Description
Roasted spaghetti squash tossed with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese makes a healthy, low-carb side dish. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s full of fiber, good fats, and flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Rinse the spaghetti squash under cool running water and pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Place the squash on a stable cutting board and carefully slice it lengthwise in half from stem to tail. Pierce the flesh of each half 6–7 times with a fork.
4. Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil over the squash flesh. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Rub seasonings in lightly to coat.
5. Place the squash halves flesh-side down in the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking doneness at 30 minutes. The squash is ready when the flesh is soft and fork-tender.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands into a large mixing bowl.
8. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the warm squash. Toss gently to melt and mix.
9. Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and the remaining salt and pepper to taste. Toss until combined and creamy.
10. Transfer to a serving dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve warm or store for later.
Notes
Choose a medium spaghetti squash (about 3–4 pounds) for best texture and portion size.
Always pierce the skin before baking to release steam and prevent bursting.
Toast the Parmesan cheese in a dry skillet before adding for extra flavor.
Do not overcook—spaghetti squash should be tender but still stringy.
Naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and high in fiber—suitable for many dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: healthy, low-carb, spaghetti squash, garlic, parmesan, gluten-free, vegetarian