Spaghetti Squash Alfredo is a low-carb, gluten-free way to satisfy your cravings. Mix cream cheese and 2 other sauce ingredients right into the cooked squash. You don't even need a stovetop!
Are you limiting carbs? Counting calories or points? Do you have health-related resolutions that you're bound and determined to achieve? If so, you need this skinny version of Spaghetti Squash Alfredo in your recipe box!
Come fall/winter, this recipe takes over where Easy Zucchini Noodle Alfredo leaves off. In fact, the ingredients are almost identical except that you don't have to spiralize anything!
It's much lower in calories and carbs than regular pasta alfredo, but just as creamy and delicious. But, watch the portion size if you are on a keto diet.
I'm partial to super simple low-carb recipes that incorporate vegetables in my quest for being healthy! I promise to share all the tasty recipes and any tips I learn along the way...because that's what I do. 🙂 You'll find many of the recipes in South Beach Diet Phase 1 Recipes.
How to Make It
The graphic below really sums up the easy preparation:
- Cook spaghetti squash (bake, microwave or use the slow cooker.)
- Scrape out the strands (you can leave them in the gourd or scrape into a bowl.)
- Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan Cheese.
- Enjoy!
It takes minutes to prepare (once you cook the spaghetti squash) and there are minimal dishes to wash. What's not to love?
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
You have several options depending on how much time you have. There are pros and cons to each method.
- Bake it in the oven.
- Microwave it.
- Use a crock-pot.
Prep tips
Use these tips no matter which method you choose:
- Rinse the gourd before you do anything else!
- Poke holes all over the squash with a knife to allow steam to escape.
- If you are going to cut it in half before it cooks, soften it first so it will be easier to cut in half. Use a knife to score where you plan to cut it. The indentation does not need to be very deep. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or a few minutes longer if it is very large. Don't go much longer or you risk the inside getting so hot it explodes. I hold it with a hand towel while cutting because it will be hot.
Oven method
Cooking spaghetti squash in the oven is the traditional method. It's all hands-off time and it deepens the flavor, but it does require you to cut the gourd and wait while it cooks.
Cut the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, brush the inside with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake the sides face down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 40 minutes in a 375 degree °F oven.
Microwave method
When time is of the essence, and you need to curb your spaghetti squash alfredo craving stat, try the microwave method. I follow this method over at The Kitchn for Cooking Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave Oven. It does not have the "roasted" flavor but is still tasty.
Essentially, soften the spaghetti squash for a few minutes (as described above) and then cut it in half. Remove seeds and place halves with the cut side down in a dish in about 1 inch of water.
Again, be very cautious to not cook too long (about 5-7 minutes more) and have lots of holes poked to allow steam to escape. Be careful when you take it out because IT WILL BE HOT!
Slow cooker method
Cooking spaghetti squash whole in a slow cooker is my very favorite method, so long as I plan ahead! It doesn't have the caramelized taste from roasting, but it's just so easy to do.
Simply plop the whole gourd into the crock-pot. The timing is very forgiving but generally takes about 5-6 hours on a low setting or 3-4 hours on high.
The beauty of this recipe, no matter which method you use, is that the cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan Cheese are added directly to the cooked squash. The strands are so hot the ingredients melt as they are gently mixed into the strands of flesh.
FAQ
It pairs well with chicken, shrimp or just about any protein! I recommend Blackened Honey Chicken or Skillet Shrimp.
Cut spaghetti squash long ways (through the stem) for shorter noodles and in the middle for longer noodles.
Don't overcook it. If using the microwave or slow cooker method, then blot the strands with a towel to remove excess moisture that may build up. Add the sauce ingredients when you are ready to enjoy it. Otherwise, store the strands separately until you are ready to use them?
Yes! Cook the spaghetti squash and remove the strands. Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Heat and add the sauce when you are ready to enjoy the recipe.
Keep the strands in the gourd if you've baked it in the oven and save a plate. Otherwise, scrape them into a bowl. Either way, this creamy spaghetti squash alfredo will satisfy a craving for decadence. No. It's not pasta. But, it sure is delicious!
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Spaghetti Squash Alfredo - Just 5 Ingredients
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 spaghetti squash medium sized
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil enough to brush the insides of spaghetti squash)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 Tablespoons cream cheese
- 4 teaspoons sour cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more to garnish the top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Poke each spaghetti squash with a knife on all sides (about 10 times or so) to allow steam to escape while cooking.
- In order to make it easier to cut the spaghetti squash in half, place squash on a microwave-safe plate and cook in the microwave for 1-2 minute.
- Cut each squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
- Brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place squash halves on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Place each squash half on a serving plate. The squash will be very hot.
- Using a fork, scrape the strands of flesh away from the skin.
- Add 1 Tablespoon cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of sour cream and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese to the center of each squash half.
- Gently stir the ingredients into the strands of flesh until they until melted and the strands are coated.
- Enjoy straight from squash or scoop onto a plate.
- Top with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Stephanie
This looks so good! Can't wait to try it for dinner soon!
Lauren Kelly Nutrition
I love spaghetti squash and i LOVE that you made alfredo! YUM!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
I've cooked spaghetti squash many different ways. Oven, microwave, crock-pot , and grill. What I haven't done is add cream cheese, sour cram and Parmesan cheese to it! YUM!!
Kim Beaulieu
Fabulous recipe, I dig a good squash recipe and this one fits the bill. I could inhale this in 2 seconds flat.
Rose | The Clean Dish
You just reminded me that I haven't made spaghetti squash in ages PLUS I have never tried it it Alfredo style - what a great idea! Only five ingredients?! This is a total winner!!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay)
I have to try spaghetti squash one of these days...It's just never been in front of me lol! As far as goals, go for it! I am off to a sluggish start to 2016 with an impromptu destination spa vacation kicking off the year and prolonging my holiday fever. Finally, I am buckling down this week and off & running!
Erica Smith
I made these today parents loved them need had spaghetti squash before now I'm in love. Will be one of my good to meals.
Marjory
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Susan
I had a spaghetti squash sitting around so I decided to try it. So yummy, my daughter loved it too.
Marjory
I'm so glad you both enjoyed it!
Kathy
Was eager to try this recipe, but found it to be a little too bland.
Marjory
Hello! If you make it again, try adding a little garlic powder or red pepper flakes.
Win Brandt
Can you eat the whole gourd/squash?
Marjory Pilley
Hi! After you scrape out the seeds in the middle, you can eat everything except the actual gourd!
Grace
Just made garlic Parmesan spaghetti squash. Should it be crunchy or tender
Marjory Pilley
I like mine a bit on the crunchy side. But, they're still very enjoyable if you cook them past that point. The texture depends on how long you cook the squash.