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Mouthwatering Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Mouthwatering Spaghetti Squash Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy Mexican spaghetti squash casserole blends hearty vegetables with zesty spices for a delightful meal. Quick preparation and rich flavors make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner companion you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2.53 lbs / 1.15 kg)
  • 12 tbsps (180 ml) olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 400F (200C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and easy transfer.
  2. Squash Preparation: Place spaghetti squash on a cutting board and slice lengthwise with a sharp chef’s knife. Scoop out seeds and internal pulp using a sturdy spoon, creating a clean interior surface for roasting.
  3. Seasoning and Positioning: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over squash flesh, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Position halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even heat distribution.
  4. Roasting Process: Roast squash in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes until tender. Check doneness by piercing with a fork – the flesh should easily separate into delicate spaghetti-like strands when gently prodded.
  5. Strand Extraction and Serving: Allow squash to cool for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven. Using a fork, carefully scrape interior to create pasta-like strands. Transfer to a serving platter and complement with marinara sauce, homemade pesto, grated parmesan cheese, or grilled chicken for a complete, nutritious meal.

Notes

  • Knife Safety First: Use a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife and cut slowly on a stable surface to prevent slipping and ensure even halves of the squash.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Drizzle olive oil generously and season with salt and pepper before roasting to enhance the squash’s natural, mild flavor profile.
  • Doneness Check: Test squash tenderness by piercing with a fork – the flesh should easily separate into spaghetti-like strands without resistance, indicating perfect roasting.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Transform this low-carb alternative into a complete meal by adding protein like grilled chicken, or create vegetarian versions with marinara sauce, pesto, or fresh herbs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 296
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 2.2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg