Cheesy Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Parmesan
Doubling as a main dish and a side dish, this spaghetti squash parmesan is a tasty vegetarian twist on the comfort food classic!
Ingredients
- 2 small spaghetti squash (1.5 lbs each)
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese (plus extra if desired)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend*
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, regular or gluten-free**
- 1-2 TBSP parsley or basil for topping (optional)
Instructions
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Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
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Slice the end off your spaghetti squash where the stem is (to give yourself a flat base to place on the cutting board) then slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Repeat for each squash.
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Next grab a lipped baking sheet. Rub the cut side of the squash with olive oil and place on your baking sheet and roast face-down for about 30 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary a bit depending on the size of your squash: Two 1.5 lb spaghetti squash will take about 30 minutes, one 3 lb squash will take 40-45 min.
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While the squash roasts, grate your cheeses and measure out the remaining ingredients.
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Combine minced garlic with a drizzle of olive oil an a pinch of salt, then microwave for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Alternatively you may sauté it if preferred.
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Season ricotta with half your mozzarella, half the parmesan cheese, garlic mixture, Italian seasoning blend, crushed red pepper flakes, and a little parsley if desired. The red pepper flakes add a bit of spice so if you're not a fan, totally leave them out!
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Once squash is ready, allow to cool, then fluff the spaghetti-like strands with a fork.
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Divide the ricotta cheese between squash boats and gently fold in the mixture.
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Add a little more mozzarella to each boat, dollop on your marinara (a thicker sauce works better here), and top with remaining cheeses. Top with a sprinkling of Italian seasoned panko (you may even add al little extra seasoning if desired - I do!) and bake on your baking sheet for 25 minutes at 400 degrees F.
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Sprinkle on your choice of fresh herbs for a tasty green garnish and dive in while it's hot!
Recipe Notes
Adapted from Real Simple Magazine.
* I like to use Mrs. Dash salt-free Italian seasoning
** You can use pre-seasoned Italian style panko or season them yourself with a little extra Italian seasoning to taste. Gluten-Free panko breadcrumbs also work marvelously as a topping! You can even make toasty seasoned breadcrumbs at home using your favorite GF or regular bread.
Have a large spaghetti squash on hand? You can easily make this with a 3 pound squash! Bake time for the roasted squash halves will be around 40-45 minutes, so adjust accordingly and you're good to go.
Feel free to add extra cheese, sauce, and seasoning as desired. Let your taste buds be your guide for this easy cheesy recipe!
Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!