Cheesy Italian Spaghetti Squash Bake
This Cheesy Italian Spaghetti Squash Bake transforms the humble spaghetti squash into a delightful comfort dish that's perfect as a main course or a hearty side. With its tender strands mimicking pasta and a savory blend of cheeses, diced pimientos, and fresh parsley, this dish tantalizes the taste buds while delivering a nutritious boost. Inspired by a classic Kraft Food & Family recipe from fall 2003, I've made a few tweaks to balance the flavors to perfection. Whether you're enjoying it as a low-carb alternative or simply looking to incorporate more veggies into your diet, this spaghetti squash bake is sure to impress family and friends alike.
6
Servings
53
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash
1 (approximately 3 lbs, pierced several times)
Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup (reduced-fat, shredded)
Pimientos
2 tablespoons (diced)
Fresh Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Kosher Salt
to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Pierce the spaghetti squash several times with a fork or sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
3
Place the squash in the microwave and cook on high for 5 minutes.
4
Carefully turn the squash over, then continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until it's soft to the touch.
5
Remove the squash from the microwave and let it stand for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
6
Using a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
7
Scoop out and discard the seeds using a spoon.
8
With a fork, gently scrape the insides of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands, taking care to reserve one half as a shell for serving.
9
In a large bowl, combine the scraped squash strands with the grated parmesan, reduced-fat mozzarella, diced pimientos, and chopped fresh parsley.
10
Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
11
Spoon the cheesy mixture back into the reserved squash shell.
12
Place the stuffed squash half on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
1.7g
Fat
5g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Italian Spaghetti Squash Bake?
It is a nutritious comfort dish that transforms spaghetti squash into a pasta-like meal using cheeses, pimientos, and fresh parsley.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 53 calories.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, with only 5g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a great low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are spaghetti squash, Parmesan cheese, reduced-fat mozzarella, pimientos, and fresh parsley.
How long do I need to microwave the squash?
You should microwave the squash for 5 minutes, turn it over, and cook for another 5 minutes until soft.
Why must I pierce the squash before cooking?
Piercing the squash with a fork or knife allows steam to escape, which prevents the squash from bursting during the cooking process.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the squash bake in the oven?
The stuffed squash should bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of reduced-fat?
Yes, you can use regular mozzarella, though it will increase the fat and calorie content slightly.
What are pimientos and where can I find them?
Pimientos are mild, sweet red peppers usually found in small jars in the condiment or canned vegetable aisle.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables and dairy products.
How do I get the 'spaghetti' texture from the squash?
Once cooked and seeded, use a fork to gently scrape the flesh, which will naturally pull away in long, thin strands.
Can I substitute dried parsley for fresh?
Yes, but use about one-third the amount of dried parsley as it is more concentrated than fresh.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 4g of protein.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this spaghetti squash bake?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the squash may become a bit more watery upon thawing and reheating.
What should I do with the squash seeds?
Scoop them out and discard them, or you can clean and roast them for a healthy snack.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
Absolutely; mushrooms, spinach, or onions would make excellent additions to the cheesy mixture.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There is approximately 1.7g of fat per serving.
What size squash should I buy?
The recipe recommends a spaghetti squash weighing approximately 3 lbs.
Can I bake the squash instead of microwaving it?
Yes, you can roast it at 400°F for 45-60 minutes, though the microwave method is faster for the initial softening.
How do I reheat this dish?
Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What does 'reduced-fat' mozzarella mean for the recipe?
It helps keep the calorie count low while still providing the gooey texture and savory flavor desired in a bake.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a classic Kraft Food & Family recipe from the fall of 2003.
Can I add meat to make it a heartier main?
Yes, adding cooked ground turkey or Italian sausage would pair very well with the existing flavors.
Do I need to grease the baking tray?
It is not strictly necessary as the squash is in its own shell, but lining the tray with parchment paper makes for easier cleanup.
What should I serve with this?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad or a protein like grilled chicken or fish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 7 ingredients including the salt and pepper.