Description
Creamy Mediterranean spaghetti squash brings Mediterranean sunshine to dinner tables with its tangy herbs and rich flavors. Each forkful promises a delightful journey through fresh ingredients that satisfy both health-conscious and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2.53 lbs / 1.15 kg)
Fat/Seasoning Ingredients:
- 12 tablespoons (180 ml) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Garnish/Optional Ingredients:
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare an oven rack in the middle position and heat to 400F (200C), lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place the spaghetti squash on a stable cutting board and carefully slice it lengthwise using a sharp chef’s knife, ensuring even halves. Remove the seeds and stringy pulp using a sturdy spoon, creating a clean interior surface.
- Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil across the exposed squash flesh, then sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance natural flavors. Arrange the squash halves with cut sides facing downward on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, monitoring the tenderness by piercing the skin with a fork. The flesh should easily yield and separate into spaghetti-like strands when gently prodded.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the squash to cool for 5-10 minutes, making it safe to handle. Using a sturdy fork, drag the tines across the interior to create delicate, pasta-like strands.
- Transfer the squash strands to a serving platter and customize with your preferred toppings such as marinara sauce, homemade pesto, grated parmesan cheese, or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice the squash carefully using a sharp, sturdy knife to prevent slipping and ensure clean, even cuts.
- Use a large metal spoon to easily remove seeds, scooping from the center outwards for clean removal.
- Brush olive oil generously to enhance caramelization and prevent the squash from drying out during roasting.
- Check doneness by piercing with a fork – the strands should separate easily and feel tender without being mushy.
- Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, Italian herbs, or red pepper flakes for added flavor complexity.
- Transform this low-carb alternative into a complete meal by mixing with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or crumbled feta cheese.
- Store leftover squash strands in an airtight container for up to 5 days, reheating quickly in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg