This pesto spaghetti squash adds a lovely touch of green to the plate and tastes incredible to boot.

You can use a jarred pesto or make your own from scratch if you are feeling ambitious.

Either way, it will taste incredible combined with the subtle sweetness of spaghetti squash.

The secret ingredient to amping up the color and nutritious quality of this dish is the addition of kale.

If you don’t have kale, try another leafy green like spinach.

16. Baked Pasta-Style Spaghetti Squash

Cutting out carbs and interested in spaghetti squash meals that save your cravings? This baked pasta-style spaghetti squash is so flavorful you won’t even miss your linguini.

The addition of fresh grape tomatoes and basil leaves makes this a perfect summertime meal that can serve hot or cold.

The simple flavors of each ingredient blend together to make a lovely dish that looks and tastes beautiful.

Sprinkle with Parmesan or Asiago shavings and top with fresh cracked pepper for an even more elegant look and taste.

17. Low Carb Seared Scallops and Spaghetti Squash

Trying to impress with a date night meal made at home? This recipe for seared scallops and spaghetti squash is as restaurant quality as you can get.
Not only that, but this recipe is low carb and perfect for anyone watching their carb intake or dieting in general.

The best part is, that the creamy sweetness of the scallops paired with a simple and elegant sauce means you won’t even notice how healthy this dish is when it tastes so great.

18. Hearty Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash

Throwing a party and wondering what to make with spaghetti squash? Sub out the typical, heavy buffalo dip with this lighter and nutritious alternative.

This hearty buffalo chicken spaghetti squash can be served as an appetizer

(it tastes great topped onto a cracker or sliced French bread!) or as an entrée all on its own.

Pair this dish with a green salad or hearty vegetable-like asparagus for a nicely balanced meal with plenty of variety of flavors and textures.

19. Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

Why mess with a classic? If you are on the lookout for spaghetti squash dishes that are simple and sure to please, you cannot go wrong with this spaghetti squash and meatballs recipe.

This recipe allows for making the meatballs from scratch, which means you can substitute ingredients as you see fit.

Try using ground turkey in place of beef for a lower-cholesterol option, or up the spice with the addition of red pepper flake in the mixture.

If you don’t have time to make your own meatballs, you can also easily use a frozen pre-made meatball and cook it separately before adding it to the spaghetti squash and sauce.

20. Burrito Squash Boats

These flavorful burrito squash boats come together so easily and taste amazing.

Make them vegetarian-friendly by substituting the ground beef for a vegetarian beef alternative.

You can also add cooked rice to the recipe to add even more heartiness to this already well-balanced meal in one.

If you don’t have cumin, you can use a pre-made taco mix or a seasoning mix like seasoned salt.

When serving, top with minced cilantro or parsley for an elegant appearance that also adds a nice bite of flavor.