Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti!

Pin It As someone who is trying to get her booty in shape for her upcoming wedding which is in 3 months, and as someone who LOVES her pasta, this whole diet thing has been FOR THE BIRDS! 


Until...the discovery of Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti. I like a good butternut squash soup in the fall as much as the next gal, but I was very unsure about this dish. I had never cooked with squash, and I really approached this dish with some serious apprehension and ready to order pizza from the Corner Pub if it was a fail.


However, this was absolutely DELICIOUS, super easy (read: even I could cook it by myself), and super healthy. An ideal alternative to pasta. So, I'm paying it forward and sharing the recipe with you, from
 The Steamy Kitchen.

baked spaghetti squash with garlic and butter

Servings: 6 Prep Time:5 Cook Time:60

I tend to under-bake the spaghetti squash just a bit, so it still retains just a slight crunch. Baking time really depends on how big your squash is - try to get the smallest one, especially if you’re only feeding 4 people. It’s ready if you can pierce the squash with a paring knife with little resistance. If you’re a garlic love, don’t be shy - use more!

Alternatively, microwave the whole squash for 2-4 minutes (to soften enough to cut lengthwise). Place squash cut-side down on baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until tender.

ingredients:

1 small spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)2 tablespoons butter2 cloves garlic, finely minced1/4 cup finely minced parsley (or basil)1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Pierce squash a few times with sharp paring knife (to let steam escape). Bake spaghetti squash for 60 minutes, or until a paring knife pierces easily through skin with little resistance. Let squash cool for 10 minutes.

2. Cut squash in half, lengthwise. Use a fork to remove and discard the seeds. Continue using fork to scrape the squash to get long, lovely strands. If the squash seem difficult to scrape, return the squash to bake for an additional 10 minutes.

3. Heat a large saute pan with the butter and the garlic over medium-low heat. When garlic becomes fragrant, add parsley, salt and spaghetti squash strands. Toss well, sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and taste to see if you need additional salt. The spaghetti squash should have a slight crunch (i.e. not mushy) - but if you like it softer, cover the pan and cook 2 more minutes.