Introduction:
Spaghetti squash is an incredibly versatile vegetable that you can use as a healthy, low-carb alternative to pasta. Whether you’re trying to cut carbs or just want to experiment with new recipes, learning how to cook spaghetti squash is a skill worth mastering. It’s simple, easy, and makes for a delicious side dish or even a full meal. Today, I’m going to show you my favorite way to cook spaghetti squash, and I promise it’s so easy that even beginners will get it right.
how to cook spaghetti squash recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Spaghetti Squash
The first thing you’ll need to do when figuring out how to cook spaghetti squash is preparing the squash itself. Begin by carefully cutting the squash in half lengthwise. Now, this might take a little muscle, since spaghetti squash is firm, but don’t worry—it’s totally doable! Just grab a sharp knife, make an incision down one side, then rotate the squash and do the same on the other side.
Once you have your squash cut, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. If you’re into roasting seeds, you can save them! Just like pumpkin seeds, these squash seeds can be roasted for a crunchy snack later on.
Step 2: Seasoning the Squash
Next, it’s time to add some flavor. Brush the inside of each squash half with olive oil—this will help with browning and add a nice flavor. After that, sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning. Feel free to get creative with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs, depending on how you plan to use the squash later.
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Step 3: Roasting the Spaghetti Squash
Now that your squash is prepped, it’s time to roast it. Flip your squash over so the cut sides are facing down on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the oven and let it roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 to 45 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the size of your squash, but you’ll know it’s done when the outside is golden brown and the inside is tender.
Step 4: Scraping the Squash
After the squash is done roasting, let it cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn your hands. You’ll notice that the top side of the squash might cave in slightly—this is a good sign! It means the squash is cooked through. Flip the squash back over and grab a fork. Gently scrape the flesh of the squash, and you’ll see it naturally forms spaghetti-like strands. It’s almost magical! These strands are the “spaghetti” part of the squash, and you can use them just like you would pasta.
Step 5: Serving the Squash
You can serve your spaghetti squash immediately, or use it as a base for your favorite pasta dishes. It pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce, cheese, or even a simple pesto. If you’re trying to eat healthy, spaghetti squash can replace pasta in almost any recipe!
Conclusion:
And that’s it! How to cook spaghetti squash is as simple as that. With just a few basic steps, you can create a nutritious and delicious dish that’s perfect for dinner, meal prepping, or even a healthy snack. So next time you’re craving pasta, give spaghetti squash a try—you won’t be disappointed.