There are few dishes that hit the sweet spot between healthy, light, and incredibly flavorful like this Lemon and Herb Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Shrimp. It tastes like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant, but it’s made with just a handful of ingredients and no complicated steps. This recipe brings together sweet, roasted spaghetti squash strands with garlicky lemon shrimp and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a dish that feels fresh, clean, and deeply satisfying.
Spaghetti squash is the ultimate swap when you’re craving pasta but want to keep things light. Once roasted, it transforms into golden, tender strands that mimic spaghetti in shape but have a subtle sweetness and slight crunch that regular noodles can’t match. Pair that with juicy shrimp coated in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, and you’ve got a combo that’s equal parts elegant and comforting.
The beauty of this meal is in its simplicity. Each element gets roasted in the oven to bring out its natural flavor. The squash becomes golden and slightly caramelized at the edges, and the shrimp cook just long enough to get firm, juicy, and full of citrusy zing. A final toss of chopped parsley or basil gives it a garden-fresh finish.
This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something light yet fulfilling. It’s also great for entertaining—impressive to look at and surprisingly low effort. You can even roast the squash ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days to make this dinner come together in 10 minutes flat.
For those looking to cut back on processed carbs or just add more vegetables to their diet, this dish delivers big time. It’s naturally gluten-free, loaded with protein and fiber, and won’t leave you feeling weighed down. And because spaghetti squash holds up well after roasting, leftovers are just as good the next day.
Every bite is bursting with freshness. You get a little sweetness from the squash, brightness from the lemon, depth from the garlic, and richness from the olive oil. It’s everything a weeknight dinner should be: fast, full of flavor, and good for you.
No fancy tools required, either. Just a knife, a sheet pan, and a fork to scrape the squash into strands. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a better cook without asking you to be one. You don’t need to be precise, just follow the rhythm of roasting and assembling.
It’s also endlessly adaptable. Swap in other herbs, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or toss in some cherry tomatoes before roasting. This is the kind of base recipe you can play with and never get tired of.
Servings: 2 generous portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Brush the inside of each half with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until tender.
- While the squash roasts, toss shrimp with garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In the last 10 minutes of squash roasting, add shrimp to the same baking sheet or another lined pan and roast for 8-10 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
- Remove squash from oven, let cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape into spaghetti-like strands.
- Divide squash between plates and top with shrimp. Garnish with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips:
- Roast the squash ahead for even faster assembly later.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need 8-10 minutes.
- For extra depth, sprinkle grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast before serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Light but deeply flavorful
- Perfect for quick weeknight dinners
- Naturally low in carbs and gluten-free
- Elegant enough for guests
- Ready in under 45 minutes
This Lemon and Herb Spaghetti Squash with Roasted Shrimp is the perfect balance of fresh, clean flavor and satisfying comfort. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, it delivers big results in a simple way.
