Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Name: Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 pounds spaghetti squash; 2 egg yolks; 2 eggs; 4 oz Parmesan cheese; 12 oz turkey bacon; 3 cloves garlic; Kosher salt

Published: September 20, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-Carb Delight: Enjoy all the flavor of traditional carbonara without the carbs, making it suitable for keto diets.
Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is easy to whip up on busy weeknights.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of turkey bacon and parmesan creates a smoky, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Serving Options: Great as a main dish or as a side for your favorite protein, making it perfect for any occasion.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and fiber from spaghetti squash, this recipe is both wholesome and filling.

Tools and Preparation

To make this spaghetti squash carbonara, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help you create this delicious meal effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Skillet
Fork (for shredding)
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides an easy surface for roasting the spaghetti squash without mess.
Sharp knife: Ensures safe and efficient slicing of spaghetti squash.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining eggs and cheese thoroughly before adding to the squash.
Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking of bacon and proper tossing of ingredients.

Ingredients

Take the carb out of carbonara with virtuous shredded “noodles.” This spaghetti squash carbonara is rich and smoky comfort-in-a-bowl.

For the Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

4 Pounds Spaghetti Squash (about 2 small or 1 large)
2 Egg Yolks (room temperature)
2 Eggs (room temperature)
4 oz Parmesan (Finely Grated)
12 ounces Turkey Turkey Bacon (roughly chopped; you can also use pancetta or guanciale)
3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 F. You can line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
Scoop out and discard the seeds.
Place the squash flesh side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until fork-tender—this usually takes about 30-45 minutes depending on size.

Step 3: Shred the Squash

Once the spaghetti squash is fork-tender:
1. Flip it over and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.

Step 4: Mix Eggs and Cheese

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together room temperature eggs, yolks, and parmesan until well combined. Set aside.

Step 5: Cook Turkey Bacon

In a skillet heated over medium heat:
1. Add sliced turkey bacon and sauté until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Toss in shredded spaghetti squash along with kosher salt; stir until heated through.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Remove the pan completely from heat.
Use tongs to toss the spaghetti squash while slowly pouring in the egg mixture.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Plate your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese as desired. Enjoy your rich, smoky spaghetti squash carbonara!

How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, the presentation and accompaniments can elevate your meal.

For a Classic Presentation

Garnish with Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness.
Serve with Extra Parmesan: Offer freshly grated parmesan on the side for those who love extra cheese.

As a Light Lunch

Pair with a Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich carbonara.
Add Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce.

For Meal Prep

Store in Airtight Containers: Divide into meal-sized portions for easy reheating during the week.
Top with Warm Sauce Before Serving: Reheat gently and drizzle with olive oil for added flavor.

How to Perfect Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Creating the perfect Spaghetti Squash Carbonara involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps create a creamy sauce that coats the squash evenly.
Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Crispy bacon adds texture and enhances the smoky flavor of the dish.
Don’t Skip Tossing Off Heat: Tossing the spaghetti squash off heat prevents scrambling the eggs, ensuring a smooth sauce.
Adjust Garlic to Taste: Feel free to add more garlic for an extra kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Pairing side dishes with Spaghetti Squash Carbonara can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful options:

Garlic Bread: A classic choice, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing complements the rich flavors of carbonara.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add color and nutrition, providing a great balance.
Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts bring crunch and an earthy taste that pairs well with carbonara.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and pairs beautifully with spaghetti squash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spaghetti Squash Carbonara, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

Overcooking the Squash: Cooking the spaghetti squash too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness around 30 minutes.
Using Cold Eggs: Cold eggs can lead to scrambling when mixed with hot ingredients. Always use room-temperature eggs for a creamy sauce.
Adding Ingredients Too Early: If you add garlic or other ingredients too soon, they can burn and create a bitter taste. Wait until the bacon is crispy before adding garlic.
Not Tossing Off the Heat: Pouring in the egg mixture while the pan is still hot can scramble the eggs. Make sure to remove the pan from heat before mixing.
Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping salt or other seasonings can leave your dish bland. Remember to season your spaghetti squash and adjust according to your taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store leftover Spaghetti Squash Carbonara in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent odors from other foods.

Freezing Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Duration: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months.
Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible.

Reheating Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Spaghetti Squash Carbonara ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Spaghetti Squash Carbonara ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for Turkey Bacon in Spaghetti Squash Carbonara?

You can use pancetta or guanciale as alternatives. Both will add a rich flavor, but keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking.

Is Spaghetti Squash Carbonara gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.

How do I customize my Spaghetti Squash Carbonara?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or other veggies for a delicious vegetarian version of Spaghetti Squash Carbonara.

Final Thoughts

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, providing all the rich flavors without the carbs. It’s versatile—perfect for customizing with your favorite ingredients or adjusting based on what you have at home. We encourage you to try this recipe; you may find yourself coming back for more!

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