As a busy mom, I’m always searching for quick, healthy meals. This easy recipe for spaghetti squash with shrimp​ is perfect. It’s fresh, light, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, nutritious dinner.

This dish is low in carbs and calories. It uses roasted spaghetti squash and sautéed shrimp. Spaghetti squash has only 7 grams of carbs and 31 calories per cup. Plus, shrimp cooks in just 4-5 minutes, making this meal both healthy and quick.

Why This Healthy Low-Carb Dish Is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Spaghetti squash is a great low-carb veggie that’s perfect for pasta lovers. It’s full of nutrients and fiber. This makes it a great choice for those looking for low-carb recipes or gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash

One cup of cooked spaghetti squash has just 42 calories and 8 grams of net carbs. It’s perfect for keto-friendly pasta recipes or healthy pasta recipes. It’s also packed with vitamins C and B6, and manganese, adding nutritional value to your meal.

Time-Saving Benefits of Cooking with Shrimp

Shrimp is a lean protein that cooks fast. It’s ideal for quick weeknight meals. In just 15 minutes, you can have a tasty, satisfying meal ready. The mix of spaghetti squash and shrimp is balanced and flavorful, pleasing everyone.

Perfect for Special Diets

This spaghetti squash and shrimp recipe fits many diets, including low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. With only 6.6 grams of net carbs per serving, it’s great for those on a low-carb diet. It offers a pasta-like experience without the carbs.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

To make a tasty spaghetti squash with shrimp dish, you need a few key ingredients and tools. Let’s look at what you’ll need to make your recipe a hit!

The main ingredients are 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 medium spaghetti squash, minced garlic, butter or ghee, lemon juice, and a bit of white wine or chicken broth. You’ll also need freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley to add flavor.

You’ll need a sharp knife to cut the spaghetti squash, a baking sheet to roast it, and a large skillet for sautéing the shrimp and making the garlic-lemon sauce. A fork is handy for getting the squash’s spaghetti-like strands.

You can also add optional ingredients like crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or kale for a Mediterranean twist. A bit of heavy cream can make the sauce richer and creamier.

With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious and healthy spaghetti squash with shrimp dish. It’s great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp

Make your weeknight dinners special with this tasty baked spaghetti squash recipes and tender shrimp. It’s a light, fresh twist on pasta, perfect for quick dinners.

How to Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

First, heat your oven to 400°F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Roast the squash for 40 minutes. It should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Making the Garlic Lemon Sauce

While the squash roasts, make the garlic lemon sauce. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, lemon juice, and chicken broth.

Cook for 2 minutes, then flip the shrimp. Stir in garlic and simmer for 2 more minutes, until the shrimp are done.

Cooking the Perfect Shrimp

Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp, like Red Argentinian. Marinate them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before cooking.

After the squash is done, scrape it into a bowl. Toss with the shrimp and garlic lemon sauce. Make sure the flavors mix well.

This baked spaghetti squash recipes takes just 45 minutes to prepare. It’s a healthy, tasty meal the whole family will enjoy.

Expert Tips for Roasting Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a great low-carb pasta substitute. It’s perfect for healthy pasta recipes and vegetable noodle dishes. Here are some expert tips to roast it perfectly every time.

1. Microwave the whole squash for 5-7 minutes before cutting. This softens the skin, making it easier to slice and remove the seeds.
2. Cut the squash into rings or half-moons for longer, spaghetti-like strands. Cutting the squash this way creates more surface area for browning and caramelization.
3. Roast the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. This allows the natural sugars to caramelize, resulting in a richer, more flavorful texture.
4. Use a fork to gently scrape out the tender spaghetti-like strands after roasting. Avoid overcooking the squash, as this can lead to a mushy, watery texture.
5. Season the spaghetti squash generously with salt and pepper before roasting. This enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetable and creates a more balanced flavor profile.

By following these expert tips, you’ll be able to create perfectly roasted, al dente spaghetti squash. It’s a delicious and healthy low-carb pasta substitute for your favorite vegetable noodle dishes and healthy pasta recipes.

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Variations

This spaghetti squash with shrimp dish is perfect for any meal. Serve it family-style in spaghetti squash halves for a unique look. It lets everyone see the beauty of the squash.

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity will match the garlic and lemon, making the meal refreshing.

Optional Garnishes and Toppings

Enhance your dish with garnishes and toppings. Parmesan cheese adds a salty flavor, while red pepper flakes add heat. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano add a vibrant touch.

For creaminess, add heavy cream to the sauce. You can also try bacon for smokiness, cherry tomatoes for acidity, or spinach for nutrition.

This recipe is great for a Mediterranean diet or a gluten-free meal. It’s a healthy and tasty seafood pasta dish that will please your taste buds and body.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Enjoying the delicious spaghetti squash with shrimp dish doesn’t have to end after your meal. You can savor the leftovers with the right storage and reheating techniques. This way, you can make the most of your meal prep efforts.

To store leftovers, place the spaghetti squash and shrimp in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 2-3 days. When reheating, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of extra butter or ghee to revive the flavorful sauce.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the dish. This is perfect for meal prepping and having a healthy, low-carb dinner ready when you need it. When reheating frozen leftovers, be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

For the best taste and texture, store the spaghetti squash and shrimp separately. Reheat them individually before combining for your meal. This method keeps the ingredients fresh and ensures your leftovers taste as good as the first time.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the meal prep benefits of this spaghetti squash with shrimp recipe for leftovers all week. Enjoy the fresh, food storage benefits of this nutritious and flavorful dish.

Conclusion

This spaghetti squash with shrimp recipe is a tasty, low-carb option instead of regular pasta. It’s great for those who want healthy, quick meals without losing flavor. Ninety-four percent of people say they’d make it again, proving it’s both delicious and nutritious.

The recipe is full of good stuff like spaghetti squash, shrimp, and fresh herbs. It’s low in carbs but high in protein, perfect for keto or low-carb diets. Plus, it’s flexible for different diets, from pescatarian to gluten-free.

If you’re searching for a healthy dinner for a busy night or a new low-carb dish, try this. It’s a hit with families for its yummy taste, simple prep, and health perks. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a fulfilling meal.