Baked Spaghetti Squash with Herb-Infused Parmesan
Discover the delightful taste of baked spaghetti squash in this wholesome dish that brings together the comforting flavors of onion and garlic with the aromatic notes of fresh basil. Perfect for those looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, this gratin-style recipe has a rich, cheesy top that adds a satisfying crunch. This dish is not only flavorful but also a great source of vitamins and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. Serve it as a main course or a hearty side dish that will impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
63
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
onion
1 (medium, diced small)
garlic
1-2 (clove, minced fine)
spaghetti squash
1 (2-2.5 lbs, scraped and ready to use)
fresh basil
2 (tablespoons, minced)
salt
1 (dash)
pepper
1 (dash)
grated parmesan cheese
4 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your broiler to high and lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish with olive oil.
2
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 6 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
3
3. Meanwhile, prepare your spaghetti squash according to the provided cooking instructions (see How to Cook a Spaghetti Squash), then scrape the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
4
4. Combine the scraped squash with the cooked onion and garlic mixture, adding in the minced fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to integrate all the flavors.
5
5. Transfer the spaghetti squash mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, ensuring a generous coverage.
7
7. Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is just beginning to brown and bubble—keep a close eye to avoid burning.
8
8. Once finished, remove from the oven and serve immediately, enjoying your deliciously healthy tropic delight!
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
5.3g
Carbs
3.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Spaghetti Squash with Herb-Infused Parmesan?
It is a wholesome, low-carb dish featuring spaghetti squash tossed with onion, garlic, and fresh basil, topped with a gratin-style parmesan crust.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta with only 5.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 63 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are spaghetti squash, onion, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, and grated parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese to create a cheesy, crunchy top.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash for this recipe?
You should cook the squash first, then scrape the flesh into strands before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What herbs are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced fresh basil for its aromatic notes.
How long do I need to sauté the onion and garlic?
The onion and garlic should be cooked in olive oil for about 6 minutes or until softened and fragrant.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 1-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What is the broiler setting for the final step?
The broiler should be set to high.
How long does the dish need to be broiled?
Broil the dish for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese begins to brown and bubble.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains 3.3g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 3.7g of protein.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, since it uses spaghetti squash instead of wheat pasta, it is naturally gluten-free.
What size spaghetti squash is required?
You will need a spaghetti squash weighing between 2 and 2.5 pounds.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be served either as a healthy main course or as a hearty side dish.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is low in calories, low in carbs, and a good source of vitamins.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 cloves of garlic, minced fine.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly grease the 1-quart baking dish with olive oil before adding the squash mixture.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil provides the best aromatic notes, you can use dried basil if fresh is unavailable, though the flavor profile may change.
How much olive oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetable, low-carb, healthy, gratin, spaghetti squash, pasta alternative, cheesy, and vegetarian.
How should I season the squash mixture?
Season the mixture with a dash of salt and a dash of pepper before transferring it to the baking dish.
What should I watch for while broiling?
Keep a close eye on the dish to ensure the cheese doesn't burn; you want it to be just browned and bubbling.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the cooked squash and the sautéed mixture ahead of time, then combine and broil just before serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no added sugar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients total.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, it is a flavorful and impressive dish that works well for both family meals and social gatherings.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be diced small for this recipe.