What is spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash is a variety of winter squash. It’s oval in shape and has a tough light yellow outer skin. The inner flesh is a more vibrant yellow and turns into spaghetti-like strands when cooked, hence the name spaghetti squash. The flavor is very mild, allowing it to pair well with all sorts of sauces + toppings. It can also be eaten hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Step-by step guide for cooking a spaghetti squash.

step 1 – preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

No explanation needed here. Just set your oven to 350 and allow it to preheat while you prep your squash for baking.

step 2 – cut the squash in half lengthwise. 

Using a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash lengthwise from top to bottom. Depending on the size of your squash, this part can be fairly difficult because uncooked squash are tough + hard. If you’re unable to cut through the squash, zap it in the microwave for a couple of minutes to soften is slightly. Just soft enough to be able to cut it safely.

step 3 – scoop out the seeds.

Using a spoon, scrape out all of the seeds from the inside of the squash until you’re left with a smooth surface. Be sure not too scoop out too much of the flesh though, because that’s what will eventually become your “spaghetti.” You can either toss the seeds, or rinse and bake them for snacking [just like you would pumpkin seeds].

step 4 – add cleaned squash halves to rimmed baking sheet.

Place the squash halves cut-side down on your baking sheet. Add a little bit of water to the baking sheet, just enough to cover the bottom. I like adding water because it steams the squash and gives it a more tender flesh. Adding water is optional though; it will cook just fine without the added water.

step 5 – cook squash.

Add squash to your preheated 350 degree oven. Depending on the size of your squash, it will bake for 30-45 minutes. The squash is done when the flesh is tender all the way through. You can push on the outer peel and it should feel soft. And the inner flesh should easily separate into strands when running a fork through it.

step 6 – separate flesh into spaghetti-like strands.

Using a fork, run the fork across the flesh from end to end [top to bottom], separating it into spaghetti-like strands. If your squash is tender, this should happen very easily. If not, pop it in the oven for a few more minutes until it is. You will be left with squash “noodles” and empty shells. Discard the shells.

step 7 – serve and enjoy.

Top the squash “noodles” with your favorite sauce or additions. You can serve immediately or refrigerate for one week. See below for my Swiss chard + sausage topping recipe and some other tasty ideas.

Spaghetti Squash with Swiss Chard + Sausage

servings: about 6

Ingredients

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1 package of Aidells® sausage or 4 organic chicken sausages, halved + sliced into bite-size pieces
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
• 2 Tbsp organic butter
• 1 large bunch Swiss chard, de-stemmed + chopped
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced thinly [any variety]
• about ¾ cup of vegetable, chicken or beef broth
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes [optional]

Directions

To cook squash:

[1] preheat oven to 350 degrees, [2] cut the squash in half lengthwise, [3] scoop out the seeds, [4] add cleaned squash halves to rimmed baking sheet [5] bake for 30-45 minutes until tender, [6] separate flesh into spaghetti-like strands.

To make sauce:

Add coconut oil [or olive oil] to large pan on medium heat. Once melted add sausage, onion and garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally for 6-8 minutes until onion and garlic become tender and sausage has a slight sear. Add broth, mushrooms, Swiss chard, sea salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes [if using]. Bring to a light boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until greens have wilted and softened. Remove lid, add butter and stir until completely melted. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. The sauce should be slightly “liquidy” but not soup-like.

To serve:

Pour sauce over cooked spaghetti squash and mix well. Serve warm.

suggestion: top with a little nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese for some extra nuttiness.

5.0 from 1 reviews

Spaghetti Squash with Swiss Chard + Sausage

 

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Author: Angela Freed

Serves: about 6

Ingredients

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1 package of Aidells® sausage or 4 organic chicken sausages, halved + sliced into bite-size pieces
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
• 2 Tbsp organic butter
• 1 large bunch Swiss chard, de-stemmed + chopped
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced thinly [any variety]
• about ¾ cup of vegetable, chicken or beef broth
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes [optional]

Instructions

1. To cook squash: [1] preheat oven to 350 degrees, [2]cut the squash in half lengthwise, [3] scoop out the seeds, [4] add cleaned squash halves to rimmed baking sheet [5] bake for 30-45 minutes until tender, [6] separate flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
2. To make sauce: [1] Add coconut oil [or olive oil] to large pan on medium heat. [2] Once melted add sausage, onion and garlic. [3] Sauté, stirring occasionally for 6-8 minutes until onion and garlic become tender and sausage has a slight sear. [4] Add broth, mushrooms, Swiss chard, sea salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes [if using]. [5] Bring to a light boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until greens have wilted and softened. [6] Remove lid, add butter and stir until completely melted. [7] Taste sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. The sauce should be slightly "liquidy" but not soup-like.
3. To serve: Pour sauce over cooked spaghetti squash and mix well. Serve warm. Suggestion: top with a little nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese for some extra nuttiness.

3.5.3208

Other topping ideas for your spaghetti squash:

[1] homemade meat + marinara sauce

[2] homemade basil pesto + diced chicken

[3] organic butter, salt + pepper

[4] sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil + garlic

[5] homemade creamy Alfredo sauce + chicken

Did you try this recipe? What did you think? What is your favorite way to eat spaghetti squash? Let me know in the comments below! 🙂