Elevate Your Dinner Game with Garlic Parmesan Baked Spaghetti Squash

Are you searching for a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta? Look no further than our Garlic Parmesan Baked Spaghetti Squash recipe! Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. With the perfect balance of garlic, Italian seasoning, and creamy cheeses, this baked spaghetti squash is a satisfying and guilt-free option for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive in and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!

Ingredients:

• 1 2-3 lb spaghetti squash
• 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, as needed

Instructions:

Preparing the Spaghetti Squash:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut Squash: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them.
3. Drizzle with Oil: Place the squash halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the exposed flesh with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake Squash: Bake the squash in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Shred Squash: Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands. Transfer the strands to a large mixing bowl and set aside.

Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

1. Sauté Garlic: In a small saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour the heavy cream into the saucepan with the garlic. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Combine Sauce and Squash: Pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the cooked spaghetti squash strands in the mixing bowl. Toss until the squash is evenly coated with the sauce.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the coated squash to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the squash mixture.
4. Bake: Bake the spaghetti squash in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Remove the baked spaghetti squash from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, if desired.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Enhance Flavor: Feel free to add additional ingredients to customize the flavor of your baked spaghetti squash. Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would all make delicious additions.
• Creamy Variation: For an even creamier texture, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.
• Protein Boost: To make this dish a complete meal, consider adding cooked protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage to the spaghetti squash before baking.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Option: This recipe is already keto-friendly, as spaghetti squash is low in carbs and suitable for a ketogenic diet. Just be mindful of portion sizes to stay within your carb limits.
• Low-Carb Variation: If you’re looking to further reduce the carb content, you can omit the heavy cream and use a combination of chicken broth and cream cheese for the sauce. Additionally, use a smaller amount of Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I microwave the spaghetti squash instead of baking it? A: Yes, you can microwave the spaghetti squash for a quicker cooking method. Pierce the whole squash with a fork several times, then microwave on high for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through. Let it cool before cutting and scraping out the strands.

Q: Can I freeze the baked spaghetti squash? A: While you can freeze the baked spaghetti squash, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese for the sauce? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor of the sauce. Gouda, fontina, or asiago would all be delicious alternatives to mozzarella.

Our Garlic Parmesan Baked Spaghetti Squash offers a flavorful and wholesome twist on classic pasta dishes, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious individuals or anyone looking to switch up their dinner routine. With its creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and tender spaghetti squash strands, this dish is as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carb intake, or simply seeking a flavorful alternative to traditional pasta, this recipe is sure to impress. So why wait? Give it a try and discover a new favorite dinner option that’s both nutritious and indulgent!