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.

  11. 4 stars
    This recipe is easy to follow and the flavors are great! I added some red pepper flakes for a kick. Yum!

  12. User avatar dotty.hackett says:

    3 stars
    I like the idea, but 2 tbsp olive oil feels like a lot for the squash itself. Mine came out a tad oily, though the flavor was still good.

  13. 5 stars
    DELICIOUS!!! Can’t believe how easy this was! 😍🍽️

  14. User avatar cinda.franecki76 says:

    5 stars
    Made this tonight and it was surprisingly good—garlic + parmesan on squash is a winner. I roasted mine closer to 50 min because my squash was bigger.

    1. 5 stars
      Nice! I always end up roasting mine longer too—spaghetti squash can be so inconsistent. Garlic + parmesan is definitely the winning combo. 😄

  15. User avatar Sunny Beatty says:

    1 star
    Why do you have to cut it in half?? Just poke holes and microwave it! Theres gotta be a better way! 1 star.

  16. User avatar nella.pollich1990 says:

    4 stars
    Love it! But I forgot the parsley and it still turned out okay. Cook for longer, my squash was hard! Anyway, I enjoyed, thanks!

    1. User avatar danial.schmidt says:

      5 stars
      Glad you still enjoyed it! Squash can be tricky sometimes. Maybe try cooking it longer next time, like you said!

  17. User avatar bert.mayert16 says:

    5 stars
    5 stars because it’s easy!! Just cut, olive oil, bake! Love!

  18. User avatar curt.mcclure2019 says:

    5 stars
    This is a game changer for my dinner rotation! So delicious and healthy!

  19. User avatar donn.reynolds66 says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, it didn’t taste like spaghetti at all. Maybe I’m just used to real pasta? I dunno, but 2 stars for effort.

  20. User avatar dirk.ondricka39 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but I think 1/2 cup parmesan is too much for my liking. Also I burned my garlic because my pan was too hot—learned my lesson 😅

  21. User avatar Galaxia Woonbeam says:

    4 stars
    Easy and flavorful. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes and it gave it a nice kick. Would definitely make again.

    1. User avatar gaynelle.bradtke72 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—this is such a satisfying “lighter” pasta option. Love the red pepper flakes idea; that little kick makes it feel more full-flavored. I’m definitely trying that next time!

  22. User avatar dianna.davis96 says:

    2 stars
    I think the cooking time is way too short. My squash was still hard! 😒

    1. User avatar neida.walsh14 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, I think 40 min is enough. Could be your squash was too big or not ripe? 🤔

    2. 4 stars
      I had the same issue! Maybe let it roast longer next time? 😅

  23. User avatar rachel.bernhard says:

    4 stars
    Great recipe! I used vegan cheese instead of parmesan and it was fab. Yum!

  24. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    4 stars
    Easy recipe! I didn’t have parsley, but I sprinkled some Italian seasoning instead. Still yummy!

  25. 3 stars
    Why do you gotta cook it for 45 minutes? Seems excessive. I’m not waiting that long.

  26. User avatar eura.lindgren says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but the squash took forever to cook! I think I prefer regular pasta 🤷‍♀️.

  27. User avatar adeline.kris96 says:

    4 stars
    Super easy and very delish. I added some chili flakes for a kick.

  28. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get the hype—spaghetti squash is like crunchy noodles… but without sauce. Still, the parmesan helps. Wouldn’t make it again unless I’m avoiding pasta.

  29. 4 stars
    The instructions are clear and easy, thank you. I didn’t have fresh parsley so I used dried—still tasted good!

    1. User avatar callie.kemmer says:

      5 stars
      So glad it worked for you! Dried parsley is a solid swap when you’re in a pinch—love that it still came out tasty.

  30. 3 stars
    Is spaghetti squash really better than pasta? Can’t be true! Anyway, my kids ate it without complaining. Maybe that says something.

3.74 from 141 votes
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