What To Serve With Spaghetti Squash - 11 Delicious Ideas

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• Great flavor pairings for spaghetti squash
• Proteins
• Comfort food
• Meatless options
• Salads
• What To Serve With Spaghetti Squash (45 Ideas)

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This article was updated on 1/8/2023 for clarity and freshness.

If you’re wondering what to serve with your spaghetti squash, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 45 of the most popular side dishes for spaghetti squash.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best dishes to serve with spaghetti squash are meatballs, pesto chicken, cauliflower parmesan, or creamy pork tenderloin. You can also serve stuffed mushrooms, teriyaki tofu, or chili. To keep things light, serve a black bean and corn salad, or some sauteed shrimp.

Psst… Fall is just around the corner, so I’ve added my favorite cozy pork chop with apples and osso bucco recipes to help you celebrate the season!

Great flavor pairings for spaghetti squash

Spaghetti squash is a popular low-carb alternative for pasta. It has a mild flavor, with subtle sweet and nutty notes.

• Citrusy flavors: Naturally tart ingredients like lemon and lime add a brightness that enhances spaghetti squash’s natural sweetness. Add the juice or zest straight into the spaghetti squash or incorporate them in sauces to elevate your dish.
• Meaty, savory flavors: Spaghetti squash’s mild sweetness provides a tasty balance to rich and meaty ingredients. Try incorporating your spaghetti squash into dishes like chili, stews, or sauces like bolognese.
• Spicy flavors – Adding heat and smokiness is a great way to jazz up your spaghetti squash. Try adding spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder in small quantities. Remember not to add too much to avoid overpowering the squash.

Proteins

Spaghetti squash has your carbs and veggies covered, so you’re only missing a meaty protein to complete the meal.

Whip up a batch of pesto chicken if you want to keep it light, but my go-to are juicy meatballs in marinara sauce. Or why not go the seafood route with seared halibut or a platter of fiery blackened shrimp?

Italian meatballs

Turn your roasted spaghetti squash into a classic American dinner with Italian meatballs.

You’re getting the best of both worlds here – the satisfaction of eating a comforting spaghetti meal without all the added calories from pasta (which means more room for cheese!).

Scoop some meatballs and marinara over your shredded spaghetti squash, and you’re good to go.

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Pesto chicken and veggies

Pesto sauce has a bright, herby flavor that works well with many dishes – spaghetti squash included.

The zesty sauce is an excellent contrast to the subtle sweetness of squash, and the addition of chicken and veggies makes this combination a satisfying meal.

Psst… making your own pesto is well worth the time and effort it takes.

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Garlic butter shrimp

One of my all-time favorite dinner party dishes is shrimp scampi with linguine. It sounds fancy and hard to cook, but it’s really simple. The indulgent flavors come together in under 20 minutes.

Swap the linguine for spaghetti squash, and you have a light and bright meal guaranteed to wow your guests.

Hint: drizzle the leftover sauce over your spaghetti squash for extra flavor.

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Pork chops with apples – Fall special

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/747245763194279649/

Fall doesn’t just mean it’s pumpkin season — apples are in abundance too, and they’re one of the main ingredients in this tasty porkchop dish. They bring a delightful fruity sweetness and the slightest tang that pairs well with the mildness of the pork chops.

Cooking Classy also adds a splash of apple cider vinegar to the pan sauce to really make those fruity notes sing.

Enjoy with a side of freshly roasted and shredded spaghetti squash for the ultimate fall-inspired dinner.

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Comfort food

Spaghetti squash on its own won’t make you feel cozy, but pair it with these dishes and you’re guaranteed a heartwarming meal.

I especially love these faux noodles with warm, meaty chili or a rich, cheesy soup.

Want to try something new? Shakshuka is a must-try!

Steak chili

Chili needs something to mop up the sauce, but it can be pretty heavy so rice is sometimes too much. But that’s where spaghetti squash comes in to undercut the rich, spicy, sauce and add a hint of sweetness.

And using steak instead of mince makes this dish extra special. Don’t forget the cilantro for a burst of freshness either!

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Broccoli cheddar soup

Pairing this soup with spaghetti squash may sound odd, but trust me, it works.

Especially if you have a thick, luxurious broccoli cheddar soup. You know, the kind that’s thick enough to completely coat your mouth? Ladle a scoop of this decadent soup over your shredded spaghetti squash like you would a sauce, and you’ve got a winning meal.

Not a fan of broccoli soup? Sub it out for your favorite soup flavor. Anything tomato-based will pair beautifully.

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Shakshuka

You’re in for a treat if you’ve never had shakshuka before.

Picture a spiced tomato sauce studded with tender veggies and poached eggs – is your mouth watering yet? This classic Tunisian dish is often served with a slice of bread, but I like mixing in cooked spaghetti squash for the ultimate comfort meal.

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Osso bucco – Fall Special

Osso bucco is the epitome of cozy food, which is exactly what you need when fall is in full swing.

Traditional recipes originally call for veal shanks, but The Kitchen Magpie uses beef shanks in her recipe to make it affordable.

The only catch is osso bucco requires a long cooking time (over five hours), but most of it is spent simmering the beef shanks. Plus, it’ll fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

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Meatless options

Why let the meat-eaters have all the fun? These meatless options are just as tasty with spaghetti squash.

A piping hot bowl of vegetable stew will lift your mood, but you can also try cauliflower steaks if you want something more elegant.

Teriyaki tofu stir fry

Add an Asian twist to your spaghetti squash by serving it with teriyaki tofu stir fry.

This stir fry is a plant-based dish packed full of sweet and savory flavors that will make your mouth water. Even non-vegetarians will love it!

It’s quick and easy to make, and you can add pretty much any vegetables you have in the fridge.

Tip: add a dash of red pepper flakes for a light, spicy kick.

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Stuffed portobello mushrooms

You can eat spaghetti squash on its own with a simple sauce, but these stuffed portobello mushrooms will really elevate your meal.

Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and loads of umami flavor – enough to fool you into thinking you’re eating meat! But the best part? The stuffing.

The mushrooms are stuffed to the brim with a thick and cheesy spinach filling. And there’s no breadcrumbs, keeping them gluten-free.

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Cauliflower parmesan

Cauliflower parmesan is a fun take on the classic chicken parmesan dish.

As the name suggests, this is a thick cauliflower slice roasted and topped with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese. Prop a cauliflower steak over your spaghetti squash strands for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.

These roasted cauliflower parmesan steaks have crunchy, crispy edges that are to die for. And you can make them up to 5 days in advance.

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Vegetable stew with dumplings

Who said comfort food can’t be vegan? This vegetable stew with dumplings is the epitome of comfort food. Hearty and filling – it’s the best meal for a cold winter day.

Now imagine your strands of spaghetti squash getting coated with the warm, flavorful broth of the stew.

Sounds divine, doesn’t it? Get cozy with this vegan winter stew.

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Salads

Salads are the way to go if you want to keep your spaghetti squash light and healthy.

Go with a leafy kale salad to celebrate fall flavors, but you can also try black bean and corn salad for a heartier meal.

Black bean and corn salad

This black bean and corn salad adds a Mexican flair to your plain, roasted spaghetti squash. It features a medley of black beans and juicy, vibrant vegetables, all tied together by the lime-cilantro dressing, giving you a refreshing bite.

Add spaghetti squash to the mix and you have a colorful feast for the eyes!

Cooking Classy suggests chopping everything small so you get a bit of everything in each bite.

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Kale salad with warm bacon vinaigrette

This isn’t your ordinary kale salad.

Instead of the typical dressing, the hearty kale leaves and chickpeas are tossed in a vinaigrette made from bacon drippings.

The results? Crisp-tender greens brimming with a delicious savory-tangy flavor.

Enjoy your buttered spaghetti squash with this warm salad for a tasty, nourishing meal.

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Greek salad

Greek salad is one of my favorite salads in my rotation.

It’s packed with lots of veggies that make it extra healthy, and it’s super easy to make – simply chop everything and toss in the herby dressing!

You can enjoy this salad alongside your spaghetti squash, but I prefer tossing the spaghetti squash strands with the salad for a nourishing one-bowl dinner.

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What To Serve With Spaghetti Squash (45 Ideas)

In this short recipe, I show you exactly what to serve with spaghetti squash. Print Recipe Pin RecipePrep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 15 minutes minsServings: 1 personCourse: Side DishCuisine: ItalianCalories: 31