Rating: 3.74
(141)

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan

September 19, 2024

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan is one of those dishes that feels comforting yet surprisingly light. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, offering a delicious alternative to traditional pasta without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. With tender strands of roasted squash tossed in garlic, butter, and Parmesan, this dish delivers a savory, cheesy bite with every forkful.

What makes spaghetti squash so special is how it transforms after roasting. The flesh pulls apart into delicate, spaghetti-like strands that hold sauces and flavors beautifully. It’s slightly sweet, with a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of butter, the sharpness of Parmesan, and the aromatic punch of garlic.

This dish fits seamlessly into a variety of meals. Serve it as a light main course, especially when you’re looking for something cozy but not overly heavy. It’s also a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken, grilled meats, or even fish. The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a savory foundation that complements just about anything on the plate.

Beyond its delicious flavor, Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan is versatile and easy to adapt. Some enjoy adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for brightness, while others toss in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. A handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts adds extra texture, and a squeeze of lemon can lift the flavors even more.

It’s also the kind of dish that celebrates the joy of simple, seasonal cooking. Whether you’re making it during squash season in the fall or looking for a lighter comfort food option year-round, it’s always a satisfying choice. Plus, it holds up well as leftovers, easily reheated for a quick and tasty lunch the next day.

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy to be satisfying. It’s warm, flavorful, and packed with simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a bigger meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan
Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan
3.74 from 141 votes
Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan is a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. The slight sweetness of the squash combines perfectly with the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 1 spaghetti squash whole, medium-sized
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  • Drizzle the inside of the squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until tender.
  • While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Once the squash is done roasting, let it cool slightly before using a fork to scrape out the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
  • Add the scraped squash to the pan with the sautéed garlic and toss to combine.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 4mg
Calories: 220kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: cooking, Low-Carb, Pasta Alternative
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar pricilla.leffler says:

    4 stars
    Spaghetti squash weirdly easy… idk why I doubted it. Kinda good.

  2. User avatar robbyn.walker2014 says:

    3 stars
    I’m not sure about the amount of garlic—4 cloves felt like a lot for me. Still tasty, just stronger than I expected.

  3. User avatar Jacqualine Gutmann says:

    2 stars
    Isn’t spaghetti squash just a weird veggie? I don’t know, didn’t like the texture much. Won’t be trying again.

  4. User avatar kenna.green56 says:

    3 stars
    Honestly, I didn’t even have garlic. Just made it with salt and pepper, was still ok.

    1. User avatar rocco.collier says:

      5 stars
      That’s great to hear! Sometimes simple is best. Did you still find it tasty without the garlic?

  5. 5 stars
    Wow, this was delicious! I never thought I could like spaghetti squash this much! The garlic and parmesan were perfect. Definitely making this again.

    1. User avatar danika.damore says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but spaghetti squash is just not the same as real spaghetti, you know? Can’t really replace the carbs. 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar Frost Giant says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! The taste is just amazing. It’s like a guilt-free pasta dish. Yum! 🍝

  6. User avatar john.mayert2 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! The cheese made it delish! I’m definitely making this again.

  7. User avatar Marylyn Nader I says:

    5 stars
    This was a game changer for dinner! So delicious and easy to make. My kids loved it too! Thanks!

    1. 5 stars
      So glad you and your kids enjoyed it! It really is super easy and delicious. 🙌

  8. User avatar melvin.armstrong says:

    3 stars
    Pretty good, but the oven temp should be like 375 not 400 (I say that from vibes). Still ate it all tho. Would do again if I tweak it.

  9. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to make! But I don’t really like garlic, so I just skipped it. Still turned out decent.

  10. User avatar chong.bayer88 says:

    5 stars
    Wow. I usually avoid squash, but this is actually delicious. The texture scraped into strands was perfect. My family asked where the “real pasta” was… lol

    1. User avatar gricelda.kulas says:

      5 stars
      Haha I get the “real pasta” comment every time 😂 The strands are honestly so convincing though. Did you add extra parm? I always do.

3.74 from 141 votes
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