Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash recipe is a light, healthy, and delicious alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Spaghetti squash, when cooked, transforms into delicate strands that resemble spaghetti, making it a perfect low-carb option. With Ina Garten’s simple seasoning and preparation, this dish becomes a tasty and satisfying meal or side, great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
What is Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash?
Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash is a simple and nutritious dish that involves roasting the squash until tender, then shredding it into spaghetti-like strands. This low-carb, gluten-free vegetable is flavored with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, making it a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Healthy and Low-Carb: Spaghetti squash is a great substitute for pasta, making it perfect for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, this recipe comes together quickly.
- Versatile Dish: It can be served as a main dish or paired with protein like chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: The mild flavor and fun spaghetti-like texture make this a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash
- 1 large spaghetti squash (about 2-3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes for heat (optional)
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash
Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash: Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and discard them.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Squash
- Season the squash: Drizzle the inside of each half with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast the squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the flesh easily pulls apart into strands with a fork.
Step 3: Shred the Squash
- Cool slightly: Remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, just enough to handle.
- Shred the squash: Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh of the squash to form long spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the strands to a large bowl.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Seasonings
- Toss with Parmesan: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti squash strands and toss to combine.
- Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for a bit of heat.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the spaghetti squash with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor. Serve warm as a side dish or with your favorite protein.
What Goes Well with Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash
- Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast pairs perfectly with the light and flavorful spaghetti squash.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy, complete meal.
- Marinara Sauce: For a pasta-like experience, top the spaghetti squash with marinara or your favorite tomato sauce.
- Shrimp or Fish: Light seafood like shrimp or grilled fish complements the delicate flavors of spaghetti squash.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash
- Choose the right squash: Look for a spaghetti squash that feels firm and heavy for its size. Avoid squash with soft spots or blemishes.
- Don’t overcook the squash: Be careful not to overcook the squash, as it can become mushy. You want the strands to remain firm yet tender.
- Scrape gently: When shredding the squash, scrape gently with a fork to avoid breaking the strands.
- Season well: Spaghetti squash has a mild flavor, so be generous with your seasonings to bring out its full potential.
Variations of Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash
- Garlic Butter Spaghetti Squash: Toss the roasted squash with melted garlic butter instead of olive oil for a rich, savory twist.
- Herb and Lemon Spaghetti Squash: Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Spaghetti Squash Alfredo: Toss the strands with a light Alfredo sauce and top with more Parmesan for a creamy, indulgent meal.
- Spicy Squash: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Storing Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash: Best Practices
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for later: You can freeze the cooked squash in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Label and date: Always label your containers with the date to ensure you use them while they’re fresh.
Reheating Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash: Best Practices
- Oven method: Reheat the spaghetti squash in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
- Microwave option: Heat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Add moisture if needed: If the squash seems dry, toss it with a little olive oil or butter before reheating.
How Can I Make Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash Healthier?
To make Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash even healthier, consider these tips:
- Reduce the cheese: Use less Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast for a lower-calorie, dairy-free option.
- Add more vegetables: Incorporate other roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the fiber and nutrients.
- Use a healthy fat: Swap the olive oil for a lighter option like avocado oil or spray with cooking oil to reduce fat content.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
FAQs
How do I know when spaghetti squash is done cooking?
Spaghetti squash is done cooking when you can easily pierce the skin with a fork and the flesh pulls apart into spaghetti-like strands. It usually takes about 35-40 minutes in a 400°F oven.
Can I microwave spaghetti squash instead of roasting?
Yes, you can microwave spaghetti squash. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish with a little water. Microwave on high for 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
How do I prevent spaghetti squash from being watery?
To prevent spaghetti squash from being watery, roast it cut-side down in the oven to help it dry out while cooking. After shredding the strands, let them sit for a few minutes to release excess moisture, then drain any water before serving.
Can I freeze cooked spaghetti squash?
Yes, you can freeze cooked spaghetti squash. Allow the cooked squash to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious dish that fits seamlessly into a variety of meals.
Serve it as a light, flavorful side, or turn it into a hearty main course with your favorite sauces and proteins. This recipe highlights the natural goodness of spaghetti squash and is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Ina Garten Chicken Marsala
- Ina Garten Beef Stroganoff
- Ina Garten Green Bean Casserole
- Ina Garten Chicken Enchiladas
- Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna
Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash is a simple and nutritious dish that involves roasting the squash until tender, then shredding it into spaghetti-like strands. This low-carb, gluten-free vegetable is flavored with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, making it a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash (about 2–3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes for heat (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the squash: Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and discard them.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Squash
- Season the squash: Drizzle the inside of each half with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast the squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the flesh easily pulls apart into strands with a fork.
Step 3: Shred the Squash
- Cool slightly: Remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, just enough to handle.
- Shred the squash: Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh of the squash to form long spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the strands to a large bowl.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Seasonings
- Toss with Parmesan: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti squash strands and toss to combine.
- Season to taste: Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for a bit of heat.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the spaghetti squash with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor. Serve warm as a side dish or with your favorite protein.
