Vegan Spaghetti Squash with Chickpea Meatballs

Craving a cozy, satisfying meal that’s both hearty and wholesome? This Vegan Spaghetti Squash with Chickpea Meatballs is the perfect plant-based twist on classic comfort food! Roasted spaghetti squash serves as the perfect base, soaking up rich marinara sauce and pairing beautifully with flavorful chickpea meatballs. A sprinkle of vegan mozzarella takes it over the top, baking to melty perfection for a dish that’s as comforting as it is nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a lighter pasta alternative or simply a delicious new way to enjoy spaghetti squash, this baked casserole is sure to hit the spot!

If you’re looking for more inspiring ideas, this Vegan Mexican Spaghetti Squash is a favorite!

How to Make Spaghetti Squash

Do you feel intimidated when you think about how to cook spaghetti squash? I’m here to walk you through the steps. It’s actually very easy. Once you go through the process of cooking spaghetti squash once, you’ll get the hang of it and be a pro!

Step One: Prepare the Squash

First, cut the Spaghetti Squash in half, lengthwise. That’s no easy feat because like many uncooked squashes, the spaghetti squash is on the firm side. Here’s a favorite tip for cutting the spaghetti squash in half.

To soften the squash, score around the sides of it (where you will be cutting it in half). Then place it in the microwave and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This will soften the squash to make it easier to cut. Allow it to cool until it’s cool enough to handle, and then cut the squash in half.

Then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff inside.

Now, let’s talk about how to bake spaghetti squash. There’s a couple of processes you can use for baking spaghetti squash:

• Oven Roasting: Place both halves cut-side down on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 – 40 minutes, until a knife inserted in the side proves that the spaghetti squash is tender.
• Microwave: The process is similar. Place both halves, cut-side down, in a microwave-safe dish (like pyrex). Add a cup of water to the pan (to help steam the squash as it cooks). Then, place the dish in the microwave and cook for 5 – 10 minutes (depending on the size of your squash and the wattage of your microwave). Cook until tender. You can tell if it’s tender, by sticking a knife in the side of the squash.

Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, remove from the oven and allow to cool until cool enough to handle. Place 3 – 4 paper towels on the counter. Then use a large spoon to scrape the spaghetti squash onto the paper towels. Squeeze the spaghetti squash between the paper towels to remove some of the excess liquid.

Step Two: Prepare the Meatballs

Drain the can of beans and pour them in a food processor with the dehydrated onions, garlic powder, flax seeds, nutritional yeast flakes, and seasoning. Pulse until just combined, only a few seconds. You can scrape down the sides of the bowl and then pulse again. Just be sure to leave some pieces of the beans intact.

This makes a very sticky batter. You will want to use some kind of scoop (I used a cookie dough scooper) to create the balls. Place the bean balls on parchment-lined pan. Place the bean meatballs in the oven, along side the spaghetti squash. Cook for 25 – 30 minutes.

Step Three: Prepare the Casserole

Place the squeezed spaghetti squash into a casserole dish. Add the chia seeds. Stir gently to distribute the chia seeds throughout. These help soak up any extra liquids released from the spaghetti squash. Pour the spaghetti sauce on top. 

Remove the pan of bean meatballs from the oven. Use tongs to transfer them on top of the spaghetti squash. Top with vegan mozzarella shreds. Return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes or so, until the cheese has melted.

Spaghetti Squash Bake

I love this strategy of eating healthy meals during the week and saving indulgences for the weekend. This spaghetti squash casserole could actually fit in either category because although it’s nice and healthy, it also has an indulgent feel to it.

When you’re ready for this tasty vegan spaghetti squash recipe, you can use any variety of sauces. You can use the red sauce as the recipe suggests, or even a tasty Vegan Alfredo Sauce.

But let’s talk a little about how easy to bake a spaghetti squash and transform it into this tasty casserole. I cook the spaghetti squash in the oven so that I can throw the bean meatballs in a separate pan to cook at the same time. As I love to say, might as well bake two loves while the oven’s hot.

Is Spaghetti Squash Healthy?

Spaghetti Squash is what we refer to as a winter squash. Most people think of these squashes as very starchy and therefore lacking nutrients. But, come to find out, winter squash offers a lot of great nutrients, like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium and more.

The point here is that spaghetti squash is a good thing to include in your diet. I used to balk a little at the taste, but with proper preparation, I’ve grown to love it. Shawn has been known to be a picky eater too (he still won’t eat green beans or mushrooms), and he likes this Vegan Spaghetti Squash recipe too.

The bean meatballs add fiber, flavor, and substance to this recipe. Each bite has a little something special about it.

Expert Tips

Here are some tips to make this dish perfect every time:

• Add chopped walnuts to the bean meatballs, for a heartier flavor
• Skip the vegan mozzarella shreds and sprinkle with Vegan Parmesan instead
• Add some fresh, minced garlic to the spaghetti squash
• Substitute store-bought vegan meatballs instead of making them homemade

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this Vegan Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs recipe with any of the following:

• Vegan Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread — Another easy recipe that will have your family excited to get to the dinner table.
• Impossible Chicken Meatballs — Transform Impossible Nuggets into tasty chicken-like meatballs you can serve with this dish.
• Spicy Sesame Zoodles — Adds flavor and healthy zucchini to this dish.
• Vegan Cobb Salad — A delicious salad that can be served alongside other dishes.

If you love vegan and vegetarian spaghetti squash recipes, try my Vegan Spaghetti Squash Casserole too!

Whatever spaghetti squash you’re twirling around your fork, enjoy!