This post is sponsored by Carapelli® . All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I go for morning walks, I pass by pumpkin patches that are guarded by scarecrows. Families with young children are drawn to the small local farms in our small town here in Southern Vermont with the intention of selecting the ideal canvas for their seasonal Jack O’ Lanterns.
I chose a few butternut squashes last week during one of those walks to try my hand at making squash noodles. If you have been following for a while, you might recall the 5-Ingredient Zucchini Noodles and Sweet Potato Noodle Pad Thai I shared in the past. They rank among the blog’s most well-liked recipes.
Since butternut squash is currently in plentiful supply, I was curious to see what would happen if I spiralized it and made noodles out of it. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be such a good recipe that I decided to post it on the blog.
With the holidays approaching, I also believed it would make a fantastic vegetarian side dish, especially if you have visiting vegetarians. This recipe for Butternut Squash Noodles, which only requires a few ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, is bursting with autumnal flavors.
If you enjoy whipping up quick dinners with few ingredients, like I do, you are aware that using high-quality ingredients is the secret to creating dishes that taste good. I used Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a premium oil with depth and flavor (bottled in Florence, Italy for more than 125 years), for my butternut squash pasta noodles.
Since I used Carapelli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil in this recipe for Roasted Carrot Hummus last summer, I have been using it. It tastes fantastic and comes in a beautiful bottle that is easy to overlook in the supermarket’s olive oil aisle.
I want to discuss how to make butternut squash into “noodles” before I continue with the recipe.
The first technique, which I employed, involves using a spiralizer. I personally own one and highly recommend it.
You should look for a butternut squash with a long, thick neck if you plan to spiralize it. The bulbous portion at the bottom (where the seeds are) is not ideally shaped for spiralizing. I reserve the bottom part for roasting later on.
Simply peel the neck portion of the butternut squash and remove the top to create spiralized squash noodles. Then using the thickest noodle blade process butternut into noodles. Before you begin turning the wheel to make the squash into noodles, make sure that the squash is firmly pressed onto the prongs because butternut squash is harder than other vegetables like zucchini and sweet potatoes.
If you’d like, shorten the long squash noodles so they’re easier to cook and consume later.
Benefits of Using Spaghetti Squash for Noodles
The fact that spaghetti squash is so much healthier than regular noodles is one of the main advantages.
Squash is a vegetable, so eating it replaces traditional noodles’ processed flour with a substantial portion of vegetables.
Its also loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Expect a good punch of vitamin A, vitamin C, and a ton of healthy minerals.
If you’d rather watch than read, you can view the entire tutorial in the video on this page.
There are a few different methods for cooking squash. I like to roast my squash because it keeps its flavor the best. The microwave’s potential to destroy nutrients is still up for debate (though I think it might). Whatever the case, roasting spaghetti squash will always result in better flavor and texture.
Step 5: Roast the Spaghetti Squash for 30-40 Minutes Until the Flesh is Fork-Tender
Roast until the inside flesh can be easily pierced with a fork (the outside will remain tough) to ensure that it is thoroughly cooked.
Step 4: Brush the Inside of the Squash with Olive Oil
Put the spaghetti squash, cut side down on the baking sheet covered with foil, and brush the cut flesh with a little extra virgin olive oil.
For added moisture retention in arid climates, add one or more tablespoons to the baking sheet. It can make the noodles too wet, so I don’t usually do it, but in an extremely dry climate, it might help.
FAQ
How do you Spiralize squash?
Place one of the halves into the spiralizer and start the machine. To secure the squash, press the handle’s teeth into it. Use the bottom handle as leverage when spiraling and push while turning the other handle.
How do I make long spaghetti squash noodles?
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. …
- Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. …
- Place squash on rimmed baking sheet. …
- 30 to 40 minutes of baking, flipping rings once after 15 minutes
- To make long spaghetti noodles, use a fork to separate the strands after allowing them to cool for about 15 minutes. Peel the skin off.
How do you cut spaghetti squash noodles?
Cut the spaghetti squash around the middle width-wise (not lengthwise!). Slices should be made all around the squash by inserting the knife into it and swinging it downward. Cutting it this way makes the longest strands or “noodles”.
How do you Spiralize a butternut squash with a small spiralizer?
Tips for Making Butternut Squash Noodles You’ll need a reliable spiralizer to make the noodles; a cheap hand-held spiralizer won’t do. If you have an Inspiralizer, blade D is the thickest noodle blade I have; I prefer to use it. Two sheet pans are necessary to roast them in a single layer.
