If you think spaghetti squash is bland, you haven’t tasted it smoked with BBQ seasoning and butter. This smoked spaghetti squash pasta is smoky, buttery, and finished with warm marinara and grated Parmesan for an easy, elevated twist on pasta night.
This recipe turns a humble squash into a show-stopping side or main: delicate, spaghetti-like strands with a hint of smoke and rich butter that pair beautifully with tomato sauce and cheese.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for a printable version.
Extra tips
- Don’t rush the smoke time—low and slow yields the best texture and flavor.
- Season the squash generously; it benefits from bold seasoning to stand up to the smoke and butter.
Recipe video
Watch the short video demonstration embedded in the recipe card below.
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Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp BBQ rub
- 3 tbsp butter, sliced
For smoked spaghetti squash pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce, warmed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to smoke spaghetti squash
In short: halve the squash, oil and season it, add butter, and smoke low and slow until it easily rakes into strands. Toss the strands with warm marinara and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a comforting, smoky “pasta.”
1. Preheat Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C).
2. Prep Squash
Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil, sprinkle the BBQ rub evenly, then place small pats of butter on each half.
3. Smoke Squash
Place squash cut-side up in the smoker and smoke for about 4 hours, or until the flesh pulls apart into strands easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary slightly based on squash size and smoker consistency.
4. Shred Squash
When the squash is tender, use a fork to rake out the spaghetti-like strands and discard the skin.
5. Serve
Toss the warm strands with heated marinara sauce and finish with grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Delicious and satisfying—this dish makes a great vegetarian main or a flavorful side to grilled meats.
You might like these
-
Easy Smoked Chicken Breast -
Traeger Smoked French Toast Casserole
-
Spatchcock Smoked Turkey
Pro tip: Using a good thermometer ensures consistent results when grilling and smoking.
Get inspired to grill new things…
Great food should feel like a little luxury at home. I’d love to hear how your smoked spaghetti squash turns out.
Happy cooking ~ Jenna
Smoked Spaghetti Squash on the Traeger
Video
Equipment
- Traeger Pellet Grill (or similar smoker)
- Wood pellets of your choice (mesquite adds a nice flavor)
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp BBQ rub
- 3 tbsp butter, sliced
For smoked spaghetti squash pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce, warmed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and brush the cut sides with olive oil. Sprinkle BBQ rub over the flesh and place slices of butter on top.
- Place the squash cut-side up in the smoker and smoke for about 4 hours, or until the flesh pulls away in strands with a fork.
- Use a fork to rake out the spaghetti-like strands and discard the skin.
- Toss the warm strands with heated marinara sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cooking time varies with squash size and smoker temperature—watch for tender flesh that easily separates into strands. Adjust seasoning and sauce to taste.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 55 g |
Protein: 12 g |
Fat: 31 g |
Fiber: 13 g