Garlicky Spagetti Squash

In search of a vegan, grain-free Thanksgiving side? Look no farther than this simple, but incredibly flavorful Garlicky Spaghetti Squash. Spaghetti squash is baked, then shredded and sautéed with red pepper flakes and tons of garlic.

Orange bowl of spaghetti squash on linens in front of autumn décor

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In an attempt to try something different this year, I have all side dishes for y’all as Thanksgiving inspiration. I’m the kind of girl who enjoys her turkey, but I always keep coming back to the sides, whether it’s our first meal or we’re eating leftovers.

With that in mind, I’ve created some vegetarian and vegan-friendly recipes. This one is also grain-free, and it’s allllll kinds of good.

Or maybe I should specify: it’s allllll kinds of good if you like garlic.

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    If garlic’s not your thing? I’d suggest trying another recipe instead.

    Overhead close up of two spaghetti squash halves

    Spaghetti squash is a new vegetable to me, even though I’ve known about it for years. I distinctly remember my friend Doniree telling all about it when she visited me in Nashville years ago, but I never made any moves to make it on my own.

    I didn’t even try spaghetti squash until a sweet friend brought some over for us to enjoy after Lady Baby was born.

    I, obviously, loved it. So did Winston.

    So we went in search of it at the grocery store shortly after and have been making it ever since.

    Overhead close up of spaghetti squash in orange pumpkin bowl with linens

    This “recipe,” if you could even call it this, is incredibly simple.

    The part that takes the longest is actually roasting the spaghetti squash, which will depend on how large the spaghetti squash you have is. Ours–a 4-pound monstrosity–took almost an hour and 45 minutes roasting.

    Once it cooled a little bit, and I shredded it up, it was easy to get this side on the table.

    I minced a ton of garlic, then threw it in a nonstick frying pan with some olive oil and red pepper flakes. Then I added the shredded spaghetti squash, mixed everything together, and voila! Garlicky Spaghetti Squash.

    This is a great weeknight recipe, but it would also be the perfect Thanksgiving side because it adds a unique flavor and texture. It’s also great for any dinner guests who want a grain-free or vegan option for their dinner. And it’s loved by people who don’t eat grain-free or vegan diets, so everyone can enjoy this.

    Orange bowl filled with garlicky spaghetti squash on linens

    Garlicky Spaghetti Squash Essentials

    Get the look!

    Orange pumpkin bowl filled with spaghetti squash on festive linens

    Thanksgiving is all about family, friends and delicious food. Luckily, the food blogging community is allabout these things, as well. To celebrate the holiday, Meghan from Cake ‘n Knife and Susannah from Feast + West are hosting Blogsgiving Dinner. And this year, there are more than 60 blogs sharing recipes this week!

    The idea is based on an old-fashioned potluck dinner party.

    Each blogger is bringing one or more dishes to the party, so be sure to stop by each one and get some ideas for your own Thanksgiving meal. We’ll be posting to social media with the hashtag #blogsgivingdinner, but you can see all the whole menu in Part 1 and Part 2 of the recipe round-up.

    Scroll on down to get my recipe and enjoy all the holiday goodness!

    Orange bowl filled with garlicky spaghetti squash on linens

    Garlicky Spagetti Squash

    Erin Skinner, The Speckled Palate
    In search of a vegan, grain-free Thanksgiving side? Look no farther than this simple, but incredibly flavorful Garlicky Spaghetti Squash. Spaghetti squash is baked, then shredded and sautéed with red pepper flakes and tons of garlic.
    5 from 3 votes
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 150 kcal
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 2 hours
    Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 lb. spaghetti squash
    • 10 garlic cloves minced
    • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with two layers of parchment paper.
    • Using a sharp knife, pierce the skin of the spaghetti squash several times so moisture has a way to escape during the cooking process.
    • Bake the spaghetti squash for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the squash's skin has softened and can easily be cut into.
    • When the squash is soft, remove from the oven, and let cool for 10 minutes.
    • Cut the squash length-wise, and scoop out the seeds.
    • Using a fork, shred the squash and form the spaghetti. When everything has been shredded, set aside.
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil.
    • When the oil is hot, add the garlic and the red pepper flakes. Cook for two minutes, then add in the spaghetti squash, stirring in until the garlic and seasoning is spread throughout.
    • Season with the salt and pepper, then serve.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 232mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g
    Course Side Dishes
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    What kind of sides do you like to serve at your Thanksgiving table?

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    About the Author:

    Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her

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    7 Comments

    1. my thanksgiving plate is 95% sides every year–that’s my favorite part! this is a great way to prepare one of the very best squashes out there. 🙂

    2. This looks soooo good and my husband can actually eat this (he is gluten free). I will definitely be using this recipe soon!

    3. For what it’s worth, you can also do spaghetti squash in the slow cooker or, better yet, IN THE MICROWAVE! Just cut it in half, lay it cut-side down on a plate or in a dish with a tiny bit of water to steam it, and microwave each half until soft. (About 6-8 minutes each.)

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