Better-Than-Pasta Roni Recipe (2024)

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A healthy alternative to (and better than version) Pasta Roni, featuring spaghetti squash and parmesan cheese.

Better-Than-Pasta Roni Recipe (1)

I always loved Pasta Roni growing up, but I never make it anymore because I realized just how bad it was. Even knowing how unhealthy it is, I sometimes think about how yummy it would be to make a big batch of it. So, I decided to create a healthier version, and let me tell you, it is most definitely better than any Pasta Roni I’ve ever had. I made it recently for my family, and my mom insisted that I make it a few times since.

What makes it so much healthier is that it’s made with spaghetti squash. If you’ve never had spaghetti squash, I highly recommend it. It’s a great alternative to regular pasta, is so much healthier, and honestly, I can’t hardly tell the difference. It’s so tasty, and I think I will start using it is a low carb/gluten free option in other pasta dishes from now on!

In this recipe, I cooked the spaghetti squash in the microwave, and described that method. However, if you’d rather cook it in the oven, by all means, go right ahead!

Better-Than-Pasta Roni Recipe (2)

Weight Loss Wednesday and Better-Than-Pasta Roni Recipe

Yield: 5 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 3/4 cup reduced fat Kraft Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter or butter substitute, such as Earth Balance Buttery Spread
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cut spaghetti squash in half, and remove seeds. In a microwave safe dish, place one half of the spaghetti squash. Pour 1/2 cup water into the center of the squash. Place the other half of the squash on top of it, and cover with plastic wrap. Cook in microwave for about 8-10 minutes.*
  2. After squash is cooked, let it sit for a few minutes, as it will be very hot. Then, use a fork to remove all the "spaghetti". Place in a large bowl. Put butter, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in the same bowl, and mix until the butter is melted. Add more cheese or seasonings to reach desired flavor. Serve warm.

Better-Than-Pasta Roni Recipe (3)

Katie Clark

Katie is a Colorado-native, BYU graduated, and most importantly, wife to one and mother to three beautiful boys. She is passionate about sharing her experiences with others – especially about pregnancy, breastfeeding, cooking, and crafts. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. She loves spending time with her family and helping others find joy in family life.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amber @ rick•a•bam•boo says

    This looks great. I love spaghetti squash and I bought one this week specifically for this recipe. My squash is in the microwave right now actually. Oooh! It just beeped. Gotta go!

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Yay! I’m glad you tried it out (and I hope you liked it)

      Reply

  2. Becca from ItsYummi.com says

    I LOVE using spaghetti squash as a substitute for pasta. I’ve been meaning to get over here all week to comment on this… I’m sorry that it took so long, Katie! I look forward to getting healthy along with you with and the rest of the WLW bunch 🙂

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Yay for loving spaghetti squash! Definitely one of my favorite substitutes. I think I like it more than pasta!

      Reply

  3. Tammy Northrup {Yours and Mine ARE Ours} says

    Katie, thank you for sharing your story. It takes so much courage to put yourself out there. Maybe someday I’ll have the courage to do the same. Oh and the recipe, yum! I can’t wait to try it.

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Thank you for your support, Tammy! I’d love to read your story someday. 🙂 And seriously,spaghetti squash is my new favorite thing!

      Reply

  4. Sarah says

    Yum, this recipe looks super delicious – and healthy! Good luck achieving all your goals with the WLW group.

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Thanks! I appreciate your support 🙂 Good luck to you, as well!

      Reply

  5. Heather @ French Press says

    what a terrific recipe! I know we can all do this together 🙂

    Reply

    • Katie says

      Thank you! I think we will be able to as well 🙂

      Reply

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Better-Than-Pasta Roni Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to spice up boxed pasta? ›

Here are a few of my favorite ways to upgrade boxed mac and cheese in three ingredients or fewer:
  1. Broccoli + Shredded Chicken. ...
  2. Bacon + Peas + Egg. ...
  3. Garlic + Pickled Jalapeños. ...
  4. Mushrooms + Thyme + Grated Gruyère. ...
  5. Pesto + Sun-Dried Tomatoes. ...
  6. Kimchi + Bacon + Chopped Scallions. ...
  7. Cherry Tomatoes + Basil + Mozzarella.

Can I use cream cheese instead of milk for Pasta Roni? ›

Want to make a creamy pasta recipe like Pasta Roni but you're out of milk? Substitute water for milk and add 2-3 tbsp cream cheese. Cooks the same, doesn't boil over as easily and tastes creamy and delicious.

Can I make Pasta Roni without butter? ›

Pasta Roni®: Margarine and butter provide more flavor than oils, but olive oil, vegetable oil, or shortening could certainly be substituted. We do not recommend margarine spreads with less than 56% fat.

How long after the best by date is Pasta Roni good? ›

The shelf life of unopened dried Pasta Roni typically extends well beyond the "best by" date when stored correctly, generally lasting up to 1-2 years. Moisture and heat can compromise the quality, so they should be avoided.

How to elevate box pasta? ›

Simplest might be some butter or extra virgin olive with salt and pepper. To step it up a bit, fry a bit of minced garlic in your fat, first. Going up the scale a little, if you consider grated cheese simple enough, with butter, parmesan, and some of the hot water you cooked the pasta in, you can make pasta Alfredo.

How do you jazz up pasta? ›

Fresh or dried herbs will also add flavor to pasta dishes.

"I use a lot of parsley, either fresh or even dried," Montillo said. "Oregano, garlic powder, onion flakes, black pepper all work well in a variety of sauces."

What happens if you use milk instead of heavy cream in pasta? ›

You can use milk instead of heavy cream, but you won't get quite the same flavor or consistency.

Can I use sour cream instead of milk? ›

Sour cream or full fat yogurt can be substituted 1:1 for whole milk. Use this substitute in baking quick breads or for adding creaminess to pan sauces. Sour cream works especially well in recipes calling for buttermilk, too and vanilla-flavored yogurt can be used for sweet quick breads and cakes.

What to replace milk with in pasta? ›

  1. Pasta Water. The simplest, cheapest, and most obvious milk alternative is water! ...
  2. Heavy Cream. Heavy cream is, in my opinion, the best milk substitute for kraft mac and cheese. ...
  3. Cream Cheese. ...
  4. Sour Cream. ...
  5. Soy Milk. ...
  6. Coconut Milk or Coconut Cream. ...
  7. Almond Milk. ...
  8. Cashew Milk.
Mar 13, 2023

What is better for you, pasta or rice? ›

The main differences between refined (white) pasta and white rice are in the amount of calories, fiber, and protein in each. Pasta contains more calories, more fiber, and more protein than rice. However, many healthier varieties of pasta and rice are available that are more nutritious than their refined counterparts.

What is a substitute for butter in pasta packets? ›

Avocado: Mashed avocado can be used in place of butter in pasta dishes. It is a great source of healthy fats and can give your pasta a creamy texture. yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for butter in pasta sauces. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the dish.

What is a healthy substitute for butter in pasta? ›

You can easily substitute olive oil for butter in most pasta recipes, especially ones that have lots of fresh vegetables. Choose recipes that are lightly dressed and avoid pastas with rich cream sauces (which require butter).

Can you eat 10 year old dried pasta? ›

Generally, dry pasta has a shelf life of two years, but you can typically push it to three. So go ahead and make that lasagna or carbonara using the noodles you found hidden at the back of your pantry.

Why does my Rice-A-Roni come out mushy? ›

When the rice is finished cooking, it will probably be a little on the mushy side. Leave the lid off, remove the pot from heat, and let it sit for a full 5 minutes, and perhaps more. This give the rice a chance to dry out and tighten up, as well as letting it cool.

Can I use pasta that expired 6 months ago? ›

Dry potatoes, flavored rice or pasta Use for up to 6 months past the date marked on the package. Cereals, crackers, chips, rice, and pasta Use for up to 2 years past the date marked on the package. Juice (cans, plastic containers, juice boxes) Use for up to 6 months past the date marked on the package.

What can I add to plain pasta for Flavour? ›

These delicious flavorings will bring beneficial plant compounds to your meal.
  1. Basil. Basil is a flavorful herb and a mainstay in many Italian dishes, including pasta. ...
  2. Oregano. Oregano is a culinary herb known for its peppery and pungent taste. ...
  3. Rosemary. ...
  4. Red pepper flakes. ...
  5. Garlic powder.
Apr 11, 2022

What can I add to store bought pasta sauce to make it taste better? ›

Maybe it needs a touch of salt, red pepper flakes, or some fresh garlic to liven it up. You could add dried or fresh herbs too: oregano, basil, thyme, tarragon, parsley—they're all great! Want to go next level? Toss in some chopped anchovies (or anchovy salt), olives, or some lemon zest and/or juice.

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