- This is a healthy gluten-free pasta recipe made with spaghetti squash.
- It's finished with a refreshing lemon acidity and herbs, and fragrant ghee or coconut oil.
- The appeal is its low starch, low calorie content, and abundance of vitamin C, folic acid, and potassium.
- Protein can be substituted with tofu or chicken tenderloin instead of shrimp, and tips for storage and arrangements/variations are also introduced.
Spaghetti Squash Lemon Shrimp Pasta — A Light and Satisfying Dish
This is a gluten-free pasta-style recipe using spaghetti squash, which separates into "noodles" when boiled. We combined the refreshing acidity of lemon, the aroma of fresh thyme, and plump shrimp to create a light yet satisfying dish. When we tried it ourselves, it was delicious even when cold, making it perfect for summer lunches or as a meal during dieting.
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
- Spaghetti squash 1/2 piece
- Ghee (or coconut oil) 1 tablespoon
- Shrimp (medium size) 8 pieces (shelled and prepped)
- Fresh thyme 2 sprigs (dried can also be used)
- Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
- Lemon slices 4 slices (for garnish)
- Garlic 1 clove (optional)
- Salt, black pepper a pinch
Instructions
Preparing the Spaghetti Squash (Basic)
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds with a spoon. The skin is thick, so it's safer to cut it on a stable cutting board with force.
- Boil one half in a pot for about 10-15 minutes, or steam it in a steamer. When flaked with a fork, it separates into strands like "somen" noodles. Roasting in the oven also enhances the flavor.
- Lightly drain the water, and if necessary, remove excess moisture with a paper towel.
Cooking Procedure
- Quickly boil the shrimp with shells in lightly salted water until cooked, then transfer to cold water to cool. Peel the shells and remove the veins. Be careful not to overcook, as it will become tough.
- Heat ghee (or coconut oil) in a frying pan and sauté minced garlic over low heat until fragrant.
- Add the flaked spaghetti squash, shrimp, and fresh thyme, and sauté quickly over medium heat. The spaghetti squash is already cooked, so just warming it through is sufficient.
- Turn off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper. Serve on a plate and garnish with lemon slices.
Nutritional and Beauty Benefits
Spaghetti squash is low in starch and calories, and contains vitamin C, folic acid, and potassium. Vitamin C is involved in skin health and immune support, and potassium helps with swelling. Lemon's vitamin C aids iron absorption, so combining it with plant-based ingredients can have a synergistic effect. Shrimp is a welcome ingredient for beauty and body building, containing high-quality protein, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Tips for Variations and Storage
- If you don't like shrimp, you can substitute protein with steamed chicken, grilled tofu, or canned tuna.
- A drizzle of olive oil at the end enhances the flavor. In hot weather, it's also recommended to chill it and eat it as a cold pasta dish.
- Instead of lemon, you can adjust the acidity with a small amount of white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, which also tastes delicious.
- Spaghetti squash is rarely sold in halves, so the remainder can be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, or flaked once and frozen for longer storage (the texture may change slightly after freezing, making it more suitable for soups or stir-fries). When we tried it, lightly coating it with olive oil before storing helped preserve the flavor.
Summary
Spaghetti Squash Lemon Shrimp Pasta is a low-calorie, nutritionally balanced, and gluten-free dish perfect for those who want to enjoy a gluten-free meal. Adding fragrance with ghee or coconut oil and finishing it with lemon and herbs makes it easy to eat. We've made it several times and found it useful for light breakfast/lunch meals or for dinner on hot days. Please try arranging it with leftover vegetables from your refrigerator.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.