Invisible Boy-Inspired Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and colorful Pad Thai featuring roasted spaghetti squash strands tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs. This thai-inspired noodles (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 65 minutes pairs medium (about 3 lbs) spaghetti squash, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Halve 1 medium spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Brush cut sides with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: Use a fork to scrape out the strands from the roasted squash into a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: Heat remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Push garlic to one side and pour in 2 beaten large eggs. Scramble gently until just cooked through, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 julienned carrot and 3 sliced green onions to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the spaghetti squash strands, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Toss over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Invisible Boy-Inspired Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Invisible Boy-Inspired Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Invisible Boy-Inspired Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Invisible Boy-Inspired Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Invisible Boy-Inspired Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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