No waiting for water to boil here: Spaghetti squash proves (once again) that it can stand in for pasta. It’s perfect in this pancetta-and-egg enriched cream sauce. Microwaving the squash is a clever trick that cuts down on time.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 35 min |
| Active: | 35 min |
| Yield: | 4 servings |
Ingredients
- 2 large spaghetti squash (2 1/2 pounds each)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving, optional
- 1 large egg yolk
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
- A green salad, for serving
Instructions
- Cut the squash in half crosswise using a serrated knife. Scoop out and discard the seeds with a spoon. Put the squash onto a microwave-safe plate, cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high until very tender and the flesh can easily be flaked with a fork, 13 to 14 minutes. Use a fork to scrape the sides of the squash into spaghetti-like strands into a bowl.
- Meanwhile, mix together the Parmesan, egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of pepper in a medium bowl.
- Cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, scraping up any brown bits in the pan, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, add the squash strands and toss until well coated.
- Add the Parmesan mixture and toss to gently cook the eggs and make a creamy sauce. Sir in the parsley. Divide among 4 plates and serve with more Parmesan, if using, and a green salad on the side.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 4 servings |
| Calories | 434 |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Cholesterol | 106 mg |
| Sodium | 1528 mg |
Reviews
Amazing! Made this the other night for dinner. Only change was sprinkling salt and pepper on the cut side and placing cut side down on a baking sheet. Roasted at 350 for 45 minutes.
Love how light it is. Next time will maybe add another protein or maybe some mushrooms. The sauce was very good!
To a
ll those asking about nutrition facts: there’s a big red button after the yield section of every recipe on the app. Has everything you need to know. As for recipe, I haven’t made spaghetti squash in about 30 years, but a healthier carbonara got me to try this one. ENJOY!
ll those asking about nutrition facts: there’s a big red button after the yield section of every recipe on the app. Has everything you need to know. As for recipe, I haven’t made spaghetti squash in about 30 years, but a healthier carbonara got me to try this one. ENJOY!
Easy to make and packed with flavor. Mix the egg yolk in the shedded cheese really well so you don’t get blobs of yolk but otherwise amazing. I also used milk because I didn’t want to buy cream but it was still amazing. Will definitely make again.
*Also, I think the recipe should say Two Halves not two squash…. Four halves is way too many.
*Also, I think the recipe should say Two Halves not two squash…. Four halves is way too many.
Terrific and so easy!
I only used 1 squash but the same amount of everything else and of course it turned out fabulous that way! Haha.
Both my husband & I loved it. 1/2 the squash, though. I added mushrooms!
This was quite good. Of course it would never replace pasta carbonara but it was a good recipe for squash and I like to have something different once in a while. I backed squash haves at 400 for 45 minutes. I think the slight flavor from baking helped the dish
Very easy. I agree with only using one spaghetti squash and double the pancetta. Very tasty
Delicious! Cooking for 2, I used half the amount of squash, but doubled the pancetta. Everything else as recipe called for. Definitely putting this on the short list!
I thought it was very good and easy to make. My husband has weird texture issues and did not care for it, but I’m leaving his opinion out of my rating. 🙂