Garden Fresh Spaghetti Squash Delight
This delightful recipe celebrates the wonderful flavors of garden-fresh spaghetti squash, a versatile vegetable that transforms into delectable noodle-like strands. Paired with a hearty homemade sauce enriched with stewed tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach, this dish is not only satisfying but also nutritious. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering, enjoy this vegetarian delight that's reminiscent of traditional spaghetti but with a unique twist. Whipped up with love, it's a staple dish for anyone looking to enjoy wholesome ingredients straight from the garden.
6
Servings
80
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 large (Washed and halved lengthwise)
spaghetti sauce
1 (16 ounce) jar (Your favorite brand)
stewed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (Drained)
onion
1 medium (Chopped)
frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (Thawed)
mushrooms
1 (4 ounce) can (Drained)
garlic
1 clove (Minced)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
butter
2 tablespoons (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by washing the spaghetti squash thoroughly and carefully cutting it in half lengthwise.
2
Using a spoon, scrape out the seeds and discard them. Season the insides of the squash halves with salt and pepper, adding a tablespoon of butter to each half for extra flavor.
3
Place the squash halves cut side down in a baking pan, adding 1/4 cup of water to the pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4
While the squash is baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the stewed tomatoes, chopped onion, drained mushrooms, minced garlic, and thawed spinach. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a low boil.
5
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. After 30 minutes, drain any excess juice from the sauce.
6
Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and return the mixture to a boil. Simmer again for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a fork, carefully scrape the insides of the squash from the shell, creating noodle-like strands.
8
Transfer the spaghetti squash into a serving bowl and serve it alongside the warm sauce in a separate bowl. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
13.7g
Carbs
2.7g
Protein
2.7g
Fiber
1.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Fresh Spaghetti Squash Delight?
It is a vegetarian dish that uses roasted spaghetti squash as a noodle alternative, topped with a vegetable-rich sauce made of tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian-friendly meal consisting of vegetables, sauce, and butter.
What oven temperature is needed to bake the squash?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does it take to bake the spaghetti squash?
The squash should bake for about 45 minutes, or until it is tender.
How should the spaghetti squash be prepared for roasting?
Wash the squash, cut it in half lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds before seasoning.
What seasonings are used on the squash itself?
The squash halves are seasoned with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of butter each.
Do I need to add water when baking the squash?
Yes, add 1/4 cup of water to the baking pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
What ingredients are in the homemade sauce base?
The base includes stewed tomatoes, chopped onion, drained mushrooms, minced garlic, and thawed spinach.
How long should the vegetable mixture simmer initially?
The mixture should simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Should I drain the sauce during the cooking process?
Yes, after the initial 30-minute simmer, you should drain any excess juice from the sauce.
When do I add the jarred spaghetti sauce?
Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce after the initial simmering and draining steps.
How long is the final simmer for the sauce?
Simmer the sauce for an additional 15 to 20 minutes after adding the jarred spaghetti sauce.
How do I create the 'spaghetti' strands from the squash?
Once cooked and cooled slightly, use a fork to carefully scrape the insides of the squash from the shell.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 13.7g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains 2g of fat.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish provides 2.7g of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in a serving of this squash dish?
There are 2.7g of fiber per serving.
What type of spinach is recommended for the sauce?
One 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed, is used for the sauce.
Does the recipe call for fresh or canned mushrooms?
The recipe calls for one 4-ounce can of mushrooms, drained.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
One minced garlic clove is used to flavor the sauce.
What are the suggested garnishes for this meal?
It is suggested to garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What are good side dish pairings for this recipe?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There is 1.7g of sugar per serving.
What size of spaghetti squash is needed?
The recipe requires one large spaghetti squash.
Is there any information on sodium or cholesterol levels?
The sodium and cholesterol levels for this specific recipe are not specified.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include spaghetti squash, vegetable dish, healthy recipe, and pasta alternative.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe includes a total of 10 distinct ingredients.