Baked Spaghetti Squash with Herb-Infused Marinara

Savor the best baked spaghetti squash with my simple herb-infused marinara! Perfect for any night, it's a nutritious veggie dish you'll love. Dive in!

May 17, 2025
By Emily Torres.

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Baked Spaghetti Squash: A Delightfully Wholesome Dish

Oh my gosh, have you ever tried baked spaghetti squash ? honestly, it’s like you found a secret passage to pasta heaven without the carbs! the magic happens when you roast this little gem and it transforms into spaghetti-like strands.

Seriously, it tastes amazing, and that sweet, nutty flavor mixed with a garlic-infused marinara sauce makes it a total game changer.

A Dish with Roots

So, what's the deal with spaghetti squash? this veggie actually hails from the americas, and it’s become a beloved alternative for us pasta lovers trying to eat a bit healthier.

The good news? making it is super easy! i'm talking about a recipe that could be your new go-to in under an hour and ten minutes .

Yep, that's right! this dish serves four people, making it perfect for a cozy family night or when you're just looking to impress your pals.

Why You’ll Love It

Now, let’s talk nutrients because, you know, we don’t just eat for fun! this lovely squash is packed with fiber and vitamins, making it a fantastic low-carb meal .

Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. picture a dinner party where your friends are raving about a veggie dish. yup, that could be you! and hey, what’s really cool about this recipe? you can jazz it up with some tortellini or load it with veggies to suit your vibe.

Trust me, once you serve up this scrumptious baked spaghetti squash with garlic and marinara, you'll feel like a superstar.

It’s simple but so full of flavor, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. so, are you ready to dive into this deliciousness? let’s gather those ingredients and get cookin’!

Baked Spaghetti Squash with Herb-Infused Marinara Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2-3 pounds or 900-1360 g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes until tender. Let cool for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until transparent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes and seasoning; simmer for 15 minutes.
• Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash to create strands. Toss the strands with the marinara sauce until well combined. Serve garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Ingredients & Equipment for Baked Spaghetti Squash

Alright, folks, let’s chat about what you’ll need to whip up that delicious baked spaghetti squash . with some simple ingredients and kitchen tools, you'll be on your way to a tasty and healthy meal.

Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds!

Main Ingredients

For your baked spaghetti squash , you’ll need:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2-3 pounds or 900-1360 g )
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml )
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the marinara sauce :

• 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
• 1 small onion , finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but a little kick never hurt!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (because who doesn’t love a fun topping?):

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional – yum!)

When picking that spaghetti squash , look for ones that are firm and feel heavy for their size. a little scratch on the skin is okay; just no soft spots.

This veggie will give you those lovely strands that resemble traditional spaghetti when baked!

Seasoning Notes

Now let’s talk about flavor! This dish needs some love, and that’s where seasoning comes in:

• Essential spice combo : Italian seasoning is your go-to here. It’s like bringing a piece of Italy right into your kitchen.
• Flavor enhancers : Garlic is a must! It adds a rich aroma and taste. Don't skip on fresh herbs if you can – they make a world of difference.
• Substitutes : Don’t have Italian seasoning? A mix of dried oregano, thyme, and basil works wonders.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need much! Here’s your list:

• Baking sheet : A non-stick one works best.
• Sharp knife : Be careful, those squashes can be tough!
• Spoon : For scooping out those pesky seeds.
• Skillet or medium saucepan : For that luscious marinara sauce.
• Oven mitts : Safety first, my friend!
• Fork : To fluff up those spaghetti squash strands like a pro.

Tip: If you don’t have a baking sheet, a roasting pan will do just fine. And if you’re low on fresh garlic, garlic powder can save the day!

Final Thoughts

Gathering these ingredients and tools should be a breeze, right? cooking is all about making it fun and personal. so pour yourself a drink, put on your favorite tunes, and let's create that incredible baked spaghetti squash dish.

Plus, it’s totally satisfying when you see those noodles fluff up! now onto the cooking!

Cooking Method for Baked Spaghetti Squash Delight

Get Set with Prep Steps

First things first, let’s talk mise en place . this fancy french term just means you get all your ingredients ready before you start.

You don’t wanna be running around looking for the olive oil when your squash is already in the oven, am i right? measure out your olive oil, chopped onions, minced garlic , and crushed tomatoes so you're all set to roll.

A little organization goes a long way, especially with time-saving hacks. want to speed things up? get that knife sharp and cut through that spaghetti squash with confidence.

And hey, for safety's sake, watch where you put those fingers! you don’t want a banged-up hand when your meal is about to wow your taste buds.

Step-by-Step Process

Let’s break it down.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set it to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Cut the Squash: Slice that spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Pro tip: a spoon works great for this!
3. Season It Up: Brush the inside with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake It: Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30- 40 minutes until it's tender and the forks glide through easily.
5. Cool It Off: Let it rest for about 10 minutes post-baking. Seriously, don’t rush; it'll be too hot to handle!
6. Make Marinara: Sauté the onion in 1 tablespoon of oil for around 5 minutes until see-through, then toss in the garlic for 1 minute while sniffing the great smell. Mix in those crushed tomatoes and let it simmer for 15 minutes —that’s when the flavor bombs happen.
7. Combine: Fluff up those spaghetti strands using a fork and mix them with the marinara sauce. Look at that gorgeous harvest!

Pro Tips for Perfection

• Shortcut: Nuke your squash for 2- 3 minutes before cutting. It softens it up and makes slicing easier, trust me!
• Common Mistake: Don’t forget to scrape out all the strands! That’s where the magic of the spaghetti squash really shines.
• Make-Ahead: This dish saves well! Cook, cool, and pop in the fridge for easy low-carb meals later.

So there you have it—gearing up for baked spaghetti squash doesn’t have to be a drag. with these easy steps, you'll serve up a plate that’s just as instagrammable as it is delicious.

Look into into this healthy veggie delight and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky forkful!

Recipe Notes for Baked Spaghetti Squash

Serving Suggestions: Make It Pop!

Let’s talk plating! when you serve your baked spaghetti squash , you want that wow factor. picture this: after fluffing up those beautiful strands of squash, load ‘em up with your rich marinara sauce and pile on fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated parmesan.

Seriously, it’s a food stylist’s dream .

For sides, think about a crunchy green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. or maybe some homemade garlic bread? you can’t go wrong with crusty bread to soak up that marinara goodness.

And if you’re feeling fancy, pour yourself a glass of chianti. it’s the italian way, baby!

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

So, maybe you’ve made too much (hey, no judgment). if you’ve got leftovers of your garlic spaghetti squash , it’s as simple as poppin’ it in the fridge.

Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. it’ll keep for about 3-5 days , but let’s be real: it might go faster because it’s so darn good.

Thinking about freezing? yep, you can totally freeze it! just let it cool completely, scoop those strands into a freezer-safe bag, and you’re golden.

Thaw it in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave. that’s a low-carb meal ready in a flash!

Variations: Switch It Up!

Feeling adventurous? let’s spice things up! for a cozy wintry dish, you might want to toss in some sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach into your marinara.

Who says spaghetti squash recipes can’t be versatile?

And if you’re keeping an eye on your carbs but want a little indulgent upgrade, try stirring in some cooked tortellini. It's like a warm hug on a plate!

Nutrition Basics: Guilt-Free Goodness

You’ll be happy to know that this dish isn’t just tasty—it’s good for you, too! each serving of this baked spaghetti squash packs about 220 calories and is loaded with fiber.

Hello, healthy digestion! and let’s not forget the vitamins—you’ll get a nice dose of vitamin a and c from that delicious squash.

In Conclusion: Let’s Do This!

So, whether it’s the cozy night in or impressing your friends at a dinner party, this recipe’s where it’s at! you’ve got a simple, low-carb meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Your taste buds will be doing a happy dance. now grab that squash, whip up your sauce, and dig in! you’ve got this!