Weight Watchers Recipes With Spaghetti Squash
If you're looking for a healthy and tasty way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, spaghetti squash is a great option. This low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable is a great substitute for traditional pasta and can be used in a variety of dishes. In this article, we'll share some delicious Weight Watchers recipes that feature spaghetti squash as the star ingredient.
What is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that gets its name from its unique texture when cooked. When the flesh of the squash is cooked, it separates into strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. This makes it a great substitute for pasta in many dishes. Spaghetti squash is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for anyone on a diet or looking to eat healthier.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Cooking spaghetti squash is easy, and there are several methods you can use. The most common methods are baking and microwaving.
To bake spaghetti squash, preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
To microwave spaghetti squash, pierce the skin all over with a fork. Microwave the squash on high for 10-12 minutes, or until the flesh is tender. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it in half and scooping out the seeds.
Weight Watchers Recipes With Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs
This recipe is a healthy twist on a classic dish. Instead of using traditional pasta, this recipe uses spaghetti squash and turkey meatballs to cut down on calories and fat. It's also easy to make and can be ready in under an hour.
- Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash, cooked and shredded
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and basil to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti squash.
Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
This spaghetti squash carbonara recipe is a healthy twist on a classic Italian dish. Instead of using traditional pasta and heavy cream, this recipe uses spaghetti squash and Greek yogurt to cut down on calories and fat. It's also easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash, cooked and shredded
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the spaghetti squash to the skillet and stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Top the mixture with the crispy bacon and chopped parsley before serving.
Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
This spaghetti squash pad Thai recipe is a healthy twist on a classic Thai dish. Instead of using traditional rice noodles, this recipe uses spaghetti squash to cut down on calories and carbs. It's also easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Push the shrimp to the side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then mix with the shrimp.
- Add the spaghetti squash to the skillet and stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Top the mixture with the chopped peanuts and cilantro before serving.
Conclusion
Spaghetti squash is a healthy and versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. These Weight Watchers recipes are a great way to incorporate spaghetti squash into your diet and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you're looking for a classic Italian dish or a spicy Thai-inspired meal, there's a spaghetti squash recipe for everyone.
