Quick Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

Tucked away in your kitchen, spaghetti squash offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes.

Nutritious strands emerge like magic when you roast this versatile vegetable.

Mild and slightly sweet, the squash welcomes bold flavors from garlic and parmesan.

Incredibly simple techniques transform this humble ingredient into a crowd-pleasing meal.

Crisp parmesan cheese adds a salty crunch that complements the squash’s tender texture.

Packed with nutrients and low in carbs, this recipe brings comfort without the heaviness of traditional pasta.

Quick and easy preparation means you can enjoy a satisfying meal in under an hour.

Dive into this scrumptious dish that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.

Spaghetti Squash and Garlic Parmesan—A Match Made Delicious

• Unleash Healthy Eating: A nutritious alternative to traditional pasta that transforms vegetables into a delightful, low-carb meal packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create restaurant-quality dishes.
• Customize with Creativity: Versatile recipe that welcomes personal touches like adding protein, switching herbs, or experimenting with different cheese varieties to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Delivers a satisfying meal with minimal prep work, ideal for busy individuals seeking a fast and nutritious dinner solution that doesn't compromise on flavor or quality.

Everything You Need for Flavor-Packed Squash

• Spaghetti Squash: A versatile vegetable that creates noodle-like strands when cooked and serves as the base of this dish.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential ingredients that add moisture, seasoning, and enhance the overall taste of the squash.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the mild squash.

• Fresh Chives, Parmesan Cheese: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a savory, salty dimension to complete the dish.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400°F and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Slice and Clean the Squash

Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife.

Remove the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon, creating a clean interior.

Step 3: Season and Oil the Squash

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic

Drizzle olive oil inside each squash half, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and distribute minced garlic evenly across the surfaces.

Step 4: Position for Roasting

Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re flat and stable.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 40 minutes.

The squash is ready when the flesh becomes tender and easily separates into spaghetti-like strands.

Step 6: Cool and Shred

Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh to create delicate spaghetti-like strands.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the squash strands to a serving bowl.

Drizzle with additional olive oil, then sprinkle fresh chives and grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful finish.

Smart Tips for the Best Spaghetti Squash Ever

• Slice the squash carefully on a stable surface to prevent slipping and ensure even cooking.
• Choose a ripe spaghetti squash with firm, smooth skin for the best texture and flavor.
• Let the squash cool slightly before scraping to avoid burning your hands and to achieve more defined strands.
• Experiment with additional herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the garlic and Parmesan flavor profile.
• Store leftover squash in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain its delicate texture.

Garlic-Parmesan Squash Twists to Try

• Mediterranean Marvel: Add diced sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle fresh oregano over the spaghetti squash for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, black beans, corn kernels, and top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Herb Garden Celebration: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, and parsley into the squash, then finish with a drizzle of herbed olive oil and extra Parmesan shavings.
• Protein Power Bowl: Fold in grilled chicken strips, toasted pine nuts, and a light pesto sauce to transform the dish into a substantial meal with added protein.

Great Dishes to Serve with This Veggie Star

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of Parmesan and complements the squash's delicate flavor, creating a refreshing balance.
• Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese with a light lemon-olive oil dressing to enhance the garlic and Parmesan notes of the spaghetti squash.
• Add Protein Power: Grilled chicken breast or seared shrimp seasoned with herbs like basil or oregano will transform this side dish into a complete, nutritious meal with complementary textures.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic Italian bread allows diners to soak up the remaining olive oil and garlic, adding a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension to the light squash dish.

How to Keep Spaghetti Squash Fresh and Flavorful

• Refrigerate: Store leftover spaghetti squash in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled squash strands to freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Reheating: Place squash in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water, and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Skillet Warming: Gently reheat squash in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Stir occasionally for even heating.

Common Questions on Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

• What is spaghetti squash and how is it different from regular pasta?

Spaghetti squash is a low-carb vegetable that naturally forms spaghetti-like strands when cooked, providing a healthy alternative to traditional pasta. It has fewer calories and more nutrients compared to wheat-based noodles.

• Can I eat spaghetti squash if I'm gluten-intolerant?

Yes, spaghetti squash is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It’s a safe and nutritious alternative to wheat-based pasta.

• How do I know when the spaghetti squash is fully cooked?

The squash is ready when the flesh becomes tender and easily separates into spaghetti-like strands when scraped with a fork.

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Roasted squash strands combine with rich garlic and salty parmesan, creating a low-carb comfort dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2–3 pounds / 0.9–1.4 kilograms)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

Cooking Oils:

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a scorching 400°F, preparing for a transformative culinary experience with the spaghetti squash.
2. Position the squash securely on a cutting board, skillfully trim the stem end, and divide lengthwise using a sharp knife, revealing the inner seeds and pulp.
3. Meticulously clean out the squash’s interior, removing all seeds and stringy membrane with a spoon.
4. Massage olive oil into the squash’s exposed flesh, ensuring complete coverage, then generously sprinkle with salt, pepper, and finely minced garlic for an aromatic infusion.
5. Strategically place the squash halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating an ideal roasting environment.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the squash to transform until the flesh becomes tender and easily separates into delicate strands.
7. Carefully extract the baking sheet from the oven and let the squash cool slightly to make handling more comfortable.
8. Using a fork, gently rake across the squash’s interior, creating signature spaghetti-like strands that magically separate from the skin.
9. Transfer the gossamer strands to a serving dish, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and crown with a sprinkle of fresh chives and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Precision Cutting: Use a sharp, sturdy knife and steady hand when slicing the squash lengthwise to ensure even cooking and safe preparation.
• Oil Distribution: Massage olive oil thoroughly inside the squash halves to enhance flavor absorption and prevent sticking during roasting.
• Doneness Check: Test squash tenderness by gently piercing with a fork; strands should separate easily without resistance.
• Versatile Serving: Transform this dish into a low-carb pasta alternative by adjusting toppings like adding roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or switching to vegan Parmesan for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg