Creamy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Bake
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Bake, a delightful vegetarian dish that seamlessly blends comfort food with healthy eating. The tender spaghetti squash serves as the perfect vessel for a luscious low-calorie Alfredo sauce, as it's packed with spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower, delivering a boost of nutrients to each bite. This recipe not only satisfies your craving for creamy pasta dishes but also provides the added fun of roasting the squash seeds for a crunchy, nutritious snack. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is both delicious and a low-carb alternative that leaves you feeling satisfied without the guilt. Serve it hot, straight from the oven for a hearty meal that will impress everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash
1/2 large (cut in half and seeded)
Low-calorie Alfredo Sauce
1 cup (ready to use)
Spinach
1 cup (fresh)
Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Cauliflower and Broccoli
1 cup (cooked and chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully cut a large spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center, setting aside the seeds for roasting. Create a flat base by shaving a bit off the rounded bottom to stabilize the squash halves during baking.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower and broccoli florets, spinach, low-calorie Alfredo sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Place the spaghetti squash halves, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a generous layer of the veggie and sauce mixture into each half.
5
Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the filling.
6
Repeat the layering process with more of the vegetable mixture and add additional mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used, leaving some mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the top layer.
7
Top each filled squash half with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender, and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9
While the squash bakes, rinse the reserved seeds, removing any pulp. Pat them dry, season with salt, and roast them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crunchy.
10
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious meal along with a crunchy pumpkin seed snack!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Bake?
It is a vegetarian dish that uses roasted spaghetti squash as a low-carb pasta alternative filled with a rich Alfredo sauce and vegetables.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetables, cheese, and Alfredo sauce, making it suitable for vegetarians.
Is this a low-carb meal?
Yes, by using spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta, this dish serves as a satisfying low-carb alternative.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash?
Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center.
How do I keep the squash halves from rolling over?
Shave a small amount off the rounded bottom of each squash half to create a flat base for stabilization.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes cooked cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, and fresh spinach.
What kind of sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of low-calorie Alfredo sauce.
What types of cheese are needed?
You will need shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I assemble the squash halves?
Spoon a layer of the veggie and sauce mixture into the squash, sprinkle with mozzarella, and repeat the layers.
What goes on the very top of the squash?
The top is finished with a final layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
How long does the squash bake?
Bake the filled squash for 45 minutes or until the squash is tender.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is done when the squash is tender and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
What should I do with the seeds?
Set the seeds aside to be rinsed, seasoned, and roasted for a crunchy snack.
How do I clean the squash seeds?
Rinse the reserved seeds to remove any pulp and then pat them dry with a towel.
How do I season the roasted seeds?
Simply season the dried seeds with salt before roasting.
What temperature do I roast the seeds at?
Roast the seeds at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long do the seeds take to roast?
The seeds take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to become golden and crunchy.
Should the cauliflower and broccoli be raw?
No, the cauliflower and broccoli should be cooked and chopped before being added to the mixture.
Is the spinach cooked before adding?
The recipe uses fresh spinach which wilts and cooks inside the squash during the baking process.
What should I line my baking sheet with?
Use parchment paper to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: spaghetti squash, Alfredo sauce, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a cauliflower/broccoli mix.
Can I eat the seeds as a snack?
Yes, roasted spaghetti squash seeds are a nutritious and crunchy snack similar to pumpkin seeds.
What is the texture of the squash once baked?
Once baked, the squash becomes tender and can be shredded into spaghetti-like strands.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is a hearty and impressive meal that is designed to satisfy a family.
Can I use a large spaghetti squash?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using a large spaghetti squash for the best results.
How should the squash be served?
Serve the squash hot and straight from the oven for the best experience.
Does this recipe help with vegetable intake?
Yes, it provides a significant boost of nutrients by incorporating four different vegetables.
What makes the sauce low-calorie?
The recipe specifies using a low-calorie Alfredo sauce to keep the dish light and healthy.
Can I prepare the squash seeds while the main dish bakes?
Yes, the seeds can be roasted on a separate sheet while the squash halves are in the oven.