Creamy Spaghetti Squash Delight
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Spaghetti Squash Delight, a wholesome alternative to traditional pasta. Perfect for those seeking a low-fat, low-carb dish, this recipe artfully combines the unique texture of spaghetti squash with sautéed vegetables and turkey bacon, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. Nutrient-packed and mouthwateringly delicious, this meal will satisfy your pasta cravings without the guilt. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that brings together fresh ingredients for a delightful dining experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (cut in half)
butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
garlic
2 cloves (chopped)
low-fat sour cream
1 cup (for sauce)
skim or 2% low-fat milk
1/4 cup (for sauce)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
turkey bacon
4 slices (chopped)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
broccoli
1 cup (chopped)
red or yellow bell pepper
1 medium (chopped)
canned tuna
1 (170 g) can (drained)
tomato
1 small (diced)
grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your microwave or oven. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and microwave on high for approximately 8-10 minutes or bake covered at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
2
Once cooked, carefully scrape the squash flesh from the shell into a large serving bowl and keep it warm.
3
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter or margarine, then add the chopped garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
4
Stir in the low-fat sour cream, milk, and dried basil, combining well. Once mixed, reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce warm.
5
In a separate frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon, celery, broccoli, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté everything together until the vegetables are slightly softened and the bacon is crispy.
6
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Then, add the drained tuna to the pan and stir until heated through.
7
Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the vegetable and bacon mixture, tossing to blend all the ingredients together evenly.
8
Finally, drizzle the mixture over the warm spaghetti squash, ensuring an even distribution. Top with diced tomatoes and sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave?
It takes approximately 8-10 minutes on high to cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave after cutting it in half.
What is the oven temperature for baking the spaghetti squash?
The spaghetti squash should be baked covered at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes.
How do I know when the spaghetti squash is fully cooked?
The squash is ready when the flesh is tender and can be easily scraped away from the shell into strands.
Is this Spaghetti Squash Delight recipe low-carb?
Yes, by using spaghetti squash as a pasta alternative, this dish is naturally low in carbohydrates.
Can I substitute the turkey bacon with regular bacon?
Yes, you can use regular bacon, though turkey bacon is used in this recipe to keep it low-fat.
What type of milk is recommended for the creamy sauce?
The recipe calls for skim or 2% low-fat milk to maintain a lighter nutritional profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the turkey bacon and the canned tuna, or replace them with plant-based alternatives.
What kind of canned tuna should I use?
The recipe specifies one 170g can of drained tuna; water-packed tuna is best for a lower-fat option.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of low-fat sour cream?
Yes, plain low-fat Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream and adds extra protein.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes celery, broccoli, red or yellow bell pepper, and diced tomatoes.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sauce?
You should use 2 cloves of garlic, chopped, and sauté them in butter or margarine for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
What is the purpose of the dried basil?
Dried basil is added to the creamy sauce to provide an aromatic herbal flavor.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh basil; use about one tablespoon of fresh chopped basil to replace the one teaspoon of dried.
Should the spaghetti squash be scraped into a specific bowl?
Scrape the flesh into a large serving bowl and keep it warm while preparing the other components.
How do I make the bacon crispy?
Sauté the chopped turkey bacon in olive oil along with the vegetables until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
When should I add the tomatoes?
Diced tomatoes are used as a topping and should be added at the very end before serving.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe suggests 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese for the topping.
Is there a specific way to cut the bell pepper?
The bell pepper should be chopped into bite-sized pieces before being sautéed with the other vegetables.
How do I combine the sauce and vegetables?
Once the sauce is warm and the vegetables are sautéed, pour the sauce over the vegetable and bacon mixture and toss to blend.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would also pair well with this creamy sauce.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a microwave-safe dish or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, the vegetable and bacon mixture should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
What category of meal is this?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Is butter or olive oil used for cooking?
Both are used: butter for the creamy sauce base and olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and bacon.
Can I use a different type of squash?
While you can use other squashes, spaghetti squash is unique because its flesh forms long, noodle-like strands.
How do I ensure the sauce doesn't curdle?
Keep the heat on low once the sour cream and milk are added to prevent the sauce from boiling or curdling.
Is the canned tuna cooked?
Canned tuna is already cooked; you only need to stir it into the pan until it is heated through.
How do I finish the dish for presentation?
Drizzle the creamy vegetable mixture over the squash, top with diced tomatoes, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.