Creamy Spaghetti Squash Bake -

In today’s culinary landscape, spaghetti squash has carved out a niche as a beloved alternative to traditional pasta. Renowned for its unique texture and impressive versatility, this vibrant, golden vegetable serves as a canvas for a variety of flavors and ingredients. The Cheesy Delight Spaghetti Squash Bake is a perfect embodiment of this potential, offering a rich, creamy dish that satisfies cravings without the heaviness associated with traditional pasta dishes. With its decadent combination of cheesy goodness and nutritious ingredients, this recipe is not just a meal—it's a delightful experience that caters to both health-conscious eaters and cheese lovers alike.

Creamy Spaghetti Squash Bake

Discover the delightful Cheesy Delight Spaghetti Squash Bake, a perfect alternative to traditional pasta that satisfies cravings without the heaviness. This creamy dish, made with spaghetti squash, ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, embraces a range of flavors while being low-carb and gluten-free. Enjoy its versatility as you explore healthier eating habits without sacrificing taste. Ideal for families or gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash (approximately 3 pounds)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for layering

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)

1 large egg

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup marinara sauce

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for flavor.

- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can easily be shredded into strands with a fork.

Mix the Cheese Filling:

- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, the egg, and chopped spinach. Use a fork or spatula to mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and creamy.

Combine with Spaghetti Squash:

- Once the roasted spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the inside flesh, creating spaghetti-like strands. Add these strands to the cheese mixture, and fold gently until everything is well mixed and coated.

Assemble the Bake:

- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Spoon the spaghetti squash and cheese mixture evenly over the sauce, smoothing the top for a nice finish.

- Drizzle additional marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with extra mozzarella cheese for that delicious cheesy crust.

Bake:

- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the oven for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a beautiful golden brown color.

Garnish and Serve:

- Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your creamy and satisfying spaghetti squash bake!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | Serves 4