Spaghetti squash, with its unique texture and mild flavor, offers a versatile canvas for creating delectable and wholesome dishes that go beyond the traditional spaghetti sauce.
While marinara or meat sauce is a classic topping for spaghetti squash, there are countless other creative options to investigate. This article, will explain what to put on spaghetti squash besides sauce.
How To Cook Spaghetti Squash
There are so many different methods to prepare spaghetti squash. However, the most prevalent method of cooking spaghetti squash is roasting it.
Cut it in half, add some oil, and roast until tender.
Nevertheless, I have some incredibly versatile recipes here. Whether it’s a delicious new spin on a classic or an entirely new dish, it’s on this list.
And because it is so healthy, I’m sure you’ll repeatedly return to these spaghetti squash recipes.
What To Put On Spaghetti Squash Besides Sauce?
Here are the 12 things to put on spaghetti squash besides sauce.
1. Pesto
Pesto is an excellent option for spicing up spaghetti squash. Fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil combine to create a vibrant sauce. Basil and garlic compliment the mild sweetness of the squash with their aromatic flavors.
2. Parmesan And Herbs
Adding grated Parmesan cheese and a combination of fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, and oregano, accentuates the natural flavor of spaghetti squash. This combination produces a burst of color and vibrancy.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus enhances their sweetness and flavor. Adding spaghetti squash to these roasted vegetables creates a delectable combination of textures and hues.
4. Garlic Butter
The spaghetti squash is given a luxurious touch by melted garlic butter. The butter’s richness and the garlic’s savory flavors create a comforting and indulgent topping.
5. Grilled Chicken Or Shrimp
To add protein to spaghetti squash, top it with grilled or sautéed chicken breast or prawns. The charred and savory notes of the meat temper the sweetness of the squash.
6. Sauteed Spinach And Mushrooms
Spinach and mushrooms sautéed in olive oil or butter with garlic and seasonings impart earthy and robust flavors to spaghetti squash. This combination is ideal for those seeking a more substantial dish.
7. Mediterranean Toppings
To create a masterpiece inspired by the Mediterranean, combine spaghetti squash with kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumber, and red onion. The olives and feta create a delectable contrast in flavor and texture.
8. Thai Peanut Sauce
Coat spaghetti squash with a homemade or store-bought Thai peanut sauce comprised of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sriracha for a fusion twist. This combination gives your dish a complex, sweet, savory, and peppery flavor.
9. Alfredo Sauce
Mix spaghetti squash with Alfredo sauce to achieve a creamy texture. The rich and velvety Alfredo sauce pairs well with the mellow squash to create a luxurious and comforting meal.
10. Italian Sausage
For a substantial and flavorful dish, sauté Italian sausage with onions and bell peppers, then combine it with spaghetti squash. The spices in the sausage lend flavor and a hint of heat to the dish.
11. Fresh Tomatoes And Mozzarella
On spaghetti squash, dice fresh tomatoes and combine them with bite-sized mozzarella cubes. Like a caprese salad, drizzle with a balsamic glaze to add flavor and acidity.
12. Lemon And Capers
Capers are seasoned with fresh lemon juice and squeezed over spaghetti zucchini. This combination produces a piquant and sour condiment that enlivens the dish.
How To Store Extra Food
- This spaghetti squash should be consumed on the day it is prepared.
- The greatest results can be achieved by storing items separately in airtight containers.
- The spaghetti squash “noodles” can be refrigerated for up to one week in a secure container.
- Additionally, the meat sauce can be refrigerated for at least two days in an opaque container.
How To Reheat Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti
- Reheat the sauce by microwaving it until thoroughly heated or placing it in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Reheat the squash in a 300-degree oven until thoroughly heated.
- Reheating in the oven prevents squash from becoming soft.
Tips For Buying And Cooking Spaghetti Squash
- Look for Uniform Color: Choose squash with a uniform, mild yellow hue.
- Check the Skin: It should be firm and devoid of soft regions or fissures.
- Heft Matters: The squash should feel dense relative to its dimensions.
- Storage Smarts: Keep uncut squash in a cool, dark location for up to one month.
- Oven Roasting: The finest cooking method for tender, spaghetti-like strands is oven roasting.
- Microwave Quickie: Utilize the microwave for a more suitable preparation method.
- Slice Carefully: Cut the squash longitudinally; cut it widthwise for shorter strands.
- Don’t Forget to Season: Salt the squash to enhance its natural characteristics before cooking.
- Use a Fork: Use a fork to separate the spaghetti strands for the ideal texture.
- Multi-Use: Use the strands in salads, casseroles, or as a substitute for pasta.
- Freeze for Later: Cooked spaghetti squash strands can be frozen for approximately six months in freezer-safe containers.
When it comes to serving spaghetti squash, don’t limit yourself to just spaghetti sauce. Experiment with various garnishes to discover new flavors and textures that can transform this humble vegetable into a culinary delight. From herbs and cheeses to proteins and vegetables, the options are limitless, allowing you to construct dishes that suit your taste and dietary preferences.
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