Low-Carb Spaghetti Squash Alfredo

Ingredients and Weight:

• Spaghetti Squash (1 large, about 2 pounds)
• Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup)
• Cream Cheese (4 ounces)
• Heavy Cream (1 cup)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• Freshly Chopped Basil (for garnish)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Microwave or boil spaghetti squash until tender, then cool and shred the flesh into "noodles".
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add garlic. Sauté for a minute.
4. Add cream cheese and heavy cream, and stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the shredded spaghetti squash to the cheese sauce and toss to combine.
7. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, until bubbling and slightly browned on top.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (depending on the exact ingredients used)
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 25g (low-carb due to using spaghetti squash instead of pasta)
• Protein: 12g

Dish Characteristics:

• Low-carb alternative to traditional pasta Alfredo.
• Rich and creamy sauce with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor from spaghetti squash.
• Great for people who enjoy Alfredo dishes but are looking for a lower carbohydrate option.

User Comments:

1. "This was an excellent low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes. The spaghetti squash gave it a unique texture and flavor."
2. "The cream cheese and parmesan combination was really delicious. The dish was rich and creamy without being too heavy."
3. "I loved the garlic flavor in this dish, it gave it a nice punch of flavor. The basil garnish was a great finishing touch."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to cook the spaghetti squash thoroughly before shredding, to ensure tender "noodles".
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• For a richer sauce, you can use chicken broth or chicken stock instead of water when making the cheese sauce.