How to Roast Spaghetti Squash In the Oven

Here you'll find a simple "how to roast spaghetti squash" recipe. In my estimation, this winter squash is one of the most under-valued side dishes around. Brush with some olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper and there you have a carefree and easy vegetable that's in and out of the oven in no time. Here I offer plenty of tips on the best methods to cut and roast this squash. 

I literally had never picked a spaghetti squash from the produce bin or roasted it in my oven until probably five years back. I had no idea what I was missing out on. This gem of a vegetable is adaptable to so many recipes. Roasted squash can be a casual side dish or become the main event on your table by adding meats and/or other vegetables like my Pesto Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. 

Roasted Spaghetti Squash - a healthy alternative to Pasta 

If you're looking for a healthier alternative for pasta in your diet that will accommodate your New Year's resolutions, you will find spaghetti squash to fit the bill. Here are some health benefits of adding Spaghetti Squash into your diet. 

• It is a nutrient-dense food loaded with several key vitamins and minerals. In particular, it is a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and antioxidants. 
• Spaghetti Squash is a low-calorie food item that makes it a valuable part of your New Year's weight-loss regiment. One cup has only 40 calories compared to 220 calories in spaghetti pasta noodles. 
• It has a high fiber content which aids in good digestive health and is a great low-carb substitute for pasta. If you're looking for keto-friendly recipes, this is perfect for that diet. 
   

Step by Step Instructions on How to Prepare and Cook Spaghetti Squash 

#1 - How to Choose Spaghetti Squash

• Choose squash that is free of soft spots and cracks in the skin.
• Look for firm ones that feel heavier than they look.
• Pick squash that is bright in color, golden or dark yellow.
• Make sure its stem is attached and is firm and dry. 

# 2 - How to Cut Spaghetti Squash 

The skin of spaghetti squash is thick and very tough. Cutting it is the most difficult aspect of the recipe. Please use extreme caution when slicing it in half. Here, I give you two ways to cut through it.

• The first way is more difficult and takes more muscle power, but is a little quicker.
  1. Place the spaghetti squash horizontally on a non-slip cutting board.
  2. Use a sharp chef's knife to slice off the top part where the stem is and slice the bottom portion. Make sure and grip securely the squash away from the end that you are cutting.
  3. Stand it upright. Slice half of the squash from top to bottom then turn and slice the other half straight down. At this point, it should open up easily for you to remove the seeds. 

• The second option is to soften the squash in the microwave before slicing.
  1. Using a paring knife, make several deep slits along the line that you will ultimately be slicing. This will help the steam to escape while it cooks in the microwave.
  2. Place the spaghetti squash in the microwave and cook on high for 4 to 5 minutes. 
  3. Make sure and use oven mittens or a dish towel to remove it. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly because it can be very hot when you first take it from the microwave. 
  4. Follow steps 2 and 3 from above. 

#3 - How to Remove the Seeds from Spaghetti Squash

• Using a large spoon, dig around the outer part where the seeds are and continue to the other side until all are loosened. The seeds can be a little stubborn. They seem to hold on to the walls of the squash. But once they're loose, you can easily scoop them out. 
• Using the same spoon, scrape the hollow insides to clean it up.

#4 - How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash for Roasting

Once the spaghetti squash has been halved and seeds scooped out, it's time to prepare it for the oven. And here begins the downhill portion of the recipe.

• Using a fork, poke holes in the cut side of the halved squash.
• Brush oil on the cut side both inside and on the edge.
• Season with salt and pepper. 
• On a large baking sheet, turn the squash upside down with the skin upward. 

#5 - How to Roast Spaghetti Squash

• Set the oven to 400°F and roast the squash for 30-40 minutes or until the skin is tender when punctured with a fork.
• I prefer more al dente "spaghetti" strands. If you roast them too long they can become mushy. 
• Pull the baking sheet out and let the squash sit to cool slightly. You'll find them to be really hot when first out of the oven.

#6 - How to Fluff the strands with a Fork

• Once the squash is cool enough to hold with your hands, use a fork to scrape the strands of spaghetti squash. Start from the outside and work inward until the entire center of the squash is fluffed. 

Can this Spaghetti Squash be made ahead of time?

You can roast the spaghetti squash five to seven days ahead of time, let it completely cool, and place the squash in an air-tight container. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve it.

How to Reheat Spaghetti Squash

In the Oven - Drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the "noodles," then cover them with foil so they do not dry out.  Place the individual squash halves on a cookie sheet in a 375°F oven for 10 or 15 minutes or until the strands are warmed.

In the Microwave - If you planning on using the microwave, drizzle them with oil as well. Cover each squash with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium for about 45 seconds. Carefully stir the strands, then continue to reheat while checking the temperature every 15-20 seconds. 

Ideas for Stuffing Spaghetti Squash

Marinara Sauce with Meatballs. Any leftovers from my Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs would be perfect to stuff these boats.

Pizza Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. Whatever type of pizza you prefer would be brilliant. Add pizza sauce, any ingredients that you like, and then topped with fresh mozzarella cheese. Mmmmm!

Stuffed with Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip. Use my Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe and dollop a large amount on top of the noodles. I also have a Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken recipe. Any leftovers would be delicious over roasted spaghetti squash. 

Chicken Alfredo. Check out this healthy version, Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce with Mushrooms. It would be fantastic in this bowl.

Jalapeño Poppers. If you make extra Jalapeño Poppers and are looking for a way to use them up, stuffing them in this recipe would be fabulous. I would add extra smoked gouda and cream cheese to the stuffed spaghetti squash to make it more creamy. 

Tacos. Pull out all your favorite taco ingredients and add them to these yummy boats. Taco meat, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, etc. 

Pesto Chicken (My Favorite!). This Pesto Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe is so fresh and healthy. Spinach and grape tomatoes add to its brightness. 

Roasted Spaghetti Squash is like a magic trick in the kitchen sphere. Abracadabra ... a hardened yellow gourd is transformed into a beautiful boat of flavorful "noodles." It's a perfect substitute for any recipe you would normally prepare with spaghetti noodles. These golden strands of yumminess can simply be eaten with a drizzle of olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper or add a variety of ingredients for the main dish.

Check out some recipes where you can use Roasted Spaghetti Squash:

Pesto Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

The Best Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs

Shrimp Scampi Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach

Vodka Pasta Sauce

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