Spaghetti Squash Marinara is the best gluten-free, low-carb spaghetti alternative with a yummy marinara sauce! Our kids love this recipe and have never complained that it isn’t “real” pasta. It’s just THAT delicious.
At this time of year, the farmers’ markets are filled with all different varieties of winter squash. Most of them have a buttery, silky quality, but not spaghetti squash. After you bake spaghetti squash, you take a fork and scrape it out into what looks just like spaghetti. We made this recipe for a bunch of kids and they all yelled “spaghetti!” when they saw it.
We were a little nervous they would turn their noses up when they realized it wasn’t pasta, but they totally dug it. Their moms were thrilled too because it is a vegetable, so we all chowed down together and enjoyed every bite!
Spaghetti squash is an oblong-shaped seed bearing squash that can be orange, yellow-hued or white, and is rich in folic acid, potassium, vitamin A and beta carotene. It’s also low in calories (about 75 for every 8 ounces cooked).
This is a perfect inexpensive dish that’s also great for kids’ school lunches. It’s yummy warm or cold, so make plenty to have for leftovers! If you’re looking for more pasta dishes to make, try our Lightened Up Spaghetti Carbonara, Pasta Primavera, Chicken Pesto Pasta, or this insanely yummy Wild Mushroom Pasta!
Spaghetti Squash Marinara
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 15 ounce can chunky tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds.
- Place the squash on a lightly greased baking sheet and cook for 45-50 minutes or until softened.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over low to medium heat and saute the onion, garlic and carrot for 2-3 minutes or until onion is translucent.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes. Add the basil.
- Remove the squash from the oven and let squash cool for several minutes.
- Shred the squash with a fork until stringy. Tip: Hold the stem end of the squash with a towel or a glove so you don’t burn your hand while you’re shredding it.
- Place the spaghetti squash in a bowl and top with the marinara sauce.
