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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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