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- 1 medium spaghetti squash - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mixed herbs) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash, you need simple yet fresh ingredients. The star of this dish is the spaghetti squash. It is a unique vegetable. When cooked, its flesh turns into strands that resemble pasta. This makes it a great low-carb option. You also need garlic. I love garlic for its strong flavor. Minced garlic adds depth to the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Parmesan cheese brings a rich and savory flavor. It melts beautifully and coats the squash. Olive oil keeps the squash moist during cooking. For seasoning, Italian herbs enhance the flavor. They add a lovely aroma. Salt and pepper control the taste. Finally, fresh parsley makes a bright garnish. It adds color and freshness to your plate. With these ingredients, you can create a flavorful and easy dish. Enjoy cooking! - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Slice spaghetti squash in half and scoop out seeds. - Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil inside each half. - Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. - Place cut side down on a lined baking sheet. - Roast for 30-40 minutes until flesh is tender. To test for doneness, poke the skin with a fork. If it goes in easily, it’s ready! - While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. - Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell amazing! Once the squash is done, let it cool for a bit. Then, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. - Transfer the strands to the skillet with the garlic. - Mix in 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Toss everything together until well combined. - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy this simple, tasty dish! When choosing a spaghetti squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size. The skin should be firm and free of soft spots. A ripe squash has a deep yellow color. Store it in a cool, dry place, like your pantry. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight. This keeps it fresh until you are ready to cook. Roasting time can change based on the size of your squash. A smaller squash may only need 30 minutes, while a larger one may take up to 40 minutes. To check if it's done, poke it with a fork. If it feels tender, it’s ready! When cooking the garlic, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir it often. This keeps it from burning. Garlic cooks quickly, so watch it closely. You want it fragrant, not brown. Garlic Parmesan spaghetti squash pairs well with a fresh salad or grilled chicken. For added flavor, top it with crushed red pepper or a squeeze of lemon. You could also try adding sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for a burst of color. Serve it warm, garnished with chopped parsley for a nice touch. {{image_2}} Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash is easy to modify. First, it is gluten-free. You don’t need to worry about gluten at all. This dish is also vegetarian-friendly. To make it dairy-free, swap the Parmesan cheese with a nut-based cheese. Look for brands that melt well. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can change the flavor of this dish by adding herbs and spices. Try fresh basil or thyme for a bright taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. You can also toss in vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition. Want protein? Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These options make the dish heartier and more filling. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it lasts up to three months. Just remember, the texture may change after thawing. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, use the oven or stovetop for the best results. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the spaghetti squash in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. This method helps maintain the dish's texture. If you prefer the stovetop, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently to avoid sogginess. Add a splash of olive oil if needed to keep it moist. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the dish watery and lose its charm. You can tell when spaghetti squash is cooked by checking for softness. The skin should feel slightly tender when you poke it. The flesh should easily shred into strands with a fork. To test if it’s done, insert a fork into the flesh. If it pulls apart easily, it’s ready. You can also check the color; it should be a bright yellow when cooked. Yes, you can prepare spaghetti squash ahead of time. Cook it and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it cools down before you pack it away. For the best storage, use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and ready for you to enjoy later. Garlic Parmesan spaghetti squash pairs well with fresh salads or roasted veggies. A light tomato salad or steamed broccoli are great choices. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works well. You can also try it with a lean steak or baked fish. Enjoy your meal with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing touch. In this post, we explored making Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. We also discussed storage, variations for diets, and serving suggestions. Incorporating squash into your meals adds flavor and nutrition. I hope you feel ready to try this dish. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and share it with others!

Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

Discover the deliciousness of Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash, a healthy twist on pasta that’s easy to make! With roasted spaghetti squash paired with garlic, olive oil, and grated Parmesan, this dish is packed with flavor and ready in under an hour. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this recipe will be a new favorite. Click to explore the step-by-step instructions and elevate your mealtime today!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium spaghetti squash

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mixed herbs)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

      Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil inside each half and season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.

        Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

          Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

            While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

              Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

                Once the squash is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.

                  Using a fork, scrape the flesh to create spaghetti-like strands and transfer them to the skillet with the garlic.

                    Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until well combined.

                      Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

                        Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                          Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4