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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Keto Spaghetti Squash

    Published: Feb 2, 2016 · Modified: Jan 12, 2022 by Chellie Schmitz

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    Cooked spaghetti squash in a white bowl with garlic, parmesan and fresh herbs. via @artfrommytableCooked spaghetti squash in a skillet with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs. via @artfrommytable

    This Keto spaghetti squash recipe is the perfect low-carb alternative to pasta. Veggie “noodles” are coated in a butter garlic sauce and topped with fresh herbs, cheese, and toasted pine nuts!

    Enjoy it as a simple weeknight dinner or serve it with another dish as a side.

    Cooked spaghetti squash in a white bowl with garlic, parmesan and fresh herbs.
    Jump to:
    • Key Ingredients
    • How To Make Keto Spaghetti Squash
    • How To Toast Pine Nuts
    • How to Chiffonade Basil
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storing
    • You may also like
    • 📋 Recipe

    Some nights, especially when the weather gets colder, nothing sounds better than a big bowl of pasta. Unfortunately, it’s often quite heavy and can leave you feeling uncomfortable and bloated. 

    Enter the not-so-secret solution — veggie noodles! Zucchini is a more common choice, but don’t overlook the humble spaghetti squash. I mean, it’s right there in the name! Plus, it’s a wonderful option for gluten-free or low-carb diets.

    The best part about this recipe? It’s so easy!! Since baking the squash is mostly hands-off, you’ll be able to toast the pine nuts and start the sauce. Once you have your “noodles,” this dish comes together in about 15 minutes.

    Key Ingredients

    Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash recipe
    • Spaghetti squash - The star of the show! Choose one that has a golden or deep yellow color and feels heavier than it looks. There shouldn’t be any cracks or spots along the surface, and it should be firm to the touch.
    • Butter and oil - We’re using both for extra flavor.
    • Garlic - Either minced or pressed is fine, just use fresh cloves for the best flavor.
    • Pine nuts - Don’t forget to toast them! It brings out an incredible flavor and softens them just slightly for a better bite. See instructions below.
    • Fresh herbs - It's worth it to get the fresh herbs in this case. Basil and parsley is a winning combination for this Keto spaghetti squash recipe. You can substitute dried basil and parsley, use about 2 teaspoons each but the flavor isn't as good.
    • Parmesan - Grab a wedge and grate it by hand. I like to create thicker shreds for this dish to add another layer of texture.

    The whole family loves this garlic and parmesan spaghetti squash, and a little bit of crunch from toasted pine nuts makes it absolutely scrumptious. 

    How To Make Keto Spaghetti Squash

    This is an overview of the instructions, be sure to see the recipe card for all the details.

    4 image collage showing the steps to make keto spaghetti squash
    1. Slice the squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place on a rimmed baking sheet cut side down. Bake at 375 until fork tender, 45-60 minutes.
    2. Scoop out the flesh. Once the squash is cool enough to handle, using a fork or tongs, pull the 'noodles' out from the shell and set aside.
    3. In a separate large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cooked spaghetti squash and toss to coat.
    4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and the basil and parsley. Serve immediately garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

    How To Toast Pine Nuts

    While the spaghetti squash is cooking, you can toast the pine nuts on the stove top. This is so easy and it works for any type of nut. Toasting them brings out so much flavor and almost adds a sweetness to them.

    2 image collage showing how to toast pine nuts on the stove.
    1. Place the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat.
    2. Cook, stirring occasionally until they are slightly browned and you can smell the aroma.

    Immediately remove them from the pan, they will continue to cook and brown if you leave them in the skillet.

    How to Chiffonade Basil

    Don’t know how to chiffonade? I’ve got you covered!

    4 image collage showing how to chiffonade basil
    1. Remove the basil leaves from the stems and stack 8-10 of similar size on top of each other.
    2. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the leaves into a cylinder shape.
    3. Slice across the roll to the end.
    4. separate the ribbons with your fingers.

    This is an optional step that adds a little 'wow' to your dish. If it's too much for you, just chop them however works for you, or tear them. When they are cut or torn into, it releases flavor.

    Expert Tips

    • If you have an electric pressure cooker, I highly recommend using that instead. Since getting one myself, I almost always cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot! It saves so much time, and the squash is much easier to cut when it’s soft.
    • Easily add your favorite protein to this garlic and parmesan spaghetti squash recipe! Chicken is an easy way to round out the meal - sear a couple of boneless breasts or grab a rotisserie bird from the store. Ground turkey or shrimp would also taste great.
    • Fresh garlic, herbs and parmesan cheese are strongly recommended for this recipe! The flavor just isn't the same with dried herbs.
    • Use a garlic press to mince that garlic, it will save you time.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is spaghetti squash Keto?

    With just under 8 net carbs per cup, it’s the best option for when you’re craving winter squash. Plus, there are so many ways to enjoy it — with a little bit of butter, your favorite sauce, or as a “noodle” dish like this garlic and parmesan spaghetti squash recipe!

    Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

    Absolutely! Spinach is the easiest to incorporate. Just wilt it in the butter and garlic before adding the squash strands to the skillet. You could also saute some mushrooms or blister a handful of cherry tomatoes if you’d like.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • A meal for the whole family, or works great for meal prep lunches.
    • A handful of ingredients.
    • Lots of variations.

    Serving Suggestions

    Round out your meal with protein. Top off your "noodles" with Meatballs or chicken breast with lemon and rosemary.

    This dish works fabulously as a side dish to Low Carb Meatloaf or these Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Peppers.

    Storing

    • Leftover garlic and parmesan spaghetti squash can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container.
    • To reheat, add a little bit of oil to a skillet over medium heat. Toss the leftovers in the oil, then cook until warmed through. Stir occasionally.
    • If it seems dry, stir in a splash of water or broth for moisture (This hasn't been an issue for me).

    You may also like

    • Asian Spaghetti Squash
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    Please share

    📋 Recipe

    Cooked spaghetti squash in a skillet with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs.

    Keto Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan

    This Keto spaghetti squash recipe is the perfect low carb alternative to pasta. Veggie “noodles” are coated in a butter garlic sauce and topped with fresh herbs, cheese, and toasted pine nuts!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 206kcal
    Author: Chellie Schmitz
    Cost: $8

    Equipment

    • 1 Rimmed baking sheet
    • 1 Skillet
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 medium size spaghetti squash
    • 2 Tbs olive oil
    • 2 Tbs butter
    • 4 garlic cloves pressed or minced
    • ½ cup pine nuts toasted
    • ½ cup fresh basil leaves torn or chiffonade
    • ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
    • ½ parmesan cheese thickly shredded

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375.
    • Slice squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, place cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet.
    • Bake for about 45-60 minutes, until fork tender.
    • After squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out 'noodles' with a fork.
    • Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet.
    • Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    • Add squash noodles and toss.
    • Remove from heat and add basil, parsley and toasted pine nuts.
    • Serve topped with cheese and additional toasted pine nuts.

    Notes

    • The nutrition information is calculated through an automated generator and is not always accurate. 
    • If you have an electric pressure cooker, I highly recommend using that instead of baking. It saves so much time, and the squash is much easier to cut when it’s soft.
    • Fresh garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese are highly recommended for this recipe! The flavor just isn't the same with dried herbs.
    • Use a garlic press to mince that garlic, it will save you time.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 841IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg
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    about chellie

    ABOUT CHELLIE

    Chellie is the creator of Art From My Table, where her passion for delicious food and gathering with loved ones comes together. She believes anyone can cook a great meal, it doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Her recipes and food photography have been featured in many publications including Buzzfeed, Southern Living, Today Food, and Fitness magazine. Read more...

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    1. Chellie Schmitz

      January 14, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      I love it when that happens. We had it tonight too.

    2. Kathleen Pope

      January 14, 2022 at 4:31 pm

      5 stars
      This came at the perfect time, I had some spaghetti squash and wanted to serve it with dinner, but didn't want it plain! Loved the flavors in this, especially the basil!

    3. Valerie

      July 25, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      We recently got hooked on spaghetti squash at our house. I am always looking for different recipe ideas for spaghetti squash. This looks so good!

    4. chellie

      February 13, 2016 at 1:16 pm

      Yes, it's easy! Costco sells the big bag of pine nuts and I've been looking for ways to use them besides hummus and pesto. 🙂 I love them on salads as well.

    5. Nikki Frank-Hamilton

      February 08, 2016 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      This looks so delish and not as difficult as I thought. What a great way to get our veggies in and enjoy them with our eyes as well as our belly! And I love pine nuts, never would have thought to add them, but I love the nutty crunch they give any dish!

    6. Helen Fern

      February 07, 2016 at 5:49 pm

      Thanks for sharing

    7. chellie

      February 07, 2016 at 5:23 pm

      Will do! Thanks for the invite!

    8. Helen Fern

      February 07, 2016 at 1:08 pm

      oh my this looks wonderful! Would love to have you share on the "What's for Dinner" link party -

      http://www.lazygastronome.com/1622-2/

    9. chellie

      February 06, 2016 at 9:33 am

      Hey Charlotte, it really is. I liked it so much I've got another recipe for spaghetti squash coming soon!

    10. Charlotte

      February 06, 2016 at 7:59 am

      wow what a great alternative! we eat a lot of pasta but this would be a great way to mix things up a bit!

    11. chellie

      February 04, 2016 at 6:40 am

      Regina, I've been looking for ways that my family will really enjoy it! This one was a hit for sure. And YES about the pine nuts!

    12. chellie

      February 04, 2016 at 6:39 am

      Awesome Jessica! Glad you found something here you can use.

    13. Regina L. L. Wells

      February 03, 2016 at 9:54 pm

      Fabulous recipe, Chellie! I love spaghetti squash but have never done more than put butter and salt/pepper on it. I am definitely trying this! What is the world isn't delicious with pine nuts, right? Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    14. Jessica

      February 03, 2016 at 7:08 pm

      This looks and sounds absolutely delicious! We're paleo in our home, so this recipe is perfect for us!

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