Stuffed Spaghetti Squash | Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

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This Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash is one of the tastiest spaghetti squash recipes out there. And not only is it crazy good, but it's a great vegetarian side dish that's easy to make, and makes a beautiful presentation to boot.

Why You'll Love This Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Fast. Done in under 30 minutes.
Easy. Just a few easy steps to have a delicious meal on the table everyone will love.
Vegetarian. A recipe so delicious you won't even miss the meat.
Low Carb. Only 12 net carbs per serving.

As someone who has lived a keto lifestyle for quite some time now, I can tell you that one of the hardest things to give up is pasta--but not any longer!

One of the best tasting low carb pasta options I've found is spaghetti squash. This Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash recipe has to be one of the best pasta substitute dishes I've ever had!

If you've never tried spaghetti squash before, prepare for a deliciously unique experience. It has a very neutral flavor to it. That makes it the perfect vessel for flavorful dishes like this Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash recipe.

I've always loved the flavor combination of garlic and parmesan, and this dish really accentuates their flavor profiles!

With the addition of the nutty flavor of the almonds, the earthiness of the spinach, and the slight heat from the red pepper, this is easily one of the best spaghetti squash recipes you'll find!

Now that you know how tasty this Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash recipe is, let's get into how simple this recipe is to make. Not only is it easy to prep the dish, but thanks to the Instant Pot the cooking of this recipe is quick and painless. No need to babysit a boiling pot, Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot.

Is Spaghetti Squash Healthy?

Spaghetti squash actually has many health and dietary benefits. One of the main benefits is how low carb it is in comparison to pasta. One cup of spaghetti squash yields only 7 grams of carbs, with 1.5 grams of that being dietary fiber. That means only 5.5g of net carbs per cup!

In contrast, regular spaghetti has a staggering 43 grams of carbs, with only 2.5 grams being dietary fiber. That's over 6 times the amount of carbs as spaghetti squash!

And just because you're not living a low carb lifestyle doesn't mean you can't enjoy the health benefits spaghetti squash as well. People of all dietary walks of life enjoy spaghetti squash as a healthy alternative to pasta! It's also low in calories, high in vitamin C and high dietary fiber.

Get over 100 pressure cooker recipes that are nutritious in my new Instant Pot Healthy Cookbook!

Should I Make Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash?

First, let me tell you WHY you should use your Instant Pot for making Spaghetti Squash. I find that the biggest problem I face with spaghetti squash is cutting through the really tough skin. I have come dangerously close to slicing my fingers off more than once.

When my hands are flared with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I also find it nearly impossible to slice through it.

The advantage of cooking spaghetti squash, or really any hard-skinned winter squash in a pressure cooker, is that you do not need to slice it before cooking. Yup. You read that right.

If you want complete instructions on how to cook the spaghetti squash, check out my Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Recipe!

How Many Net Carbs Are In Spaghetti Squash?

Well, it depends on how much you eat. With the high fat and protein content, you should feel full with less than you would imagine.

One cup of spaghetti squash only has 5.5g of net carbs! Don't let the overall carb count intimidate you. It is packed with fiber, which brings the net carb count down to a totally acceptable low carb level.

Spaghetti Squash FAQ's

How Can You Tell If A Spaghetti Squash Is Still Good?

As long as it is not discolored or soft in spots, your squash is still good.

Can I Make Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot?

As you see from this post, it is totally possible, and in fact, is a lot easier than trying to find a pot large enough for your stovetop.

Why Is My Spaghetti Squash Bitter?

Usually, this is about environmental stressors such as lack of water, drastic changes in temperatures, and sometimes soil content. There's not a lot a cook can do about that sadly.

Is Spaghetti Squash truly low carb?

That's one of the most commonly asked questions. Since spaghetti squash is so high in fiber, it makes it a delicious low carb option.

Ingredients You'll Need

1 large spaghetti squash- This is the star of the show, stepping in as the noodle alternative. When cooked, it magically pulls into long, tender strands that become the perfect base for all the buttery, garlicky goodness.
3 tablespoons olive oil- Provides richness and helps sauté the garlic and nuts so they bloom with flavor. It also lightly coats the squash strands for a silky finish.
8 cloves garlic- The heart and soul of this dish. Garlic adds bold aromatics and a savory punch that infuses the squash with irresistible flavor.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes- Brings a gentle, satisfying heat that cuts through the creaminess and prevents the dish from feeling too heavy.
½ cup slivered almonds- Adds crunch and a nutty depth of flavor, giving the dish that joyful textural contrast we didn’t know we needed.
4 cups fresh spinach- Contributes vibrant color, subtle earthiness, and a dose of nutrients. It wilts beautifully into the warm squash for a veggie-forward boost.
1 teaspoon salt- Enhances every ingredient, ensuring the dish tastes flavorful from the first twirl of squash to the last bite.
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese- Provides salty, savory, cheesy richness that melts into the strands and forms a luscious coating.
1.5 cups water, for the Instant Pot- Used to generate steam pressure in the pot to cook the squash quickly and evenly. The foundation of Instant Pot magic!

How To Make Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

Follow the directions above to cook your spaghetti squash.
Empty out the Instant Pot and wipe it dry.
Press Sauté. When the pot is hot, add oil. To the hot oil, add garlic, red pepper, and slivered almonds or pinenuts. Toast for 1 minute without letting the garlic burn. Add in the spinach and salt and stir. You can also do this in a skillet on the stovetop.
Add in the spaghetti squash and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese just before serving.

Tips And Tricks

Stuffed spaghetti squash may look impressive, but with a few clever techniques up your sleeve, it becomes a simple and satisfying dish that stands tall on the dinner table. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success every time:

Don't skimp on flavorings. This recipe is all about the flavored oil and the cheese, so don’t skimp on either.
Double up. I ask you to use half the squash in this recipe, but of course, you can always use all of it and double all the other ingredients.
Tips and Tricks. See the notes above on how to make Spaghetti squash in your Instant Pot. It's got a lot of tips and tricks that will make this easier for you.

Variations

Stuffed spaghetti squash is incredibly versatile. Whatever flavor path you take, it ends in deliciousness. Here are some creative variations to help you switch up the stuffing and keep your squash game exciting:

Use pine nuts instead of almonds
Add ½ cup of cranberries to the hot oil along with the garlic and red peppers
Add roasted cherry tomatoes to the finished dish
Use feta cheese instead of shredded parmesan.
Add ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil along with the spaghetti squash.
Add tomatoes or cranberries. You can also add cherry tomatoes or cranberries to this recipe for a little pop of color and taste.

How Long Does It Last?

Stuffed spaghetti squash typically lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Because the squash is already cooked and mixed with ingredients like cheese, it’s best to keep it chilled promptly after serving.

Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! It's hard for us to eat a whole squash before it goes bad, so we're practically pros at freezing them. Put the strands into a ziptop bag, and squash the bag flat. Not only does this make for easier stacking in the refrigerator, but it also helps the squash defrost more evenly than if you had a large hunk o' squash.

More Great Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes

Tangy Tomato Salad with yogurt on the side

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How to make Acorn Squash is a step by step tutorial to make it fun and easy.
This easy Keto Tabouli recipe uses hemp hearts for a delicious, vegetarian keto side dish. Eat it as a salad, or use it as a savory fat bomb and enjoy a wonderful, fast salad.
This Mascarpone Mushroom Pasta is definitely at the top of my list when it comes to choosing my favorite pasta dishes. It's just SO GOOD!
Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta - One of the creamiest, tastiest pastas I've ever had.
Instant Pot Greek Green Beans - A deliciously hearty vegetarian-friendly dish.
Farro Risotto with Butternut Squash - a delicious side dish or main course.
Butternut Squash Soup - The perfect autumn comfort food.

Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Pin with text overlay

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So the next time you get the craving for a spaghetti dish, save yourself the calories and carbs and make this delightful Instant Pot Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe! And make sure to share this recipe with your friends on Pinterest and Facebook so they can enjoy it as well!