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Healthy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Recipe

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This Healthy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash recipe offers a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Roasted to tender perfection and tossed with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a flavorful and easy side dish that complements any meal while keeping things light and wholesome.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt (divided)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)

Seasoning & Topping

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.
  2. Wash and Dry the Squash: Rinse the spaghetti squash under cool water and pat dry thoroughly to remove moisture that can cause steaming instead of roasting.
  3. Cut and Pierce the Squash: Place the squash on a stable cutting board and carefully slice it lengthwise in half. Pierce the flesh 6–7 times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
  4. Season the Squash: Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over the flesh of each half. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Rub the oil and seasonings into the flesh evenly.
  5. Arrange for Roasting: Place the squash halves flesh-side down in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they sit flat and stable.
  6. Bake Until Tender: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Check at 30 minutes; the squash is done when the flesh is soft and fork-tender.
  7. Shred the Squash Flesh: Remove the squash from the oven and let cool slightly. Use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands in a large bowl.
  8. Add Butter and Garlic: While warm, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder over the strands. Toss gently to combine and melt the butter.
  9. Mix in Parmesan and Seasonings: Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese and adjust salt and pepper to taste by sprinkling the remaining amounts. Toss well so the cheese melts slightly and coats the squash.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl if desired. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm immediately or store for later.

Notes

  • Roasting the squash flesh-side down helps retain moisture and produces tender strands.
  • Adjust baking time depending on the size of the spaghetti squash; larger squash may require longer roasting.
  • Ensure the squash is fully dry before roasting to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and meltability.
  • For a richer taste, substitute butter with a combination of butter and olive oil.

Keywords: spaghetti squash, garlic parmesan, healthy side dish, low carb pasta substitute, roasted squash, easy vegetable recipe

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/healthy-garlic-parmesan-spaghetti-squash-recipe/