Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake Delight for Two
This Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake Delight is a comforting, low-carbohydrate alternative to traditional pasta dishes, perfect for those mindful of their insulin levels. The tender strands of spaghetti squash serve as an excellent base, topped with a creamy blend of ricotta and parmesan cheeses, aromatic herbs, and a zesty spaghetti sauce. Melted mozzarella cheese adds a delightful finish that blends perfectly with the flavors underneath. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and a glass of red wine, making it a satisfying and indulgent meal without the guilt.
2
Servings
270
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti squash
1 small (halved and seeded)
Part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Parsley flakes
1 tablespoon (dried)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Spaghetti sauce
3/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small baking dish, pour 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water. Cut the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place the squash cut side down in the water. Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
3
While the squash is baking, prepare the cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, parsley flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Using a garlic press, add the minced garlic clove into the mixture and stir until combined.
4
Once the spaghetti squash is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes until it is safe to handle. Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the cooked squash, creating long strands that resemble spaghetti.
5
Drain the water from the baking dish and spray it lightly with fat-free cooking spray. Return the shredded squash to the dish.
6
Combine the ricotta cheese mixture with the spaghetti squash, spreading it evenly across the dish.
7
Pour the spaghetti sauce over the squash mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and add a few extra parsley flakes for garnish.
8
Bake the dish uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
9
Once baked, allow the dish to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake Delight!
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
17g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Bake Delight for Two?
It is a comforting, low-carbohydrate alternative to traditional pasta dishes featuring spaghetti squash, creamy cheeses, and zesty sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is specifically designed to provide 2 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 270 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, with only 17g of carbohydrates per serving, it is an excellent low-carb meal option.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do you cook the spaghetti squash initially?
Place the halved and seeded squash cut side down in a dish with 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water, cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes.
Which cheeses are used in this bake?
The recipe uses part-skim ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How do you create the spaghetti-like strands?
Once the squash is tender and cooled slightly, use a fork to scrape the flesh into long strands.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses squash instead of grain-based pasta.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of spaghetti sauce.
What seasonings are included in the cheese mixture?
The mixture includes parsley flakes, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
How long is the final baking time?
The assembled dish should be baked uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
Should the dish be covered during the second bake?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered for the final 30 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and brown.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one minced garlic clove.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
Is this recipe good for people with insulin resistance?
Yes, it is noted as being insulin resistance friendly due to its lower carbohydrate content.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to let the dish cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
What side dishes pair well with this bake?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and a glass of red wine.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
The recipe suggests spraying the dish lightly with fat-free cooking spray before returning the shredded squash to it.
What size spaghetti squash should I use?
A small spaghetti squash is recommended for this two-serving recipe.
How much mozzarella is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Can I add extra garnish?
Yes, you can add a few extra parsley flakes on top for garnish before the final bake.
Is this considered a vegetarian dish?
Yes, it is categorized under vegetable dishes and contains no meat ingredients.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
What is the primary vegetable in this dish?
The primary vegetable and base of the dish is spaghetti squash.
Is the sodium content listed?
The specific sodium content is not provided, though salt is added to taste.
What makes the cheese topping golden brown?
Baking the mozzarella cheese uncovered for 30 minutes allows it to become bubbling and golden brown.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward preparation and baking steps.