Ingredients and Weight:
- Spaghetti squash: 1 large (about 4-5 pounds)
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (optional)
- Marinara or tomato sauce: 2 cups (optional)
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
60-75 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Brush the inside of the squash with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the squash face down on a baking sheet and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
- Use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands into a serving dish.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
1 cup of cooked spaghetti squash spaghetti (without toppings) contains:
- Calories: 42
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.5 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Low in calories and carbohydrates
- High in fiber
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian (without Parmesan cheese)
- Can be customized with various toppings
User Comments:
- "This is a great alternative to pasta. It's so easy to make and the spaghetti squash gives it a unique texture."
- "I love that this dish is so versatile. I've tried it with both marinara sauce and pesto, and it's delicious either way."
- "This is a great way to get more vegetables into my diet. I've been adding it to my salads and it bulks them up."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be careful when cutting the spaghetti squash. It is very hard and can easily slip.
- The squash will continue to cook after it is removed from the oven, so let it cool slightly before scraping out the strands.
- If you don't have a baking sheet, you can also roast the spaghetti squash in a roasting pan.