This week I found myself with an overflowing stash of spaghetti squash sitting on my kitchen counter. My dad seems to have a green thumb in all areas – he planted some spaghetti squash (among other things) this year and they’re doing well. So well, in fact, we can’t seem to get them eaten fast enough! Have you ever had that problem? We have pretty limited counter space to begin with so I need to cook these up and get them eaten in a hurry!

Usually I keep things pretty simple for spaghetti squash. Just a little olive oil, salt & pepper, then roast in the oven while I’m prepping other things or working around the house. Not that there’s anything wrong with that approach but I wanted something a little more exciting to try. So who better to turn to than my fellow dietitians? So many of my talented colleagues have blogs where they come up with incredible recipes, and they did not disappoint!

[Tweet “Here’s what to make with that spaghetti squash rolling around on your counter! New recipe roundup HERE:”]

Start with Spaghetti Squash 101 from dietitian Jennifer of Healthy Inspiration. Microwaving your spaghetti squash before cooking in the oven can really cut down on how long you need to bake it. Just watch out as you cut it, since the escaping steam can burn your fingers if you’re not careful!

InstaPot and Slow Cooker Options

Like I said, nothing wrong with using the oven to roast your spaghetti squash, but it can take a while depending on how large the squash is. Other times, you don’t want to heat up the entire kitchen so turning to a crock pot, pressure cooker, or one-pot recipe is a more practical choice.

Crockpot Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs from Snacking in Sneakers

Southwestern Style Stuffed Spaghetti Squash in the Pressure Cooker from Your Choice Nutrition

One Pot Spaghetti Squash from Perspective Proportions

Pasta Classics, Reinvented

One of the most common (and obvious) uses for spaghetti squash is to replace traditional pasta in a recipe. While this can significantly reduce the number of carbohydrates in your meal, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great flavor. These examples show how satisfying a pasta alternative can be!

Three Cheese Spaghetti Squash “Lasagna” from Smart Nutrition

Healthy Meatballs over Spaghetti Squash from Stacey Mattinson

Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash from Amy Gorin

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai from Sinful Nutrition

Spaghetti Squash with Vegan Tomato Basil Cream Sauce from Hummusapien

And chicken parmesan and spaghetti seem to go together like…well, chicken parm and pasta. Here’s a few options for a spin on this classic dish.

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash from The Nutritionist Reviews

Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash (Step by Step) from Emily Kyle Nutrition

Southwest Inspired Recipes

Think of spaghetti squash as your blank canvas to paint with flavor – that’s exactly what this dishes are designed to do! If you like things on the spicy side, these next recipes are for you.

Vegetarian Enchilada Spaghetti Squash Boats from The Foodie Dietitian

Southwest Spaghetti Squash from Eat Real, Live Well

Shrimp Enchilada Spaghetti Squash Boats from Hungry Hobby

Taco-Topped Spaghetti Squash Bowls (Plus, How to Roast) from Liz’s Healthy Table

Veggie Fajita Spaghetti Squash Stir Fry from C It Nutritionally

New Comfort Food Favorites

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about a steaming hot bowl of pasta that’s just so comforting to me. These next dishes take that concept and run with it – check ’em out, and who knows? You might find a new favorite of your own among them!

Jambalaya Spaghetti Squash with a Vegetarian Twist from One Hungry Bunny

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash from The Gourmet RD

Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Lentil Bolognese from Nutrition by Nazima

Spaghetti Squash Vermicelli Chicken Briyani from The Delicious Crescent

Cheeseburger Spaghetti Squash Casserole from Homemade Nutrition

Spaghetti Squash Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Bake from Nutrition to Fit

So I hope this leaves you feeling inspired to put those squash to work (squashes? squishes? Seems there should be a better plural word for squash). I’m most looking forward to trying mine in the crock pot and pressure cooker, especially since I recommitted to cooking more meals at home and I need something hands-off so I can get other things done!

[Tweet “Get your dose of recipe inspiration for spaghetti squash with these dietitian-sourced dishes!”]

I’m also thinking about making a recipe round a monthly feature, showcasing different options for when you find yourself at a loss of what to make with seasonal produce or other ingredients.

What do you think? What would you like to see more recipe inspiration for? Leave a comment below!

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