Spaghetti Squash Dinner
A delightful, healthy alternative to traditional pasta, this spaghetti squash dish is topped with rich marinara sauce, optional proteins, and garnished with fresh basil.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash Choose a firm spaghetti squash with a slight golden hue.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce Heat this sauce while the squash bakes.
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey or beef Optional and halal-friendly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use to top the dish before serving.
- Fresh basil For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the squash.
- Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Drizzle the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Baking
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the flesh easily scrapes into strands with a fork.
Cooking Sauce
- While the squash bakes, heat your marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. If using ground turkey or beef as a topping, cook it in a separate skillet until browned.
Combining and Serving
- Once the squash is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands into a bowl.
- Mix the spaghetti squash strands with the marinara and optional meat. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze cooked strands for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on the stove with a splash of olive oil.