Butternut Squash Noodles

Butternut squash noodles are a healthy alternative to traditional pasta that taste fantastic and cook quickly!

Butternut squash noodles are a delicious (and nutritious) take on your typical pasta. They’re crafted from the flesh of butternut squash, a winter vegetable celebrated for its taste and vibrant orange hue. To make the noodles, the squash is peeled and then transformed into long, slender strands resembling spaghetti or fettuccine through spiralizing or julienning.

Many of us are looking for healthier alternatives, and butternut squash noodles have become a fast favorite. They have a mild flavor, so if you cover them in sauce or season them, they’ll taste a lot like whatever you put on them, making it easy to replace regular pasta.

This recipe uses my favorite classic seasonings: olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s all you need to make these noodles taste delicious. But you can flavor them however you’d like. For example, I’m a huge fan of buttered noodles, so I turn to these easy butternut squash noodles when I get a craving.

Are Butternut Squash Noodles Healthy?

I love butternut squash noodles because they’re light on calories and carbs, making them perfect for those watching their weight or following a diet. Butternut squash also packs plenty of fiber, so these noodles are great for gut health and keeping blood sugar levels steady.

What’s more, butternut squash contains vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants that fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Plus, the potassium in butternut squash may help regulate blood pressure and support heart wellness. Adding butternut squash noodles to your meals is a tasty way to enhance your nutrient intake while boosting your overall health and well-being.

How to spiralize butternut squash?

If you’ve never spiralized a butternut squash, you might be curious about how to do it. Begin by choosing a medium-sized squash. Peel the squash completely to remove all the skin. Set aside the end, as only the elongated neck is appropriate for spiralizing. Cut the neck into pieces that are easy to handle (about 6 inches long).

Next, select a spiralizer with a blade for the thickness of the noodles you want. Place the squash securely in the spiralizer, ensuring it is centered and steady. Rotate the handle to produce noodles. What is a spiralizer, you ask? Well, it’s a kitchen gadget that slices vegetables and fruits into strands resembling noodles or spirals. It’s often used to make pasta substitutes. Spiralizers are available in handheld, countertop, and electric models. You can find them both online and in stores. That said, a julienne peeler also works well.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium butternut squash, spiralized
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Warm skillet and add oil.

Sauté

Cook butternut squash noodles with seasoning.

Serve

Garnish and enjoy the heat.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Place your butternut squash noodles in a food-safe storage bag or an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh this way for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them in the same type of container for up to six months.

Is there an alternative to butternut squash?

Butternut squash, with its excellent texture and mild flavor, works very well in creating butternut squash noodles. Since they are called butternut squash noodles, there isn’t a replacement for the squash. However, you can also make zoodles, which are made from zucchini and serve the same purpose.

Can butternut squash noodles replace spaghetti?

Absolutely! You can use butternut squash noodles to replace regular noodles or pasta. I make homemade tomato sauce and top my butternut squash noodles with it. They are a healthy alternative, and it doesn’t change the sauce’s flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Butternut squash noodles offer a healthy twist to pasta with a sweet and nutty taste that complements various dishes. Enjoy them paired with an alfredo sauce or a garlic-infused butter sauce. Adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp provides a protein boost for a hearty and satisfying touch to the dish.

For vegetarians, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes bring colors and textures to the table. Sprinkling parmesan cheese or adding a dollop of pesto enhances the taste experience. To introduce freshness, consider serving a broccoli salad or grilled vegetable salad. Top it off with toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for crunch and a nutty flavor.