While fall and winter are typically thought of as squash season, I wanted to highlight this unique squash because I think it is a perfect for summer.

Its unique spaghetti-like texture and light taste profile it makes a delicious side dish or even can be transformed into main dish. Plus, its nutrition benefits including vitamin C, vitamin B6, beta-carotene, and fiber.

Here are some tips and tricks to getting started with spaghetti squash!

Getting started

Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Then scoop out the seeds. *Tip: use an ice cream scooper to remove the seeds, it works great!*

Roasting

Rub olive oil on each half and place on a baking sheet. Roast at 350 degrees F for 30 to 45 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Let the squash cool.

Shred it

Once cooled, using a fork, carefully shred the squash into spaghetti-like “noodles”. *Top the noodles with your favorite sauce or use in a recipe!*

A favorite way that I like to prepare roasted spaghetti squash is sautéed with garlic and topped with Parmesan cheese. It goes great as a side dish with many meals and reheats well also, click here for the recipe!

Or try an entree type spaghetti squash, like this Cajun Spaghetti Squash Bake.

Cajun Spaghetti Squash
Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:
2 spaghetti squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided
½ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
2 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
3 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Cut each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Rub ½ tablespoon of olive oil on each half, roast for 30 to 45 minutes, or until tender. Let the squash cool. Once cooled, shred the spaghetti squash using a fork and reserve the squash shells!

2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a very large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the chicken, Cajun seasoning, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping the pieces once to brown on all sides. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.

Tip: For a vegetarian version, opt for Quorn Meatless Chicken Pieces.

3. In the same skillet, add the garlic, onion, and bell peppers and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Then, add in the diced tomatoes and cream cheese. Stir gently until combined. Take the mixture off the heat and set aside.

4. Add the shredded spaghetti squash to the chicken and vegetable mixture, stir to combine and season with remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch pan. Top with cheddar cheese.

5. Bake at 350º for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are slightly crisp.

Nutrition facts (per serving): 200 calories, 8 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 50 milligrams cholesterol, 675 milligrams sodium, 13 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams sugar, 20 grams protein