Savory Spaghetti Squash Bake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Savory Spaghetti Squash Bake, a scrumptious twist on classic pasta dishes! This low-fat, cheesy casserole boasts the creamy goodness without the heavy starches, making it an ideal choice for healthy eaters. Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich cottage cheese, it's not just hearty but also satisfying—perfect for dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Even the skeptics in your household will be reaching for seconds! Serve alongside a crisp green salad or your favorite vegetable side to complete this nourishing meal. Prepare it over the weekend and enjoy the ease of reheating during busy weeknights.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (3-4 lbs)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic
4 cloves (minced)
fresh tomatoes
2 medium (chopped)
fresh mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
cayenne pepper
1 dash
fat-free cottage cheese
1 cup
part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Romano cheese
1/3 cup (grated, divided)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (torn)
fine seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon
parsley
for garnish
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the spaghetti squash using your preferred method—either roasting or microwaving works well.
2
Once cooked, use a fork to scrape the soft flesh into spaghetti-like strands and transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
3
In a large skillet, spray with non-stick cooking spray and heat over medium. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and the moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Romano cheese, chopped parsley, and torn basil. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated.
5
Carefully add the sautéed vegetables to the cheese mixture and stir until well mixed.
6
Gently fold the spaghetti squash strands into the cheese and vegetable mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and spread the spaghetti squash mixture evenly in the dish.
8
Sprinkle the remaining Romano cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top. You may garnish with extra parsley for a touch of color.
9
Bake uncoverd for 60 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbling. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spaghetti Squash Bake?
It is a low-fat, cheesy casserole that uses spaghetti squash as a healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish packed with fresh vegetables and cheese.
How much spaghetti squash is needed?
The recipe calls for one spaghetti squash weighing between 3 to 4 lbs.
How do I cook the spaghetti squash?
You can cook it using your preferred method, such as roasting or microwaving, until the flesh is soft.
What is the best way to get strands from the squash?
Once the squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the soft flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
What vegetables are sautéed in this dish?
The sautéed mixture includes chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and the moisture has evaporated.
What type of cottage cheese is used?
The recipe specifies using one cup of fat-free cottage cheese.
Which cheeses are included in the mixture?
The bake includes fat-free cottage cheese, shredded part-skim mozzarella, and grated Romano cheese.
What fresh herbs are needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of torn fresh basil.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9 inch baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray is recommended.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the dish uncovered for 60 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the mixture is bubbling.
What goes on top of the casserole before baking?
Sprinkle the remaining Romano cheese and fine seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it can be prepared over the weekend and easily reheated during the week.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is designed as a low-fat meal using fat-free and part-skim dairy products.
What should I serve with the spaghetti squash bake?
It is delicious served alongside a crisp green salad or your favorite vegetable side dish.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 cloves of minced garlic.
Does this dish have any spice?
A dash of cayenne pepper is added for a subtle hint of spice.
Can I use frozen mushrooms?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms for the best texture.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 2 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped.
How much Romano cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of grated Romano cheese, divided between the mixture and the topping.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fine seasoned breadcrumbs.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the instructions state to bake it uncovered to allow the top to brown.
Is there a garnish for this dish?
You can garnish the top with extra parsley for a touch of color.
How do I combine the squash and the cheese?
Gently fold the spaghetti squash strands into the combined cheese and vegetable mixture until evenly distributed.
Can I substitute the mozzarella?
The recipe uses part-skim mozzarella, but you could use other shredded cheeses if preferred, though it may change the fat content.
Is the onion cooked before adding to the cheese?
Yes, the onion is sautéed with garlic, tomatoes, and mushrooms before being mixed with the cheeses.
How long should I let it cool before serving?
Allow the bake to cool slightly after removing it from the oven to help it set.