Master the art of making "Properly Prepared Spaghetti Squash," a simple and healthy side dish that transforms effortlessly into a nutritious pasta alternative. This oven-roasted recipe highlights the natural sweetness and tender texture of spaghetti squash, with just a hint of seasoning from olive oil, salt, and black pepper to enhance its flavor. By baking the squash until perfectly tender and using a fork to reveal its signature spaghetti-like strands, you’ll achieve a light, gluten-free base that pairs beautifully with toppings like Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or marinara sauce. Ready in under an hour and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, this low-carb, vegetable-forward dish is a must-try for both veggie lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them or save them for roasting later.
Brush the inside of each half with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper.
Place the spaghetti squash halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the skin can be easily pierced with a fork.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the squash cool for 5-10 minutes until it is safe to handle.
Using a fork, gently scrape the inside of the squash halves to separate the strands into 'spaghetti.' Transfer the strands to a serving bowl or plate.
Serve hot as is or with your choice of optional toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or marinara sauce.
Calories |
766 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.4 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 3817 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.5 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.3 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.5 g | ||
| Protein | 8.5 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 270 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 1158 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.