Growing up, I always thought spaghetti meant pasta noodles – period. Then one day, my neighbor brought over this dish that looked like pasta but definitely wasn’t. That was my first encounter with spaghetti squash, and honestly, I was skeptical. But after that first bite, I realized I’d been missing out on something pretty special. Now, this spaghetti squash bake has become a regular at my dinner table, especially on those nights when I want something comforting but don’t want to feel weighed down by regular pasta. It’s really just a matter of knowing how to prepare the squash right – and trust me, it’s easier than you might think.
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Spaghetti squash can be replaced with spiralized zucchini or butternut squash for a similar low-carb, vegetable-based noodle alternative. Adjust cooking time as these options may cook faster than spaghetti squash. Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative like crumbled firm tofu for those avoiding dairy. These options provide a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture. For a less intense garlic flavor, roasted garlic can be used instead of raw garlic. Roast a whole head of garlic until soft and sweet, then use about 1/4 cup of the roasted cloves. This substitution offers a milder, more complex flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s garlicky essence.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60 minutes |
| Total Time | 80-90 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 30-35 g
- Fat: 40-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
- pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup garlic (minced or roughly chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (cherry or Roma, quartered)
- olive oil (extra virgin for roasting and flavor)
- salt
- 1 block feta cheese (or crumble, if preferred)
- 1 spaghetti squash
Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
Find a spaghetti squash and carefully cut it open using a serrated knife or a saw.
Once open, remove any overripe spaghetti-like strands from inside the squash to make room for the fillings.
Step 2: Season and Fill the Squash
Sprinkle a generous amount of salt, pepper, and olive oil inside the squash halves.
Place a thick block of feta cheese in the center of each half.
Chop a large amount of garlic and scatter it on top of the feta cheese.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes
Slice tomatoes into halves or domes and place them inside the squash alongside the feta and garlic.
For an extra touch of flavor, optionally drizzle more olive oil and sprinkle additional salt over the ingredients.
Step 4: Bake the Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the prepared squash halves on a baking sheet and bake for one hour.
This will allow the squash to soften and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
After baking, remove the squash from the oven.
Using a fork, mix everything inside the squash to access the spaghetti-like strands, combining them with the melted feta, garlic, and tomatoes.
Step 6: Add Final Touches and Serve
If desired, enhance the dish by adding fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor before serving.
Enjoy your delicious, baked spaghetti squash creation!
