Baked Spaghetti Squash

30

by Nov 1st, 2010 // Dinner, Recipes

Baked Spaghetti Squash

I know that substituting spaghetti squash for spaghetti is a healthy thing to do, but I find that it often comes out too watery. Also, um, I like spaghetti. Although recently when I saw a nice squash at the market it occurred to me that my kid might enjoy seeing the squash transform into ‘spaghetti’.

Turns out I was right! The scraping part was fascinating my kid and resulted in the added bonus of him trying some pieces along the way. Score 1 for spaghetti squash as a pasta substitute!

Oh, and my mom gave me this hot tip: drain the spaghetti squash in a colander while you are prepping the rest of the ingredients. It makes for a far less watery end result. Baking it also helped absorb some of the juices and the baked ‘pasta’ was delicious. Now for the recipe…

Baked Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins  Cooking Time: 45 mins to 1 hour

Ingredients:
1/2 pound ground turkey or chicken (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large spaghetti squash
1 egg
2 cups good sauce (we use Roa’s)
1 cup part skim ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups part skim shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon fresh oregano
5 fresh basil leaves, torn
salt & fresh ground pepper
4 10 oz ramekins

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Poke the spaghetti squash 10 times and microwave for 10 to 12 minutes stopping every 3 to 4 minutes to turn. You’ll know it’s done when the skin starts to buckle. Remove and split open. While it’s cooling off heat a non-stick pan over medium high heat for 3 or 4 minutes. Add oil to the pan and blot the turkey meat dry before adding to the pan. Space the meat out in the pan and cook until it is just brown on both sides. As long as it is browned, it can be a little under cooked. It will cook the rest of the way in the oven. Set aside and begin scraping out your squash with a fork. Transfer scraped squash into a colander and let drain while you are prepping the rest of the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together sauce, ricotta, egg, 1 cup of cheese, oregano, basil and salt & pepper to taste. Mix in the drained spaghetti squash until it’s all well combined. Place one scoop of squash mixture in each ramekin covering the bottom. Layer browned meat on top of squash mixture and then place another scoop of squash on top of the meat. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of each and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly and squash looks set. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

PS: If you don’t have ramekins, you can make it in a pie pan as you would a spaghetti pie.

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30 Comments on “Baked Spaghetti Squash”

  1. 1.) @annadollar
    November 2nd, 2010

    What an awesome idea! Thanks for the great recipe, we'll be trying this soon. I'll let you know how it goes over with a 2yo 🙂

  2. 2.) Jill
    November 2nd, 2010

    I have been waiting to try this the right way! Made spaghetti squash once but it was tough and flavorless. Can't wait to give it another go! ps. did someone win the prudent baby book?

  3. 3.) tryityoumightlikeit
    November 2nd, 2010

    I've got a spaghetti squash in the fridge right now. I can't wait to try this out. I love the individual servings.

  4. 4.) danielle
    November 2nd, 2010

    Loooks great I might have to try this!

  5. 5.) ziabaki
    November 3rd, 2010

    Oh yum! I am so into squash right now and this looks perfect! Great idea. Thank you

  6. 6.) Medifast Coupon Code
    November 3rd, 2010

    I don't know why I don't use spaghetti squash more for my pasta instead of regular noodles, thanks for a great reminder and some good tips. And how rude of me, thanks for your sauce recipe to try.

  7. 7.) Carrie
    November 5th, 2010

    I love spaghetti squash, and this preparation looks fabulous! Can't wait to try it out!

  8. 8.) anne
    November 7th, 2010

    just made this with what i had on hand — dried herbs instead of fresh and cottage cheese instead of ricotta. it was DELISH. and cate loved scooping out the squash. great recipe!!

  9. 9.) ferji425
    November 8th, 2010

    I was not a fan of spaghetti squash when I tried it but after seeing your picture on foodgawker and reading your post I will definitely be giving it another go. It looks absolutely delicious…I love the little baking dishes!

  10. 10.) ``` amacmillan
    November 15th, 2010

    I have never tried spaghetti squash before but now I am hooked. I made this without the meat and it was Yum!

  11. 11.) Jen
    November 28th, 2010

    It is much easier to roast the squash before use in recipes.. It comes out nutty and a bit caramelized, and not watery at all. I bake it at about 400 with evoo and salt and pepper until it looks golden-an hour or so! I eat it with good tomato paste and Parmesan chunks for a quick filling lunch at work.

  12. 12.) Emma
    December 1st, 2010

    you inspired me to buy my first spaghetti squash and I plan to make this ASAP!

  13. 13.) Nicole
    January 6th, 2011

    looks incredibly delicious. i LOVE individual-sized foods.

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  18. 18.) Caroline
    February 3rd, 2012

    Just made this, substituted vegan crumbles for ground turkey, so delicious and nutrient dense! My boyfriend isn’t even finished yet and he’s already asked for it to be put into our regular rotation! Thanks for the recipe!

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  20. 20.) Tanja
    September 20th, 2012

    It’s absolutely delicious!!!

  21. 21.) Tobi
    November 28th, 2012

    I made this dish and it rocked! I made it with ground turkey. It is great for a low carb diet.

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  25. 25.) Cindy
    February 1st, 2015

    What are your amounts for the salt and pepper? I am bad at estimating these so would like a suggestion for the first time I make this, and then I can adjust it to taste next time.

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