Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
Enjoy a healthy and delicious twist on traditional pasta with this Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash recipe. Roasted to perfection, the spaghetti squash transforms into tender, noodle-like strands that serve as a perfect base for rich, buttery flavors and salty, nutty cheese. Ideal as a side dish or a light main course, this dish is packed with flavor yet light on calories. Great for vegetarians and a perfect option for anyone looking for a gluten-free alternative. Share this delightful recipe with family and friends for a wholesome meal that everyone will love!
4-6 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (medium-sized)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup
butter
1/4-1/2 cup (melted)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Using a paring knife, carefully pierce small holes all around the spaghetti squash. This allows steam to escape while cooking.
3
Place the squash in a baking dish and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the skin is soft and the squash yields when pressed.
4
Once the squash is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut the squash in half lengthwise.
5
Scoop out the seeds and discard them carefully.
6
Using a fork, scrape the inside of the squash to create long strands that resemble spaghetti. Place the strands into a large serving bowl.
7
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until it is slightly browned and fragrant.
8
Pour the melted butter over the spaghetti squash strands. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, and toss everything together until well combined.
9
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm as a satisfying and healthy dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash?
It is a healthy, low-carb dish where roasted spaghetti squash is shredded into noodle-like strands and tossed with butter and Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, spaghetti squash is naturally gluten-free, making this a great alternative to wheat pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prepare the squash for baking?
Use a paring knife to carefully pierce small holes all around the squash to allow steam to escape during the cooking process.
Do I need to cut the squash before putting it in the oven?
In this specific recipe, the squash is baked whole after being pierced with a knife.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the squash.
How long does it take to bake the spaghetti squash?
It typically takes approximately 1 hour for the squash to become soft.
How can I tell when the squash is finished cooking?
The squash is done when the skin is soft and it yields easily when pressed.
How do I remove the seeds?
After baking and cutting the squash in half lengthwise, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them.
How do I create the spaghetti-like strands?
Use a fork to scrape the inside of the cooked squash; the flesh will naturally pull away in long, thin strands.
What is the best way to melt the butter?
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat until it is slightly browned and fragrant for the best flavor.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter if you prefer a different fat source or flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Is this dish high in calories?
No, this dish is designed to be a lighter, lower-calorie alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it works well as either a light main course or a flavorful side dish.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese to provide a salty, nutty flavor.
Can I add extra garlic to this recipe?
Absolutely; you can sauté minced garlic in the butter before pouring it over the squash for a more intense garlic flavor.
How should I season the squash?
Season with salt and pepper to taste after tossing the strands with butter and cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I reheat the spaghetti squash?
Yes, you can reheat it in the microwave or in a pan on the stove with a little extra butter or oil.
Is spaghetti squash low in carbohydrates?
Yes, spaghetti squash is a popular low-carb vegetable often used by those following keto or low-carb diets.
What size squash does the recipe require?
The recipe is based on one medium-sized spaghetti squash.
Can I freeze cooked spaghetti squash?
Yes, you can freeze it, but be aware that the texture may become slightly more watery once thawed.
Does the squash need to cool before cutting?
Yes, let it cool slightly after removing it from the oven so it is safe to handle while cutting and scraping.
What can I pair this dish with?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or a fresh garden salad.
Why do I need to pierce the skin?
Piercing the skin prevents the squash from building up too much internal pressure and bursting while baking.
Can I use other types of cheese?
While Parmesan is traditional, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are also excellent substitutes.
How much butter is used?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 to 1/2 cup of butter depending on your preference for richness.
Can I add herbs to this dish?
Yes, adding fresh parsley, basil, or red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor profile significantly.