Recipe

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

A cozy, carbonara-inspired spaghetti squash situation with crispy bacon, garlicky kale, and a silky Parmesan sauce that clings to every strand. Weeknight-friendly, wildly satisfying.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A real photograph of a halved roasted spaghetti squash on a sheet pan, its strands fluffed into a bowl with creamy Parmesan sauce and crispy bacon pieces on top, with a fork nearby

Jump to Recipe

If you have ever looked at spaghetti squash and thought, sure, but will it actually scratch the pasta itch?, I have good news. This roasted spaghetti squash recipe is not trying to be noodles in a trench coat. It is its own thing: sweet, roasty strands tossed with a glossy, carbonara-style sauce, crispy bacon, and a handful of greens so we can all feel emotionally balanced.

The move here is high-heat roasting for caramelized edges, then finishing the squash in a warm pan so the sauce coats every strand instead of pooling sadly at the bottom of the bowl. It is weeknight comfort with a little swagger and zero boiling water.

A real photograph of spaghetti squash strands being scraped with a fork inside a roasted squash half on a baking sheet

Why It Works

Roasting concentrates flavor. High heat gives you sweet, nutty squash and a few crisp edges that make it feel more like a real dinner.
The sauce is silky, not scrambled. Off-heat mixing with eggs and Parmesan makes a creamy coating without cream.
Bacon and garlic do the heavy lifting. You get savory, smoky depth fast, which matters when your "pasta" is technically a vegetable.
Built-in flexibility. Swap bacon for pancetta, turkey bacon, or mushrooms. Add peas, chicken, or whatever is lurking in your fridge.

Storage Tips

How to Store and Reheat

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, tossing until hot. Low heat keeps the egg-based sauce from tightening up.
Microwave option: Microwave at 50 to 70% power in 30-second bursts, stirring between rounds.
Freezing: I do not love freezing this one. Spaghetti squash releases water after thawing, and the sauce can turn grainy. If you must, freeze the roasted squash strands plain, then make the sauce fresh when you reheat.

Common Questions

How do I cut spaghetti squash safely?

If you want to make it easier to cut, microwave the whole squash for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the skin slightly. Before microwaving, pierce the squash all over (10 to 15 times) with a fork or the tip of a knife so steam can vent. Then cut off a thin slice from one side to make a stable base. Use a sharp chef's knife and take your time. No heroics.

Do I roast it cut-side up or down?

For the best combo of caramelization and not-too-watery strands, roast cut-side down on a parchment-lined sheet. If you want extra browning, flip it cut-side up for the last 5 minutes.

How do I keep spaghetti squash from getting watery?

Roast hot (400 to 425°F), do not overcook it, and let it sit 5 minutes after roasting so steam can escape. Also, avoid drowning it in sauce. We want glossy, not soupy.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms (cremini or shiitake) plus 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and an extra pinch of salt. You still get that smoky, savory vibe.

What if I do not want eggs?

Make a quick creamy alternative: stir 3 to 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mascarpone with the Parmesan, then thin with a splash of hot pasta water style liquid (here, use hot broth). Add it off heat.

What proteins work besides bacon?

Cooked shredded chicken, crispy prosciutto, browned Italian sausage, or even crispy chickpeas if you want crunch without meat.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Rimmed baking sheet
Parchment paper or foil
Sharp chef's knife and cutting board
Spoon (for scooping seeds)
Large skillet
Tongs
Microplane or grater (for Parmesan)

I started making this when I wanted something that felt like a bowl of pasta, but my fridge was basically just a spaghetti squash and a pack of bacon that had "use me" energy. I roasted the squash, did the whole carbonara thing on instinct, and ended up eating it standing at the counter, fork in one hand, pretending I was only taste-testing. The crispy bacon plus silky sauce situation is so convincing that now I make it on purpose, which is how you know it is good.