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What To Serve With Spaghetti Squash – 45 Tasty Sides

If you’re wondering what to serve with your spaghetti squash, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 45 of the most popular side dishes for spaghetti squash.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best dishes to serve with spaghetti squash are meatballs, pesto chicken, cauliflower parmesan, or creamy pork tenderloin. You can also serve stuffed mushrooms, teriyaki tofu, or chili. To keep things light, serve a black bean and corn salad, or some sauteed shrimp.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Great flavor pairings for spaghetti squash

Spaghetti squash is a popular low-carb alternative for pasta. It has a mild flavor, with subtle sweet and nutty notes.

Spaghetti squash pairs well with:

  • Citrusy flavors – naturally tart ingredients like lemon and lime add a brightness that enhances spaghetti squash’s natural sweetness. Add the juice or zest straight into the spaghetti squash or incorporate them in sauces to elevate your dish. 
  • Meaty, savory flavors – spaghetti squash’s mild sweetness provides a tasty balance to rich and meaty ingredients. Try incorporating your spaghetti squash into dishes like chili, stews, or sauces like bolognese. 
  • Spicy flavors – adding heat and smokiness is a great way to jazz up your spaghetti squash. Try adding spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder in small quantities. Just remember not to add too much to avoid overpowering the squash. 

Proteins

Spaghetti squash has your carbs and veggies covered, so you’re only missing a meaty protein to complete the meal! 

Whip up a batch of pesto chicken if you want to keep it light, but my go-to are juicy meatballs in marinara sauce! 

Or why not go the seafood route with seared halibut or a platter of fiery blackened shrimp?

Italian meatballs 

Turn your roasted spaghetti squash into a classic American dinner with Italian meatballs.

You’re getting the best of both worlds here – the satisfaction of eating a comforting spaghetti meal without all the added calories from pasta (which means more room for cheese!). 

Just scoop some meatballs and marinara over your shredded spaghetti squash, and you’re good to go.

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Pesto chicken and veggies

Pesto sauce has a bright, herby flavor that works well with many dishes – spaghetti squash included. 

The zesty sauce is an excellent contrast to the subtle sweetness of squash. 

And the addition of chicken and veggies makes this combination a complete and satisfying meal. 

Psst… making your own pesto is well worth the time and effort it takes.

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Garlic butter shrimp

One of my all-time favorite dinner party dishes is shrimp linguine. 

It sounds fancy and hard to cook, but it’s actually really simple. The indulgent flavors come together in under 20 minutes!

Swap the linguine for spaghetti squash, and you have a light and bright meal guaranteed to wow your guests.

Hint: drizzle the leftover sauce over your spaghetti squash for extra flavor.

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Creamy mushroom pork tenderloin

Whether you’re cooking dinner for yourself or guests, this creamy mushroom pork tenderloin will be a mainstay on your menu. 

This dish has everything you’d want – a smooth, velvety sauce, melt-in-your-mouth pork, and earthy mushrooms.

Serve it alongside roasted spaghetti squash, and you’ve got a winning meal. 

It’s so good that you might find yourself licking your plate when you’re done eating!

Psst… if you don’t like pork, you can use chicken instead. 

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Comfort food

Spaghetti squash on its own won’t make you feel cozy, but pair it with these dishes and you’re guaranteed a heartwarming meal.

I especially love these faux noodles with warm, meaty chili or a rich, cheesy soup.

Want to try something new? Shakshuka is a must-try!

Steak chili

Chili needs something to mop up the sauce, but it can be pretty heavy so rice is sometimes too much.

That’s where spaghetti squash comes in. 

The spaghetti squash undercuts the rich, spicy, sauce and adds a hint of sweetness.

And using steak instead of mince makes this dish extra special. Don’t forget the cilantro for a burst of freshness either!

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Broccoli cheddar soup

This may sound like a weird food pairing, but trust me, it works. 

Especially if you have a thick, luxurious broccoli cheddar soup. You know, the kind that’s thick enough to completely coat your mouth? 

Ladle a scoop of this decadent soup over your shredded spaghetti squash like you would a sauce. 

Not a fan of broccoli soup?

Sub it out for your favorite soup flavor. Anything tomato-based will pair beautifully.

You can cook this creamy broccoli and cheddar soup on your stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an instant pot.

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Shakshuka

You’re in for a treat if you’ve never had shakshuka before!

Picture a spiced tomato sauce studded with tender veggies and poached eggs – is your mouth watering yet? 

This classic Tunisian dish is often served with a slice of bread, but I like mixing in cooked spaghetti squash for the ultimate comfort meal. 

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Braised short ribs

Braised short ribs are the epitome of comfort food. 

Not only do you get melt-in-your-mouth, tender beef pieces, but you also get a rich, flavorful stew that can perfectly coat your spaghetti squash strands. 

This dish requires a long, slow cook (over 3 hours of inactive cooking time), but the results are worth it! 

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Meatless options

Why let the meat-eaters have all the fun? These meatless options are just as tasty with spaghetti squash!

A piping hot bowl of vegetable stew will lift your mood, but you can also try cauliflower steaks if you want something more elegant.

Teriyaki tofu stir fry 

Add an Asian twist to your spaghetti squash by serving it with teriyaki tofu stir fry. 

This stir fry is a plant-based dish packed full of sweet and savory flavors that will make your mouth water. 

Even non-vegetarians will love it!

It’s quick and easy to make, and you can add pretty much any vegetables you have in the fridge. 

Ready to get cooking? Foodie Crush’s recipe is super tasty.

Tip: add a dash of red pepper flakes for a light, spicy kick.

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Tofu nuggets 

Stuffed portobello mushrooms

You can eat spaghetti squash on its own with a simple sauce, but these stuffed portobello mushrooms will really elevate your meal. 

Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and loads of umami flavor – enough to fool you into thinking you’re eating meat!

But the best part? 

The stuffing. 

The mushrooms are stuffed to the brim with a thick and cheesy spinach filling. And there’s no breadcrumbs to keep them gluten-free.

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Grilled portobello mushrooms 

Cauliflower parmesan

Cauliflower parmesan is a fun take on the classic chicken parmesan dish.

As the name suggests, this is a thick cauliflower slice roasted and topped with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese. 

Prop a cauliflower steak over your spaghetti squash strands for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. 

These roasted cauliflower parmesans have crunchy, crispy edges to die for. And you can make them up to 5 days in advance.

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Vegetable stew with dumplings

Who said comfort food can’t be vegan? 

This vegetable stew with dumplings is the epitome of comfort food.

Hearty and filling – it’s the best meal for a cold winter day. 

Now imagine your strands of spaghetti squash getting coated with the warm, flavorful broth of the stew. 

Yum.

Sounds divine, doesn’t it? Get cozy with this vegan winter stew.

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Salads

Salads are the way to go if you want to keep your spaghetti squash light and healthy. 

Go with a leafy kale salad to celebrate fall flavors, but you can also try black bean and corn salad for a heartier meal. 

Black bean and corn salad

This black bean and corn salad adds a Mexican flair to your plain, roasted spaghetti squash. 

This salad is a medley of black beans and juicy, vibrant vegetables, all tied together by the lime-cilantro dressing.

This zesty dressing gives the salad a fresh bite. 

Add spaghetti squash to the mix and you have a colorful feast for the eyes, it will look amazing on any table.

Cooking Classy suggests chopping everything small so you get a bit of everything in each bite. 

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Cilantro lime shrimp corn salad

Kale salad with warm bacon vinaigrette

This isn’t your ordinary kale salad.

Instead of the typical dressing, the hearty kale leaves and chickpeas are tossed in a vinaigrette made from bacon drippings.

The results? Crisp-tender greens brimming with a delicious savory-tangy flavor. 

Enjoy your buttered spaghetti squash with this warm salad for a tasty fall-themed meal. 

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Shaved brussels sprouts salad with crispy bacon

Greek salad

Greek salad is one of my favorite salads in my rotation.

It’s packed with lots of veggies that make it extra healthy and it’s super easy to make – just chop everything and toss in the herby dressing!

You can enjoy this salad alongside your spaghetti squash, but I prefer tossing the spaghetti squash strands with the salad for a nourishing one-bowl dinner. 

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The best things to serve with spaghetti squash

  • Italian meatballs
  • Pesto chicken and veggies
  • Garlic butter shrimp
  • Creamy mushroom pork tenderloin
  • Steak chili
  • Broccoli cheddar soup
  • Shakshuka
  • Braised short rbs
  • Teriyaki tofu stir fry
  • Stuffed portobello mushrooms
  • Cauliflower parmesan
  • Vegetable stew with dumplinngs
  • Black bean and corn salad
  • Kale salad with warm bacon vinaigrette
  • Greek salad

What To Serve With Spaghetti Squash (45 Ideas)

In this short recipe, I show you exactly what to serve with spaghetti squash.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: spaghetti squash side dishes, what to serve with spaghetti squash
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 31kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 portion italian meatballs
  • 1 portion teriyaki tofu stir fry
  • 1 portion black bean and corn salad
  • 1 portion steak chili
  • 1 portion cauliflower parmesan
  • 1 portion creamy mushroom pork tenderloin … and more

Instructions

  • Prepare your spaghetti squash according to your favorite recipe.
  • In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
  • Side dishes include: italian meatballs, pesto chicken and veggies, garlic butter shrimp, creamy mushroom pork tenderloin, steak chili, broccoli cheddar soup, shakshuka, braised short ribs, teriyaki tofu stir fry, stuffed portobello mushrooms, cauliflower parmesan, vegetable stew with dumplinngs, black bean and corn salad, kale salad with warm bacon vinaigrette, and greek salad.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 31kcal

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