Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Comfort Food Without the Carbs

Recipe Introduction

Ever crave that creamy, garlicky pasta but want to skip the carb coma? I get it! Let me introduce you to Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash .

It hits all those comforting notes without the bloat.

Quick Hook

Are you ready for a pasta alternative? This recipe is the answer! Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash delivers amazing flavour and is a healthy choice.

Imagine a creamy, garlicky, cheesy dish that’s actually good for you.

Brief Overview

Spaghetti squash originates from Central America. It's a naturally low-carb alternative to pasta. This recipe is easy, taking about 55 minutes total. It yields 2-4 servings, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with fiber and vitamins. It is a great Healthy Spaghetti Squash Recipe ! Serve it as a side or main dish.

What makes it special? It is delicious and guilt free.

Ingredients for Your New Favorite Dish

You only need a few simple ingredients. You will need a medium spaghetti squash, olive oil, and butter. Also, you will need garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes are optional. If you like more flavor you can use garlic powder, onion powder for a deeper flavour.

Preparing the Spaghetti Squash

Let’s get this squash ready. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C). Cut the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Easy peasy! This Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Garlic is going to be divine!

Roasting to Perfection

Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 40- 45 minutes. It's ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork.

While it's roasting, let's make the garlic butter sauce. Oh my gosh, I can already smell it!

Garlic Butter Goodness

Melt butter in a large bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Don't burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is the worst.

Honestly, this step is crucial for maximum flavour. You could also use garlic powder and onion powder to give it an extra kick.

Shredding and Serving

Once the squash is cool, shred it with a fork. It will look just like spaghetti! Add it to the garlic butter sauce.

Toss in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. This Spaghetti Squash With Parmesan Cheese is calling your name! Season to taste.

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

The Taste of Home

Serve immediately. This Easy Spaghetti Squash Dinner is perfect with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also great with a side salad.

This recipe is a winner, every single time. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash Ever!

Right then, let's talk about what you need to whip up this amazing Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash . Honestly, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up and that's saying something.

I've made this Easy Spaghetti Squash Dinner so many times. I find this recipe is great when you want something quick and easy.

I once tried to make it with pre-grated Parmesan but it was a disaster ! So please don't do it.

I recommend always going with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Main Ingredients for Garlic Spaghetti Squash Glory

Okay, pay attention because we're getting down to the nitty gritty. This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Recipe relies on a few key bits.

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2 lbs / 900g ). This is your "spaghetti", obviously.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil. For roasting the squash.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper. To taste, because you're the boss.
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter ( 57g ). The base of our lovely sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. Don't skimp on the garlic!
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ( 25g ), plus more for serving. Get the good stuff, yeah?
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish. Makes it look fancy.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes to taste. For a bit of zing.
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder for a deeper flavour.

When you pick out your squash, make sure it feels heavy for its size. And the skin should be firm, not soft or wrinkly.

Seasoning: Making the Spaghetti Squash With Parmesan Cheese Sing

The magic is in the seasoning, trust me. Butter and garlic are a match made in heaven, aren't they? A pinch of red pepper flakes can add that something something , that little kick, you know?

Don't be afraid to play about. You can always chuck in a bit of garlic powder if you're feeling it.

And if you fancy a bit of a Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe kick, a squeeze of lemon does wonders.

Equipment: Simple Tools for Butter Garlic Spaghetti Squash

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this. Just the basics will do!

• Large knife. For chopping the squash, obviously.
• Cutting board. Safety first, kids!
• Baking sheet. To roast the squash on.
• Large bowl. To toss everything together.
• Garlic press (optional). Makes mincing garlic easier, but not essential.
• Vegetable Peeler.

If you don't have a garlic press, just finely chop the garlic. Boom! A lot of folks like their Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Garlic .

This Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Side Dish is a crowd pleaser!.

Cooking Method: Making Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash Like a Pro

Honestly, who needs pasta when you can have Garlic Spaghetti Squash ? It’s like nature's spaghetti, but way healthier. I'm going to tell you the secret of how I make my Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash every single time.

It's going to be a total hit!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. Get your spaghetti squash, olive oil, butter, garlic, and Parmesan ready.

Chop the parsley. Honestly, prepping everything first saves a ton of time. This Easy Spaghetti Squash Dinner will come together in a snap.

Don't be afraid to use garlic powder, onion powder for a deeper flavour. Be careful when you're handling that large knife, yeah? Safety first.

step-by-step: The Magic Happens

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get that oven nice and hot.
2. Cut the Spaghetti Squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Use a spoon. A grapefruit spoon?
3. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Season generously.
4. Roast it face down on a baking sheet for 40- 45 minutes . Pierce with a fork to check for doneness.
5. Melt 4 tablespoons (57g) of butter, add minced garlic. Don't let the garlic burn!
6. Shred the squash with a fork, and toss with the garlic butter.
7. Stir in ¼ cup (25g) of Parmesan and parsley. It looks so delicious.

Pro Tips: Secret Sauce for Success

Roast the squash cut-side down to keep it moist.

• Don't overcook it! Mushy Spaghetti Squash is a tragedy, it's ready when easily pierced with a fork but still has a bit of bite.
• Want a Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe ? This is it. Want Butter Garlic Spaghetti Squash ? Use more butter. I'm not judging.
• Avoid pre-grated Parmesan. Freshly grated is always better.

Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Side Dish or a main course? You decide. I love adding Garlic Chicken Spaghetti Squash to the top, sometimes.

I have tried even Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Garlic , It is so good. You can also make the Garlic Spaghetti Squash ahead of time and reheat it.

This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Recipe is versatile!

Honestly, this recipe always reminds me of that time I tried to impress my in-laws. I was so nervous I almost burnt the garlic! But hey, it all worked out in the end.

Now they request this Spaghetti Squash With Parmesan Cheese every time they visit. That’s a win, innit?

Recipe Notes for Perfect Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash

Alright, mate! You've got the recipe for Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash , but let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make it absolutely banging.

Think of these as chef's secrets, but I'm letting you in on them. Honestly, these little tips can make all the difference.

Ace Serving Ideas

Presentation matters, innit? For a simple but elegant vibe, serve your Garlic Spaghetti Squash in the scooped out squash halves. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley.

It looks dead impressive! Complementary sides? I love pairing this with grilled chicken or fish, something light and healthy, you know? A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also cuts through the richness nicely.

For drinks, a crisp white wine or even just sparkling water with a slice of lemon works a treat.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? No worries! This Easy Spaghetti Squash Dinner keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, microwave it for a couple of minutes. Add a knob of butter to keep it moist. I wouldn't recommend freezing it, as the squash can get a bit mushy.

"A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips," as they say, so why freeze something that won't be as good later? Make Butter Garlic Spaghetti Squash and enjoy!

Customising your Squash

Fancy mixing things up a bit? If you are watching your weight, then is a Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe ! For a vegan version, swap the butter for vegan butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Trust me, it still tastes fab! During autumn, add roasted Brussels sprouts. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick.

It really makes the flavor POP. Garlic Chicken Spaghetti Squash is a great way to add more protein and flavor to the dish.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This Healthy Spaghetti Squash Recipe is genuinely good for you. It's low in carbs but high in fiber, so it keeps you feeling full.

We’re looking at roughly 200 calories per serving, a decent amount of protein around 8g, and only 12g of fat.

Plus, it's packed with vitamins and minerals. Did you know? Spaghetti Squash is a source of vitamin C. That's a win in my book!

So there you have it! Now you're armed with all the knowledge to create the perfect Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash .

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my spaghetti squash is cooked enough for this Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash recipe?

The spaghetti squash is ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork. You want it to be tender but not mushy think al dente pasta! Overcooked squash will be watery. Aim for that sweet spot of doneness for the best texture in your Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash.

Can I make Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?

You can definitely prep some of the components in advance. Roast the spaghetti squash ahead of time and store the strands in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, when you're ready to serve, simply make the garlic butter sauce and toss it all together.

Leftovers should also be refrigerated and are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. A quick zap in the microwave will do the trick!

I'm watching my calories any tips for making this Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash healthier?

Absolutely! Use less butter or substitute some of it with olive oil. You can also use a light Parmesan cheese or reduce the amount. Load up on the garlic and herbs to boost the flavour without adding extra calories. A dash of red pepper flakes will give you a nice kick, too, if you're that way inclined.

What are some tasty variations I can try with this Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash?

Get creative! Adding some lemon zest and juice will brighten up the flavors. You could also stir in some cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist. For a vegetarian option, try adding roasted vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Think of this Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash as a blank canvas for deliciousness!

My spaghetti squash came out watery. What did I do wrong?

A watery squash is usually a sign of overcooking or not removing enough moisture before roasting. Be sure to roast it cut-side down to help steam escape, and don't overcook it. Before adding the squash to the garlic butter sauce, you can also gently press it between paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

I don't have fresh garlic. Can I use garlic powder in this Parmesan Garlic Spaghetti Squash recipe?

While fresh garlic definitely provides the best flavor, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the 4 cloves of fresh garlic. Be careful not to overdo it, as garlic powder can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste if used excessively.

You could also add a pinch of onion powder for a more rounded depth of flavour.