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- 1 medium spaghetti squash - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon The key to this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. First, the spaghetti squash serves as the base. It is light and healthy, great for a low-carb meal. The olive oil adds richness, while garlic provides a punch of flavor. I love using minced garlic because it truly enhances the taste. If you enjoy a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a fun option. The Parmesan cheese gives a creamy texture. It also adds a savory taste that compliments the squash. Always choose fresh Parmesan for the best results. Don't forget salt and pepper; they bring all the flavors together. Finally, the fresh parsley and lemon zest add brightness to each bite. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a tasty dish that is both healthy and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. To start, preheating the oven is key. A hot oven helps the squash cook evenly. Carefully slicing the squash is important too. Use a sharp knife and work slowly. This helps avoid any accidents. - Remove seeds and stringy bits from the squash. - Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast. Next, take out the seeds and stringy bits. This makes the squash nice and clean. Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides. This adds flavor and helps it roast well. Sprinkle salt and pepper for taste. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast it for about 40-45 minutes. You want it tender, and a fork should pierce it easily. - Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté minced garlic. - Optionally add crushed red pepper flakes for flavor. While the squash roasts, make the garlic oil. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Then, add minced garlic. Stir it for 2-3 minutes. You want it fragrant but not brown. If you like spice, add crushed red pepper flakes. This gives the dish a nice kick. - Scrape squash to create noodle-like strands. - Combine garlic oil, Parmesan, lemon zest, and season to taste. After roasting, let the squash cool a bit. Using a fork, scrape out the flesh. This creates noodle-like strands. In a bowl, mix the garlic oil with the squash. Add grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Toss everything together until well mixed. Now, you have a warm, tasty dish ready to serve! To roast spaghetti squash just right, choose a medium-sized squash. This size cooks evenly and gives great texture. Slice the squash in half with a sharp knife. Remove all seeds and stringy bits. Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for flavor. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast it at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes. You know it's done when a fork easily pierces the flesh. For the best "noodles," use a fork to scrape the insides after roasting. This action pulls the strands apart, creating the noodle effect. Be gentle to avoid mashing the squash. The noodles should be tender, yet still have a slight bite. Want to amp up the flavor? Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs bring a fresh taste to the dish. You can also try adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness. It pairs well with the garlic and cheese. Adjust spice levels to match your taste. If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer milder flavors, skip the flakes altogether. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein, which makes the meal heartier. These additions blend well with the garlic and cheese, creating a satisfying dish. Pro Tips Choosing the Right Squash: Look for a spaghetti squash that feels heavy for its size and has a vibrant yellow color for the best flavor and texture. Enhancing Garlic Flavor: For a richer garlic flavor, try roasting the garlic cloves before adding them to the oil. This gives a sweeter, more caramelized taste. Adding Protein: If you want to make this dish heartier, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for additional protein. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid overcooking. {{image_2}} You can use different cheeses to change the flavor. Here are some fun options: - Mozzarella: This cheese melts well and adds a creamy texture. - Feta: This cheese gives a tangy flavor and crumbly texture. - Goat cheese: This cheese adds a rich and earthy taste. Each cheese brings its own twist. Mixing them can create a unique dish every time! Adding protein can make your meal heartier. Here are some ideas: - Grilled chicken: Slice it and mix it in for a filling meal. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp in the garlic oil for a seafood twist. - Rotisserie chicken: Use leftovers for quick and easy protein. Simply toss any cooked protein into the squash after mixing in the garlic oil. This adds great flavor and extra nutrients! After enjoying your Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash, you may want to save some. To do this, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. This way, it stays fresh for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Press out as much air as possible. This keeps the squash from getting freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The microwave is quick and easy. Just place your portion in a bowl and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as it can become mushy. The oven is another great method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the squash in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the texture nice and the flavors vibrant. Choose the method that fits your schedule best! You can enjoy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash with many side dishes. Here are some tasty ideas: - Grilled Chicken: The rich flavors pair well with juicy chicken. - Roasted Vegetables: Try carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers for a healthy side. - Caesar Salad: A crisp salad adds freshness to the meal. - Garlic Bread: This classic side complements the garlic in the dish. - Wine: A light white wine enhances the overall dining experience. Cooking spaghetti squash takes about 40-45 minutes when roasted. Here’s how time breaks down: - Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast for 40-45 minutes until tender. - Microwaving: Cut the squash and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. - Boiling: You can boil the squash for about 20-25 minutes if you prefer this method. Each method gives you a tender squash, perfect for scraping into noodles. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan! Here are some simple swaps: - Parmesan Cheese: Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Olive Oil: You can keep this part the same. It adds great flavor. - Lemon Zest: This ingredient works well in both vegan and non-vegan versions. These changes keep the dish tasty and satisfying while making it plant-based. In this post, we covered how to make a delicious Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips for perfecting the dish. We explored variations to make it your own and discussed storage and reheating techniques. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and enhancements. This dish is versatile and full of taste. Try it today, and you may find a new favorite meal!

Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Delight

A delicious and healthy spaghetti squash dish with garlic and Parmesan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 zest lemon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Remove the seeds and any stringy bits inside.
  • Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on the cut sides of the squash and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Roast the squash in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
  • While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  • Once the squash is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a fork, scrape the inside of the squash to create noodles.
  • Add the garlic oil mixture to the spaghetti squash noodles and toss to combine.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well distributed.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley on top.

Notes

For extra flavor, add more lemon zest or fresh herbs.
Keyword garlic, Parmesan, spaghetti squash, vegetarian