Spaghetti Squash Recipes: Easy, Healthy & Delicious Ideas

Tired of the same old dinner routine? Get ready to fall in love with this surprisingly easy and incredibly delicious Roasted Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash!

This recipe transforms the humble spaghetti squash into a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and impressive. Forget boring side dishes; this is a star on its own!

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s bursting with rich, garlicky flavor that’s totally irresistible.
• The tender, “spaghetti-like” strands of squash provide a fun and satisfying texture.
• It’s incredibly easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian (easily veganizable!).
• It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a light meal, a hearty side, or a base for other proteins.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

While many spaghetti squash recipes focus on simple roasting, this one takes it up a notch with a generous dose of roasted garlic. Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellows its pungency, creating a deeply savory flavor profile that perfectly complements the squash and parmesan. The combination is truly magical!

Ingredient List

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 whole head of garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Carefully cut the spaghetti squash lengthwise from stem to end. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
3. Remove the papery outer layers of the garlic head, exposing the cloves. Slice off the top of the garlic head, exposing some of the cloves.
4. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the cut surfaces of the squash halves, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, then wrap the garlic head loosely in the foil.
5. Place the squash halves cut side up and the foil-wrapped garlic on a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. The garlic should be soft when gently squeezed.
7. Remove the squash and garlic from the oven. Allow the garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a small bowl.
8. Use a fork to shred the inside of the spaghetti squash, creating spaghetti-like strands.
9. Add the roasted garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, and parsley (if using) to the squash and toss gently to combine.
10. Serve immediately, topping with extra parmesan if desired.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to get creative and add some extra flair! Here are some ideas:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Stir in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch.
• Mix in some cooked spinach or kale for added nutrients.

Expert Tips

• Use a sharp knife and be very careful when cutting the raw squash. Microwaving it for a few minutes can make it a little easier to cut.
• Don’t overcook the squash; you want the strands to be tender but not mushy.
• Make sure to season the squash generously with salt and pepper before and after roasting.
• For a more intense garlic flavor, use 2 heads of garlic.
• If you don’t have fresh parmesan on hand, you can use pre-shredded, but fresh is always best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute other types of cheese? Yes, you can substitute other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for the parmesan.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can roast the squash ahead of time and then shred and combine the ingredients just before serving.
• How should I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze the cooked spaghetti squash. I recommend freezing it before adding cheese, then adding that when reheating.
• Can I use garlic powder instead of roasting fresh garlic? You can, but the roasted garlic makes a big difference in the flavor. If you need a substitute, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the roasted garlic.

Variations and Customization Options

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways you can customize it:

• Add Some Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a complete meal.
• Make it Vegan: Skip the parmesan cheese or use a vegan parmesan alternative. You could also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Italian Inspired: Add a splash of marinara sauce or some sundried tomatoes.
• Mediterranean Style: Add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Spice it up: Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This roasted garlic parmesan spaghetti squash is delicious served warm as a main course, or as a hearty side dish alongside your favorite protein. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, or can be dressed up for a special occasion. It also tastes great as leftovers.

Conclusion

This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and healthy to boot. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a spaghetti squash and give it a try! Don’t forget to share your photos with us – we’d love to see your creations! And subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious and easy recipes!