Description
Parmesan spinach spaghetti squash delivers hearty Mediterranean-inspired comfort on dinner plates. Cheese-laden vegetables intertwine with roasted squash strands, offering nutritious pleasure that satisfies health-conscious palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 2 cups (100 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), preparing a baking tray for the squash preparation.
- Slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise, carefully removing all seeds from the interior with a spoon.
- Drizzle olive oil across the exposed squash flesh, seasoning generously with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
- Position squash halves cut-side down on the baking tray, ensuring even heat distribution during roasting.
- Roast the squash for 40-45 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Allow squash to cool slightly, then use a fork to gently separate the interior into spaghetti-like strands.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
- Add minced garlic to the pan, sautéing until aromatic and golden, releasing its rich flavor profile.
- Introduce chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until completely wilted and integrated with the garlic.
- Transfer the squash strands into the pan, gently folding them into the spinach and garlic mixture.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the mixture, stirring until they melt smoothly and coat the ingredients.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm, bright yellow spaghetti squash without soft spots or blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Carefully scoop out seeds with a spoon to create clean, even squash halves that roast evenly.
- Pat squash strands dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture making the dish watery.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like pecorino or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans directly into the squash mixture.
- Reduce cheese amount or use low-fat alternatives to make the dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
- Make dish vegan by substituting dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for similar creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg