Everyone loves a steaming plate of spaghetti; but because pasta is typically loaded in carbs, it’s eaten more as a treat than a healthy meal. Here are two alternative recipes for cooking spaghetti using squash for tasty, yet packed in nutritional goodness meal options.

1. SPINACH AND TOMATO SPAGHETTI SQUASH

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium sized spaghetti squash
• 6 free range eggs
• 2 tablespoons of sun dried tomatoes
• ¼ cup of sliced cherry tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1/3 cup of Spinach (chopped)
• ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 3 tablespoons of Cream

PREPARATION

Prepare and cook the spaghetti squash. Preheat the oven to around 400 degrees. Grease a pie pan then press the cooked spaghetti squash to the bottom and sides of the pan carefully to form a crust. Cook in the oven for about 10 minutes.As it cooks, beat the eggs with the light cream and mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and cheese. Remove the crust from the oven and pour the egg mixture into the pan. Ensure that all the ingredients have sunk into the egg. Bake this mixture for 40 to 45 minutes. Serve while hot.

2. SPAGHETTI SQUASH BOATS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup of cooked black beans
• ¼ cup of salsa
• ¼ cup of plain yogurt
• 1 diced bell pepper
• diced small sized onion
• avocado(for topping)
• teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 diced jalapeno (optional)
• Cayenne, cumin, chipotle or chili powder( optional for an extra spicy punch)

PREPARATION

Preheat the oven to about 350 degrees. Cut the spaghetti squash vertically in half and scoop out the pulp and seeds.

Spread the garlic cloves, pepper and sprinkle olive oil on the squash. Place the cut squash on a baking tray and bake for about an hour. Remove from oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 20 minutes (you can prepare this ahead of time).

Mix the salsa, black beans, yogurt, onions and bell pepper in a small bowl. Include the optional jalapeno and sliced if preferred. Divide this mixture equally onto each half of the spaghetti squash.

Place in the oven for about 10 minutes or until it is thoroughly heated. Remove from oven and serve with the avocado topping.

About the Author Lita Watson:

Lita Watson is the voice of
Quick Easy Cook and loves with cooking blogs. As a beginner in cooking, she tries her best to make quick and easy recipes.