Description

This Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Garlic and Parmesan recipe is an easy, hearty, and versatile dish that delivers tender, flavorful squash strands. It is a healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free side perfect for quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium (3 lbs) spaghetti squash, look for firm, unblemished skin
2.5 tbsp olive oil, good quality extra virgin
5 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven & Prep Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sturdy chef(s) knife. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy bits.
Season & Roast: Drizzle the cut sides generously with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt and freshly ground pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a large sheet pan. Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the skin feels tender and edges are lightly caramelized. (If your squash looks pale or watery, give it another 5-10 minutes for better browning and flavor; consider flipping one half over for the last 10 minutes.)
Scrape & Flavor: Once the roasted squash is cool enough to handle (about 10 minutes), use a fork to gently scrape the cooked flesh into long, delicate spaghetti-like strands. Transfer these strands to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Garlic & Parmesan Infusion: Add the minced fresh garlic, generous grated Parmesan, and a final light drizzle of olive oil over the warm squash strands. Toss gently to combine everything, ensuring even distribution and slight melting.
Serve Hot: Taste a strand and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately, perhaps as a hearty side dish or light main course.

Notes

For faster cooking, you can prick the whole squash all over with a fork and microwave it for 5-7 minutes first to soften the rind, making it easier and safer to slice. Avoid over-roasting, which can make the spaghetti squash mushy and watery; it should be tender but still have a slight al dente bite. Optional additions include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a warming kick, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for brightness, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 250 g)
Calories: 270 calories
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 370 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: spaghetti squash, roasted, garlic, parmesan, healthy, low-carb, gluten-free, side dish, easy, weeknight