Spaghetti Squash Carbonara Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of comfort and creativity, you’ll fall head-over-heels for Spaghetti Squash Carbonara. This dish brings everything we love about classic carbonara—smoky turkey bacon, creamy sauce, sharp Parmesan—pairing it with the light, golden strands of roasted spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta. It’s surprisingly simple, full of flavor, and makes a weeknight dinner feel like a cozy treat. Whether you stick to the basics or dress it up, Spaghetti Squash Carbonara is bound to earn a spot among your go-to favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to an unforgettable Spaghetti Squash Carbonara is quality ingredients—each one matters for achieving a dish that’s creamy, rich, and just a little bit elegant. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before getting started:

• Spaghetti squash: Look for about 4 pounds total; this gives you enough golden strands to soak up all the sauce and flavor.
• Egg yolks: Two yolks at room temperature create that seriously silky carbonara sauce you crave.
• Eggs: Two whole eggs, also at room temperature, round out the sauce with extra creaminess and body.
• Parmesan cheese: Four ounces, finely grated, means there’s nutty, salty flavor in every bite—authentic Parmesan makes a difference!
• turkey Bacon: Twelve ounces, roughly chopped, brings that irresistible savory and smoky punch; pancetta or guanciale work too if you want to go classic.
• Garlic: Three cloves, minced, for a warm background flavor that melds seamlessly with the turkey bacon.
• Kosher salt: A generous half teaspoon is all you need to highlight every ingredient.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley to sprinkle over right before serving; it adds color and a burst of freshness.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds—don’t be afraid to get a little messy here! Place the squash cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let the oven work its magic for 30 to 45 minutes. The goal is tender squash with strands that separate easily with a fork. This roasting process brings out a gently sweet, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce.

Step 2: Cool and Shred the Squash

Once the squash is fork-tender, carefully flip the halves over and let them cool for several minutes. When they’re cool enough to handle, use a fork to gently tease out those beautiful spaghetti-like strands. You’ll end up with a heaping bowlful that’s light, delicate, and ready to soak up every bit of flavor from your carbonara sauce.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan-Egg Mixture

While the squash cools, combine the room temperature eggs, egg yolks, and Parmesan in a medium bowl. Grab a whisk and beat everything together until smooth and well blended. This mixture forms the heart of your sauce, delivering the creamy, luscious texture that makes Spaghetti Squash Carbonara so crave-worthy. Set it aside for just a bit!

Step 4: Crisp the turkey Bacon and Sauté Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium heat—the bigger the better, since all the spaghetti squash will need to fit at the end. Add your roughly chopped turkey bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and crisp. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, just until fragrant. This is when your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Step 5: Combine Squash With turkey Bacon and Garlic

Add the shredded spaghetti squash to your skillet, sprinkle with kosher salt, and toss everything together so the squash is coated in the glorious turkey bacon fat and garlicky goodness. Let it heat through for a minute or two, which helps evenly distribute all those bold flavors in every strand.

Step 6: Make It Carbonara

Here’s the magic moment: Remove your skillet from the heat entirely—seriously, take it off the burner so you don’t scramble the eggs! Use two hands if you need to: one to slowly pour the egg-Parmesan mixture into the pan, and the other to continually toss the squash with tongs. This keeps everything creamy, smooth, and coats the squash perfectly. Work quickly but don’t worry; a little patience delivers that classic carbonara texture.

Step 7: Plate and Enjoy

Top your Spaghetti Squash Carbonara with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. The mix of gold and green is a feast for the eyes, and the scent is absolutely intoxicating. Serve immediately while it’s gloriously warm and creamy—you won’t want to wait!

How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley, even more Parmesan, and—if you’re feeling extra indulgent—a little cracked black pepper on top. The parsley adds color and balance, while that final shower of Parmesan brings a salty, cheesy bite. Never underestimate the power of a simple garnish to make your Spaghetti Squash Carbonara look and taste restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

Since Spaghetti Squash Carbonara is rich and flavorful, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some simply roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini. If you’re serving guests, a platter of crusty bread is always a hit for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Each bite will make the meal feel celebratory without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the finished Spaghetti Squash Carbonara right in the empty squash shells—they make adorable edible bowls and keep everything warm. Or portion it out into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party starter. Whether you go rustic or refined, this dish can steal the show as the centerpiece of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though it’s hard not to polish off the whole pan!), store the Spaghetti Squash Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen beautifully, making the next-day dish extra delicious for lunch or an easy dinner.

Freezing

While Spaghetti Squash Carbonara is at its best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Just know that the texture may be a little softer after thawing, but all that savory flavor will still shine through.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring often to avoid overcooking the eggs. You can add a splash of cream or a little extra Parmesan if you want to refresh the sauce. For a quick fix, microwaving works too—just use a lower power and stir halfway through to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I use turkey turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon gives a similar smoky flavor with less fat, while plant-based turkey bacon or smoked tempeh can also create that savory bite. Just be sure to crisp it up before adding the squash for the best texture.

How do I prevent my eggs from scrambling in the sauce?

The key is to remove your skillet from the heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture, then toss quickly and constantly. This technique gently cooks the eggs while creating a creamy, smooth sauce instead of scrambled eggs.

Do I have to peel the spaghetti squash before roasting?

No need! Roast the spaghetti squash halves cut-side down with the peel on. After roasting, the peel acts as a natural bowl and makes it easier to separate the strands with a fork.

Is Spaghetti Squash Carbonara gluten-free?

Yes—thanks to spaghetti squash instead of pasta, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your turkey bacon and cheese are gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.

Can I make Spaghetti Squash Carbonara dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free Parmesan-style shreds (found at many grocery stores) and a dairy-free cream to boost the texture. While the flavor will shift a bit, you can still enjoy a delicious plant-based twist on this classic comfort dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Spaghetti Squash Carbonara as I am to share it—it’s cozy, inventive, and irresistibly good. Make it your own, savor every forkful, and let it become a new favorite for both busy weeknights and special gatherings!

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