Spaghetti squash is the ultimate gluten-free substitute for any wheat-based pastas.
Unlike regular squash like acorn or butternut where you would just cube it or slice it, spaghetti squash pulls apart into thin edible “threads” which is where it gets its name. It’s easy to roast, doesn’t need lots of seasoning and reheats well if you have leftovers.
This recipe is flexible with what toppings you like; feel free to throw in whatever herbs you want, or even some veggie meatballs. I kept mine simple since it was my first time trying it, but the recipe isn’t limited to what I’ve put it. If you’re vegan, you can sub out the mozzarella and parmesan for nutritional yeast and grated tofu–it will add some protein and still have a bit of that cheesy flavour.
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, grated
- 1/3 cup parmesan, grated
Method
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Scoop seeds out of each spaghetti squash half (you can roast these like pumpkin seeds if you want). Drizzle each half with 1 tsp. olive oil, then add salt and pepper to taste. Place both halves cut-side up on a plain baking sheet (so you can see the insides of the squash) and roast in oven for 40 minutes.
Let the spaghetti squash cool for a few minutes, then scrape up insides with a fork to loosen the “threads” of squash. Evenly distribute the sauce and basil into each half, then stir to mix sauce in with the spaghetti squash. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan on top of both, then put back in oven at the same temperature for another 10 minutes until cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
For leftovers: Wait until the squash has cooled completely and place it in an airtight container. Best if consumed within 1 or 2 days of making. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375F for 10-15 minutes until the insides are warm. If you want to take it for lunch you can always discard the outside of the squash and keep the insides in a container.
the vegetarian ginger 
This looks fantastic!
I’m glad you like it 🙂 my mom is gluten intolerant as well so we’re always trying different substitutes in my house
That looks so delish! Photos are beautiful too!
Thanks! It was pretty tasty I have to admit
wow, this looks colorful and mouth-watering, I really love the color of your photos 😉
Thanks very much! It’s nice using the outer part of the squash as a shell, you don’t have to dirty lots of dishes and it looks nice 🙂
YUM!
My sister and I are really trying to diet at the moment before a bikini holiday. Pasta is one of our big weaknesses! I’ll be sure to try this as a substitute! Looks delicious!!!
Considering 1 cup of spaghetti squash has about 40 calories as opposed to 221 like regular spaghetti, this is a pretty sweet diet food 😛 I hope you enjoy your trip!
Really enjoyed this! Made it tonight with leftovers for tomorrow. Can’t wait! Thanks for sharing. I love spagetti squash and always like finding new recipes for it. 🙂
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, thanks for the kind words!
wow,
no dirty dishes, high on fibre, low in glycemic index, super easy, healthy, colorful and extremely tasty!!! Bookmarked!!!
I’m glad you like it! No dirty dishes is always a plus for me, I hate washing dishes haha
Beautiful! I always serve mine scooped out but definitely going to try this!
So good! I love the seeds!
I’d always just discarded the seeds until a week or two ago and my brother roasted them like pumpkin seeds, so good!
This baked spaghetti squash looks so incredibly delicious.. wish I had a bowl of it right now to devour!
I’m planning on making another variation with pesto soon…can’t wait!
Reblogged this on The Seated Cook and commented:
This looked like such a good recipe that when I made it last night, I decided to double the amount of ingredients, so I would have more left over! I made it according to instructions, except did the double baking part in a baking dish rather than in the squash.
Going to make this today..can I eat the entire squash once it’s baked?
I would leave the rind because it will be too tough but you can eat the entire inside!