If you’re looking for a dish that excites your taste buds and nourishes your soul, the Spicy Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Coconut Sauce and Tuna Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe perfectly marries the wholesome, slightly sweet texture of spaghetti squash with a luscious, creamy coconut sauce that carries just the right amount of heat. Infused with aromatic spices and topped with savory tuna, it’s a vibrant, comforting meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. Whether you’re after a lighter pasta alternative or a crowd-pleaser that’s packed with flavor, this dish will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a tangled heap of light brown noodles with a slightly glossy texture, topped in the center with a halved soft-boiled egg showing a bright, runny yolk surrounded by firm white. Around the egg, there are small green herb leaves and a sprinkle of red chili flakes that add a touch of color contrast. Two dark brown wooden chopsticks are resting on the edge of the bowl, pointed towards the noodles. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a light gray cloth partially visible next to it. A second similar bowl is slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating layers of flavor and texture. You don’t need a long list, just the right essentials to bring out something truly special.

Full fat coconut milk (2 cans or 27 oz): The creamy base that gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture; full fat is best for indulgence and thickness.
Arrowroot flour (2-4 tablespoons): A natural thickener that helps create that perfect saucy consistency without heaviness.
Poultry seasoning (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm and herbaceous background note that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Brings an aromatic punch that complements the coconut’s sweetness beautifully.
Sea salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient’s natural essence.
Small white onion, chopped (1, about 1/4″ pieces): Adds subtle sweetness and texture, caramelizing to melt effortlessly into the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the dish its signature spicy kick without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides a smoky depth and hints at warmth, visually brightening the sauce.
Medium cooked spaghetti squash (1): The star carbohydrate, offering a wonderful veggie-based noodle that’s light but satisfying.
Canned tuna (6 oz): Adds protein and a savory, ocean-fresh flavor that melds beautifully into the sauce.

How to Make Spicy Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Coconut Sauce and Tuna Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Toss in your chopped white onions and let them cook until they turn golden and soft—this is where the foundation of the sauce’s flavor begins. The gentle caramelization of onions releases their natural sweetness, which balances perfectly with the spicy and creamy components to come.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Once the onions are nicely sautéed, add the minced garlic, poultry seasoning, sea salt, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Stir these together so the spices bloom in the heat, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Pour in the coconut milk next, then bring everything up to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook gently for 3 to 5 minutes. This melds the flavors together and softens the coconut milk’s richness.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Here’s where arrowroot flour comes in. Sprinkle 2 to 4 tablespoons into your sauce while whisking steadily. This will thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency that clings just right to the noodles and tuna. Be careful not to overcook once thickened, or the sauce can become too dense, losing its lovely silkiness. Once thickened, take the pan off the heat.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Tuna

Now the fun part. Gently fold in your cooked spaghetti squash strands and the canned tuna, breaking up the tuna slightly as you mix. The spaghetti squash acts like a vegetable noodle base, soaking up all that spicy coconut goodness, while the tuna adds satisfying bites of protein and flavor. Give everything a good toss but be gentle so you don’t break the delicate squash strands too much.

How to Serve Spicy Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Coconut Sauce and Tuna Recipe

A large mound of saucy noodles sits in a white bowl stacked on another white bowl, with a woman's hand using dark wooden chopsticks to lift a tangled clump of noodles above the bowl. The noodles are light brown from the sauce, creamy in texture with small bits of green herbs mixed in. The background is soft and out of focus with a white marbled surface under the bowls. The noodles look soft and coated evenly with sauce, showing strands hanging and twisting around the chopsticks photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can lift the dish with bright, herbal notes, providing a contrasting freshness to the rich coconut sauce. A few extra red pepper flakes on top add a dash of color and spice, while a wedge of lime can be squeezed over just before eating for a zesty tang that cuts through the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This vibrant dish pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides like a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or steamed green beans tossed with garlic. A warm side of garlic naan or crusty bread also works well to scoop up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Spicy Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Coconut Sauce and Tuna Recipe in hollowed-out spaghetti squash shells. It creates a stunning, rustic presentation that will wow guests while keeping things practical and easy to clean up. Alternatively, layering it in a shallow serving bowl and topping with microgreens or toasted nuts adds texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making the dish taste even more harmonious the next day.

Freezing

Because of the coconut milk sauce, freezing is possible but with some caution. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months but expect slight changes in texture when thawed. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too but go for short intervals to prevent the tuna from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of tuna?

Absolutely! While tuna gives this dish a lovely oceanic twist, canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken are great alternatives that will hold up well with the coconut sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the tuna and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu cubes for protein. The sauce is already vegan-friendly, packed with coconut milk and spices.

How do I cook spaghetti squash perfectly?

To cook spaghetti squash, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast cut-side down at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes until tender. When scraped with a fork, it should separate into noodle-like strands easily.

Why should I use arrowroot flour instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot flour creates a clearer, shinier sauce with a smoother texture, which works beautifully in delicate sauces like the coconut sauce here. It’s also a great gluten-free thickener.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely! The red pepper flakes can be reduced or increased according to your preference, and you could even add fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce for an extra fiery kick.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that’s packed with bold flavors yet light enough to enjoy any time, give this Spicy Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Coconut Sauce and Tuna Recipe a try. It’s a delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and wholesome that’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. I promise, once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe arsenal for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike!

Spicy Spaghetti Squash Noodles with Coconut Sauce and Tuna Recipe