Spaghetti squash is a favorite ingredient for those seeking a lower-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta. If you’ve cooked it before, you’ve likely cut it in half lengthwise to form two “boats.” And while that method works just fine, it disregards the way the strands grow inside the squash—in circles around the width of the squash. When you cut the squash lengthwise, you cut each strand in half, which makes for shorter, and often soggy, “spaghetti.” Try this instead: Cut the squash into rings to preserve the length of the strands. See our step-by-step guide below.
Ingredients
- 1 (2.5-lb.) spaghetti squash
- Cooking spray
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 3/8 teaspoon kosher salt
How to Make It
Preheat oven to 375°F. Trim off squash ends. Cut remaining squash into 1 1/2-inch rings; scoop out and discard seeds and membranes. Arrange rings on a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Coat rings with cooking spray. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes or until just tender. Cool slightly. Cut through each ring and open slightly to reach strands; carefully scrape out spaghetti-like squash strands.
Heat butter and oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add pepper and garlic; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add shrimp; sauté 2 minutes or until almost done. Add spinach, tossing until spinach wilts. Add squash strands; sprinkle with salt. Toss gently to combine.
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