Spaghetti Squash Alfredo

spaghetti squash alfredo

The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 60 mins
Servings: 4 servings

Spaghetti squash is a great swap in for pasta when you’re trying to avoid carbs or want to make a gluten-free version of your favorite pasta dish. The prep is easy—just cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise (you won’t be able to see any strands until it’s cooked). Now all you need is patience while the squash roasts long enough to render into tender strands reminiscent of spaghetti, hence the name. Once cooked, you drag a fork through the inside of the squash to separate it into strands. 

Broccoli tops the dish for color, texture, and nutrition. If you'd like to add some protein to this vegetarian dish, also top with sliced grilled chicken or shrimp.

The sauce comes together quickly, so having all your ingredients measured out and ready to go is essential. By cutting the butter into pieces, rather than adding the whole block into the pan, you ensure it melts evenly without browning. Once the cheese is added, you’ll want to work quickly so it melts properly into the spaghetti squash to form a smooth sauce.

Another thing we love about this recipe is by using spaghetti squash as a stand-in for regular pasta, you’re also sneaking in a serving of veggies for picky eaters!

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Ingredients

  • 1 (2 1/2 pound) spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 pound broccoli crowns, cut into bite-sized florets

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

  • 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 2 1/2 cups finely grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for spaghetti squash alfredo
     The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo
  2. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Place the squash, cut-side down, on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast until the squash is very tender and easily pulls apart into strands when the cut side is scraped with a fork, about 40 minutes.

    Roast spaghetti squash
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo
  3. Remove from the oven and let sit on the pan until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Drag a fork through the squash to separate it into spaghetti-like strands.

    Use fork to remove strands from spaghetti squash
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo 
  4. While the squash cools, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the broccoli and 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook until the broccoli is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the skillet.

    Cook the broccoli
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo 
  5. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cream and milk, and cook until mixture is heated through and little bubbles appear near edges of the pan (do not let it come to a rolling boil).

    Heat the milk and cream
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo 
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

    Whisk in the cheese
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo
  7. Add the squash to the skillet toss to combine with the alfredo sauce.

    Toss together spaghetti squash and alfredo sauce
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo 
  8. Serve in deep bowls topped with the broccoli and parsley.

    Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
424 Calories
35g Fat
24g Carbs
8g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 424
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 35g 45%
Saturated Fat 20g 101%
Cholesterol 90mg 30%
Sodium 400mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 5g 19%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 64mg 322%
Calcium 224mg 17%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 606mg 13%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)