Creamy Vegetable Spaghetti Squash Bake
Enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal with this Creamy Vegetable Spaghetti Squash Bake! This vibrant dish combines tender spaghetti squash with a creamy, flavorful sauce made from skim milk and butter, tossed with an assortment of fresh vegetables including mushrooms, onions, and broccoli. Ideal for a comforting one-dish meal, this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a lighter, healthier pasta alternative. Serve it hot and watch as your family falls in love with this delightful and guilt-free treat!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (whole)
butter or margarine
1.5 tablespoons (melted)
arrowroot
3 tablespoons (none)
skim milk
2 cups (none)
instant dry milk powder
1/4 cup (none)
fresh mushrooms
1.25 cups (sliced)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
broccoli florets
2 cups (chopped)
vegetable all-purpose seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
For the microwave method, use a sharp knife to make several deep slashes in the spaghetti squash. This prevents the squash from exploding during cooking.
2
Microwave the squash on high in 5-minute increments, turning it a quarter turn each time, for a total cooking time of 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the squash.
3
The squash is done when it feels soft when squeezed. Carefully remove from the microwave.
4
Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and use a fork to pull the 'spaghetti' strands free.
5
For the oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the squash in half lengthwise, removing the seeds.
6
Place the squash cut side down in a baking pan, adding a small amount of water, then bake for about 45 minutes until tender.
7
Once cooked, use a fork to pull the strands free from the squash.
8
To prepare the creamy sauce, melt the butter or margarine in a saucepan over medium heat, adding the arrowroot and stirring until it forms a paste.
9
Remove from heat and gradually stir in the skim milk until smooth. Return to heat and bring to a gentle boil while stirring continuously.
10
Add in the instant dry milk powder, mushrooms, onion, broccoli, vegetable seasoning, garlic powder, and basil. Stir well, cooking until heated through.
11
Serve the creamy vegetable sauce generously over the prepared spaghetti squash strands and enjoy a deliciously healthy meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vegetable Spaghetti Squash Bake?
It is a wholesome and satisfying one-dish meal that combines tender spaghetti squash with a creamy, nutrient-packed vegetable sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and features fresh vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and broccoli.
Is the Creamy Vegetable Spaghetti Squash Bake gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe uses arrowroot instead of flour and is tagged as gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the two methods for cooking the spaghetti squash?
The squash can be prepared using either a microwave method or an oven-baking method.
How do I prevent the spaghetti squash from exploding in the microwave?
Use a sharp knife to make several deep slashes in the squash before microwaving.
How long does it take to cook the squash in the microwave?
It takes between 15 to 25 minutes on high, turning it every 5 minutes, depending on the squash size.
What is the oven temperature for baking the squash?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the squash for the oven method?
Cut it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and place it cut side down in a pan with a little water.
How long should the squash bake in the oven?
It should bake for approximately 45 minutes until tender.
How do I know when the spaghetti squash is finished cooking?
The squash is done when it feels soft to the touch when squeezed.
How do I create the 'spaghetti' strands?
Once cooked and seeded, use a fork to pull the strands free from the inside of the squash.
What ingredients are needed for the creamy sauce base?
The base is made from butter or margarine, arrowroot, skim milk, and instant dry milk powder.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Melt the butter, stir in arrowroot to form a paste, then gradually add skim milk and bring to a gentle boil.
What type of milk is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of skim milk and 1/4 cup of instant dry milk powder.
Which vegetables are included in the creamy sauce?
The sauce includes 1.25 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms, 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion, and 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The seasonings include vegetable all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, and dried basil.
How much arrowroot is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of arrowroot for the sauce.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1.5 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
When do I add the vegetables to the sauce?
Add the mushrooms, onion, and broccoli after the milk base has reached a boil and the milk powder is incorporated.
Is this recipe considered low calorie?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
What is the preparation for the broccoli?
The broccoli should be separated into florets and chopped before being added to the sauce.
How much dried basil is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
How much garlic powder is needed?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What should the consistency of the sauce paste be?
The butter and arrowroot should be stirred until they form a smooth paste before adding liquid.
Should the sauce be stirred while boiling?
Yes, you should stir the sauce continuously while bringing it to a gentle boil to ensure it remains smooth.
How is the final dish assembled?
Serve the hot creamy vegetable sauce generously over the prepared spaghetti squash strands.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Is this dish suitable for weight loss?
With its focus on vegetables, skim milk, and squash as a pasta substitute, it is a lighter, nutrient-dense choice.
Can this recipe be considered comfort food?
Yes, despite being healthy, its creamy texture and warm bake style make it a guilt-free comfort food.