1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Squash Pad Thai Dish

Delicious Pad Thai Squash

Featured in Meals That Make the Table Happy.

This Pad Thai twist turns spaghetti squash into a tasty noodle replacement. Toss in perfectly cooked chicken, crunchy bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts, all blended in a sweet-salty sauce featuring soy, peanut butter, and honey. Fresh cilantro and crisp veggies round it off for a classic yet healthier meal ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful and light dinner solution!
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:19:11 GMT
Delicious Pad Thai with Squash Pin it
Delicious Pad Thai with Squash | mecooking.com

Tender squash strands blend with colorful veggies in this nourishing spaghetti squash Pad Thai. We've reimagined this beloved Thai comfort food into a vitamin-packed meal, mixing delicate squash threads with juicy chicken and a deep, flavor-packed sauce that brings genuine Thai tastes without all those extra carbs.

Nobody in my house thought squash could stand in for traditional noodles, but now we can't get through Thursday without this meal. The secret? Getting those squash strands just right so they soak up all that amazing sauce.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Spaghetti squash: Look for one that's heavy and has a solid, ivory-colored exterior. Stay away from ones with mushy areas or greenish spots
  • Chicken breasts: Go for pieces that are the same size so they cook evenly. Wipe them dry before adding spices for better browning
  • Natural peanut butter: Grab freshly ground or simple one-ingredient options for the truest flavor and best sauce texture

Making Your Tasty Pad Thai

Setting Up Your Squash:
When slicing the squash down the middle, keep it steady for consistent strands. Poke the outer skin several times with a fork so steam can escape properly.
Mixing Your Sauce:
Start by stirring the wet ingredients together, mixing hard to get the peanut butter fully blended. Sample it and tweak the flavors before adding it to your cooking pan.
Getting Your Chicken Right:
Make sure your pan is really hot before adding chicken to get that nice golden outside. Let one side get crusty before you flip the pieces.
Healthy Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Pin it
Healthy Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai | mecooking.com

I was raised in a family that cared about eating well, so we always turned to spaghetti squash instead of pasta. Its light sweetness works amazingly with the rich, savory sauce in this dish.

Tasty Serving Suggestions

Add some fresh lime chunks and crunchy bean sprouts on the side. You might want to put out crushed peanuts and extra hot sauce so everyone can make their plate just how they like it.

Tweaks For Different Diets

Make this a veggie-friendly meal by swapping chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh. If you're going keto, use monk fruit sweetener instead of honey in your sauce mix.

Storing Leftovers

Pop any extras in a sealed container and they'll stay good for up to three days. When warming up, use a pan with a tiny bit of water to keep everything from drying out.

Close-up Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe Pin it
Close-up Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai Recipe | mecooking.com

I've spent years trying to make healthier versions of classic dishes, and this spaghetti squash Pad Thai really shows how smart ingredient swaps can actually turn out better than the original - it tastes amazing and it's so much better for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I skip the chicken for a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Replace it with tofu or add more veggies for extra protein and texture.
→ How do I avoid mushy squash strands?
Keep an eye on the cooking time and stop when the strands are tender but firm. Test with a fork to get them right.
→ Can the sauce be pre-made?
Yes! Whip it up and keep it refrigerated for up to three days. It simplifies meal prep.
→ What should I use instead of shishito peppers?
Try bell peppers for mildness or jalapeños for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your taste.
→ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Store them airtight for up to three days. Reheat gently to keep the veggies nice and crisp.

Squash Pad Thai Dish

Transform Pad Thai by using tender spaghetti squash instead of noodles. This veggie-filled dish keeps the same bold Thai flavors you adore while staying both healthier and satisfying.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian Blend

Yield: 5 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Key Ingredients

01 1 small spaghetti squash, or 3 cups of cooked strands (500g)
02 2 chicken breasts, cut into small chunks (525g)
03 ½ white onion, thinly sliced (140g)
04 1 cup shredded carrots (85g)
05 4 green onions, sliced (40g)
06 1 bell pepper, cut into thin strips (140g)
07 1 cup mung bean sprouts (85g)
08 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (30g)
09 5-6 shishito peppers, diced (45g)
10 1 whole egg plus 2 egg whites, beaten

→ Flavoring Sauce

11 3 tablespoons soy sauce (45g)
12 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (30g)
13 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30g)
14 1 tablespoon honey (15g)
15 1 teaspoon sriracha (5g)
16 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5g)
17 ½ lime, squeezed (15g)
18 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
19 2 tablespoons fresh minced ginger (8 frozen cubes)

Instructions

Step 01

Pierce the squash and microwave it for 8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Cut it open once soft, clean out the seeds, and use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands with a firm bite.

Step 02

Stir together all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set it aside until you're ready to use it.

Step 03

Sprinkle chicken chunks with pepper, some garlic powder, and a bit of salt. Sear them in an oiled pan for about 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside.

Step 04

Using the same pan, sauté sliced white onions until fragrant. Toss in the rest of the veggies along with the beaten eggs. Cook for a minute or two, then add the squash strands and the sauce. Return chicken chunks to the pan, toss everything together, and sprinkle cilantro on top.

Notes

  1. Toast some peanuts or almonds as an optional topping.
  2. Add more herbs or extra sriracha if you'd like a kick.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy skillet or a large cast iron pan
  • Microwave or oven (to prepare squash)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes peanuts
  • Has eggs
  • Made with soy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 339
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 23.4 g
  • Protein: 37 g