Finding a delicious, low-carb pasta substitute is similar to hoping sugar-free ice cream tastes like gelato: wishful and often disappointing. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t healthy ways to enjoy comfort food without sacrificing taste.
Cue spaghetti squash. We won’t pretend it tastes like traditional pasta (it’s a squash, after all), but it is equally as satisfying and can be substituted into almost any pasta recipe. Bonus: You can eat the noodle-like contents straight from the squash itself!
So before denouncing carbs (they’re good for you!) and saying sayonara to spaghetti, give these fiber-filled noodles a try. Though the main ingredient may feel foreign, the following nine recipes will make you feel right at home.
These sausage-stuffed boats are the perfect meal for fall: warm, filling, and oh-so cheesy. They also look super fancy but are easy to prepare, making it the ideal recipe for a dinner party (or date night with yourself). To lighten it up, substitute roasted veggies for the spicy sausage.
When we said spaghetti squash was versatile, we meant it. Not only does the fiber-rich veggie blend well with Italian flavors, it’s also a great vehicle for your favorite Mexican ingredients! This recipe is loaded with black beans, corn, onions, peppers, and spices, and topped with cheese, cilantro, and whatever hot sauce fits your fancy. Sombrero (sadly) not included.
Whoever decided that combining spinach with cheese was a genius way to encourage people to eat more greens, kudos to you. And though spinach artichoke dip may not have the healthiest reputation, it’s easy to modify and health-ify. Simply cut back (ever-so-slightly) on cheese, up the amount of veggies, serve in a squash, and trade in those chips for a fork.
It’s time to think outside the tortilla. Sure, enchiladas are great as-is: chicken and veggies wrapped in a corn tortilla blanket and topped with sauce galore. But they can also be better. This recipe uses squash as the base, and is filled with chicken breast, cheese, black beans, and traditional enchilada sauce. For a lower-carb version, use spinach in place of the corn and black beans.
When craving a heavy, creamy dish like risotto, turn to this recipe. Though it’s low-calorie, the combination of meaty mushrooms and Parmesan taste anything but. Plus, the ingredients are cheap and easy to find! Home-cooked dinners just got that much easier.
This garden-inspired meal tastes like a pizza but comes without the grease and heavy crust. Filled with spinach, diced tomato, and goat cheese, and topped with herbs and seeds, it’s everything about summer flavors you love but perfect for a crisp autumn lunch or dinner.
We’ve covered Italian and Mexican bases, but what about Thai? Full of peanut sauces, ginger, lime, and various vinegars, it’s hard to beat the fun flavors of Asian cuisine. And though it can be slightly difficult to acquire all the necessary ingredients, it’s totally worth it. Trust us, make this veggie-filled twist on pad Thai, have a second serving, and thank us later.
Greek salad is a great option for when you’re looking for something light yet flavorful. But what about those times you want something light, flavorful, and filling? While that may seem like a recipe pipe dream, it isn’t! This salad bowl substitutes squash for romaine, creating a hearty dish that’s still low-calorie.
Gluten-free, vegetarian...this recipe meets almost all dietary needs (and can be adjusted to those it doesn’t). Plus it’s super healthy and delicious. Packed with garlic, zucchini, squash, and Parmesan (use a dairy-free substitute to make vegan), and tossed with olive oil, this meal makes a great side dish or light lunch. For a protein boost, add tofu or chicken.
Every week, the Greatist Team scours the Web for tasty, trendy, and (mostly) healthy recipes to help open both minds and palates to the wonders of food. Tune in next Wednesday to see what else we have in store!
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