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This dish shines with fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 medium spaghetti squash - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Juice of 1 fresh lemon (about 2 tablespoons) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Each ingredient adds its own flavor and texture. The spaghetti squash acts as a healthy base. The shrimp brings protein, while garlic and lemon add bright notes. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp offers a sweet taste and firm texture. Frozen shrimp is great for convenience and often costs less. If using frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Both options work well in this dish. Feel free to enhance your dish with some optional ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Cherry tomatoes for sweetness - Capers for a briny kick - Spinach for added greens - A splash of white wine for depth These optional ingredients can boost the flavor. Experiment to find what you love best! {{ingredient_image_2}} How to Cut and Roast Spaghetti Squash Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will help the squash roast well. Take a sharp knife and cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and toss them out. Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 30-40 minutes. The squash is done when a fork can easily pierce the flesh. Tips for Testing Doneness To test if the squash is ready, insert a fork into the flesh. If it goes in easily, it’s done. If it feels firm, let it roast a bit longer. Once it's tender, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sautéing Garlic and Cooking Shrimp While the squash roasts, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it smells great but isn’t brown. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. They will turn pink and opaque, which means they are cooked. Flavoring with Lemon and Seasonings After the shrimp are cooked, squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the shrimp. This adds a bright flavor. Toss everything well to combine. Remove the skillet from heat and let the flavors meld. Mixing Techniques for a Uniform Dish Once the spaghetti squash has roasted, flip it over and scrape the flesh with a fork. This creates thin, spaghetti-like strands. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash strands with the shrimp scampi mixture. Toss everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serving Suggestions Transfer your dish to serving plates or bowls. For a pop of color, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. If you like, add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash! To cook shrimp just right, watch the color closely. When they turn pink, they are done. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Cook them for only 2-3 minutes. Stir them gently during cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best taste. Frozen shrimp works too; just thaw it first. Add depth to your shrimp scampi with simple tweaks. Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fragrant touch. You can also add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter. This gives a rich flavor. If you want heat, increase the red pepper flakes. Lemon zest can brighten the dish. For a creamy twist, stir in some heavy cream. Feel free to customize your dish! If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a milder taste? Skip them altogether. You can swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu. This makes a great vegetarian option too. Try adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition. Each variation keeps the meal fun and fresh! Pro Tips Choose a Ripe Squash: Look for a spaghetti squash that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform yellow color; this indicates ripeness and better flavor. Perfect Shrimp Cooking: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should only take 2-3 minutes to cook through to maintain their juicy texture. Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish; consider adding them along with the parsley for a more aromatic experience. Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and spaghetti squash separately to prevent the squash from becoming soggy. {{image_4}} If you want to keep this dish low in carbs, consider using zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti squash. Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, add a fresh crunch. They are easy to cook. Just sauté them lightly for a few minutes. Another option is using shirataki noodles. These are made from konjac and are very low in carbs. Rinse and heat them in a pan to warm up. Both options give a nice texture and taste. You can boost the nutrition of this meal by adding more veggies. Spinach works well. Just toss it in the pan with the shrimp for a minute. The heat will wilt the spinach, adding color and flavor. Cherry tomatoes also add sweetness. Cut them in half and add them to the shrimp. They cook quickly and burst with flavor. Bell peppers or broccoli florets are great choices too. They add crunch and nutrition to your dish. Roasting spaghetti squash is the most common method. It brings out the natural sweetness. However, you can also microwave it for a quicker option. To microwave, poke holes in the squash and place it on a plate. Microwave on high for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. Check if it’s tender before removing it. Steaming is another method. Cut it in half and place it in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps it moist and tender. Each method provides a delicious base for your shrimp scampi. To keep your shrimp scampi spaghetti squash fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Let the dish cool completely before sealing it. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. The dish can stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat your shrimp scampi spaghetti squash on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to heat evenly. If using a microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. Check to ensure it's hot throughout. You can freeze shrimp scampi spaghetti squash for quick meals later. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will keep well for about two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or water to keep it moist. You can tell shrimp is cooked when it turns pink. The flesh should become opaque and firm. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. If the shrimp curls tightly, that’s another sign it’s done. Always check to avoid overcooking, which can make shrimp tough. Yes, you can make parts of this dish ahead of time. You can roast the spaghetti squash and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Cook the shrimp just before serving to keep it fresh. Mix everything together right before you eat for the best taste. If you can’t find spaghetti squash, you can use zucchini as a substitute. Zucchini can be spiralized into noodles, giving a similar texture. Another option is regular pasta for those who want a classic dish. Just remember, cooking times may vary based on what you choose. In this post, we explored ingredients, cooking tips, and variations for shrimp scampi with spaghetti squash. We looked at fresh and frozen shrimp, ways to enhance flavor, and perfect cooking techniques. You can use our tips for storage and reheating to enjoy leftovers. This dish is simple, tasty, and offers healthy swaps. With these tips, you can create a meal your whole family will love. Enjoy making this great dish again and again!

Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash

A healthy and delicious twist on traditional shrimp scampi using spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 fresh lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons)
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • to taste grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the spaghetti squash roasts perfectly.
  • Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard them. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
  • While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to prevent bitterness.
  • Gently add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. This indicates they are cooked through.
  • Once the shrimp are cooked, squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the shrimp mixture and toss well to combine. Remove the skillet from heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • After the spaghetti squash has finished roasting, carefully flip it over and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Using a fork, scrape the flesh to create thin, spaghetti-like strands.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly scraped spaghetti squash strands with the shrimp scampi mixture. Toss everything together until well incorporated, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as necessary.
  • Transfer the dish to serving plates or bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
  • Optional Presentation Tip: Serve with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and richness, and enjoy warm.

Notes

Serve warm and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Keyword healthy, pasta alternative, shrimp, spaghetti squash