Looking to wow the pants off your Valentine? Or maybe just a way to stay in your skinny jeans?
Avoid the bloated feeling that often comes with traditional pasta by substituting noodles with spaghetti squash. I thought this was a ridiculous idea (how could a vegetable taste like pasta?!) until I tried it for the first time (I loathe change).
Skinny Sketti
You will need a spaghetti squash, choice of meat (if desired) and your favorite Italian sauce (I use bottled – but low sodium!).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Microwave the squash for about a minute. This will make it loads easier to cut and save your hand strength for opening that tightly sealed jar of sauce (let’s be real, I would never make from scratch).
Once cut, scoop the seeds out of the middle (if you forget this step (as I almost ALWAYS do) you can remove after cooking – no worries).
Hold on tight because the squash is slippery!
Once seeds have been removed, place halves on a cooking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your gourd.
Use a fork to create ‘spaghetti’ noodles.
I can make four meals out of one large spaghetti squash (thus not having to cook all week. Score!).
Typically, I add FreeBird chicken breast strips that can be found at Whole Foods (low in sodium and calories) but I’ve also used turkey meatballs and lean ground beef in my sauce.
Mix sauce and cooked meat, bring to a boil.
Serve immediately with or without cheese (due to the non-pasta spaghetti, I treat myself with a handful of mozzarella on top).
Use reduced fat cheese to keep it on the ‘skinny’ side.
This cheesy version of sexy spaghetti will cost $10 (more or less depending on the meat) has about 260 calories, 20 carbs and 11 grams of sugar overall.
Now get out there in all your skinny glory and seduce someone.
CBXB
hOWDY DOODY!
I was surprised that the spaghetti squash tasted just like regular noodles. Good call on microwaving one minute before cutting the squash
It is a helpful trick!
Spaghetti squash is a great idea – loads healthier than wheat pasta
And it’s pretty tasty!
Yum!
You are becoming such a Betty Cr
That would be Betty Crocker…..my friend!
Look out Rachel Ray!!!!
is it wrong that when i saw the chicken was called freebird i mentally went “PLAY FREEBIIIRRRD”
but seriously this looks delicious…I may have to abandon my stubborn carb loving self to try this one out.
Ha – great minds Miss NQ Carrie B. Every single time I pick the package up, I do the same thing!
This is fantastic!!! Ihave had something similar to this in a raw food restarant but I never knew what it was. I get very bloated and sick after eating spagettie but it’s my favorite thing!! I need to find one of these veges an try it
This is really a great substitution for pasta noodles. You can find spaghetti squash in the produce section of your market (I often have to ask where it’s at). Once you try it, I think you’ll be hooked! Let me know how it goes and good luck!
A spaghetti squash?!? I don’t think we have that in Denmark (but maybe in Dubai). What a great way to cut down on carbs:)
If you ever find it, you can ‘introduce’ it to your friends!
Awesome! Nice step-by-steps, lady! I never knew that microwaving a squash would make it easier to peel — that is a great tip since I grow tons of squash each summer. I keep hearing about this dish, but it seems like the texture would weird me out. I am going to have to try it. If you can eat it four nights in a row, it must be delish!
I can eat it four nights in a row because I’m lazy! But I really do love it. I was such a hater until I was trying to cut back on carbs and almost did a back flip because it tasted so good. The texture will freak you out a bit – you’ll think it’s more like a casserole than a pasta. But I think you can also make a cold salad with it….and that’s when I’m out of my element!! Try it and let me know what you think – I thought about you the entire time I was making it – kinda felt a little Fresh Scratch myself!!
It was like a Pioneer Woman Post
! The cookbook deal is surely on its way…
Yum!! What a great idea – pasta is always my comfort food but I always end up eating too much. I’ll have to try this healthier version!
It’s a good swap – and then since you don’t feel guilty for eating all the carbs, you can go back for seconds!
Excellent idea!!
Thank you! Sometimes I can cook….sometimes!
I love spaghetti squash and this is a great recipe
And, it’s easy – which is what I require when cooking!