Sautéed Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Spinach
Tender strands of spaghetti squash sautéed with earthy mushrooms and vibrant spinach for a nutrient-packed, grain-free side dish. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs whole medium spaghetti squash, extra virgin olive oil, cremini mushrooms, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.
Ingredients
- 1 whole medium spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut 1 medium spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes until tender.
- Step 2: While the squash roasts, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until browned and their moisture evaporates.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 5: Remove the squash from the oven and use a fork to scrape out the strands into the skillet with the mushrooms and spinach.
- Step 6: Toss everything together with 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Sautéed Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Spinach?
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 whole medium spaghetti squash from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Spinach?
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 Sautéed Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Spinach 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 Sautéed Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Spinach whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.