Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash Recipe: Foolproof Elegance

Spaghetti squash emerges as a culinary chameleon, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences for health-conscious food lovers.

This golden vegetable unlocks a world of low-carb magic with its pasta-like strands that dance on your plate.

Roasted to perfection, each tender bite whispers secrets of nutrition and flavor.

Miraculous kernels unravel into delicate threads that rival traditional pasta in texture and satisfaction.

Packed with natural sweetness and versatility, this kitchen gem begs to be dressed up with bold seasonings and creative twists.

Garlic and parmesan elevate these golden strands from simple side dish to mouthwatering masterpiece.

One forkful will convince you that healthy eating can be wildly delicious and utterly irresistible.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash: Ingredient List

• Spaghetti Squash: Select a firm, heavy squash with a deep yellow color and no soft spots.
• Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and smooth coating.

• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control salt levels and ensure rich, creamy texture.
• Garlic: Pick fresh, firm garlic cloves with tight, papery skin for maximum aromatic punch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select aged, genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano for deep, nutty complexity.

• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and clean taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more intense and vibrant pepper notes.
• Red Chili Flakes: Choose dried, bright red flakes for a spicy kick.
• Fresh Parsley: Look for bright green, crisp leaves with no wilting for a fresh herbal touch.

Tools You’ll Need for Spaghetti Squash

• Oven: Essential for roasting the spaghetti squash to tender perfection.
• Baking sheet: Perfectly positioned for even roasting of squash halves.
• Sharp knife: Key for cleanly slicing the squash in half.
• Pastry brush: Great for spreading a light layer of olive oil.
• Large skillet: Ideal for creating the garlicky butter sauce.
• Fork: Perfect for scraping out squash strands and testing doneness.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing squash.
• Cheese grater: Helpful if using freshly grated parmesan.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for precise seasoning with salt and spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing squash in the skillet.

Cooking Instructions for Spaghetti Squash

• Preheat Kitchen Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F and lightly oil a baking sheet with a pastry brush for smooth cooking action.

• Prepare Squash Halves

Slice spaghetti squash lengthwise with a sharp knife, scoop out seeds, and place cut-side down on the oiled baking sheet like they’re sunbathing.

• Roast and Transform Squash

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 45 minutes until squash becomes tender and easily pulls apart into spaghetti-like strands with a fork.

• Create Garlic Butter Sauce

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until golden, then add minced garlic and cook until translucent without browning.

• Combine and Coat Squash

Toss roasted squash strands into the skillet, gently mixing to coat every strand with rich, garlicky butter sauce.

• Finish With Flavor Burst

Remove from heat, sprinkle parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra parmesan for an epic finish.

Spaghetti Squash Flavor Variations

Explore different flavor profiles and cooking techniques to make this recipe your own culinary masterpiece.

Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil by adding them to the garlic butter for an aromatic twist that elevates the squash’s natural sweetness.

Transform this side dish into a complete meal by mixing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and texture.

Swap parmesan for other melty cheeses like gruyère, pecorino, or a smoky gouda to create unique flavor combinations that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Kick the heat level up a notch by adding more red chili flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who crave a spicy kick.

Plating and Serving Spaghetti Squash

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve this garlicky spaghetti squash alongside grilled chicken breast or pan-seared salmon for a complete, nutritious meal that balances the buttery veggie base.
• Create a Mediterranean Twist: Top the squash with crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired side.
• Elevate as a Standalone Vegetarian Dish: Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch, turning this simple recipe into a satisfying vegetarian main course that's packed with flavor and texture.
• Brunch-Style Upgrade: Crown the squash with a perfectly poached egg and some crispy bacon bits for a decadent breakfast or brunch option that will impress your weekend guests.

Store and Reheat Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

• Preserve Deliciousness: Store leftover spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The garlic butter flavor continues to develop, making each bite even more delectable.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent the squash from becoming watery. Add a splash of butter to refresh the flavors and maintain the perfect texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack cooled squash in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Frozen portions stay fresh for 2-3 months, providing a quick and easy meal solution for busy days.
• Meal Prep Magic: Roast extra spaghetti squash during your weekly cooking session. Versatile strands work beautifully in salads, stir-fries, or as a low-carb pasta alternative, giving you endless meal possibilities.

Elegant Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s spaghetti squash recipe delights with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and simple ingredients. Roasted squash strands mingle with herbs, parmesan, and olive oil, creating a light, nutritious meal you can savor with ease.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 spaghetti squash (about 3 lbs or 1365 g)
• ¾ cup (75 g) parmesan cheese
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps (45 g) butter
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• Kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) red chili flakes
• Handful of chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Additional parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet to prevent squash from sticking.
2. Squash Halving: Slice spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds and pulp with a spoon, discarding inner membranes.
3. Roasting: Place squash halves cut-side down on prepared baking sheet, roasting for 40-45 minutes until exterior turns golden and flesh becomes tender when fork-tested.
4. Strand Extraction: Allow squash to cool for 5-7 minutes, then use a fork to gently separate interior into spaghetti-like strands.
5. Garlic Infusion: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing minced garlic until fragrant and translucent without browning.
6. Combining Flavors: Transfer squash strands into skillet, tossing gently to coat evenly with garlic butter.
7. Cheese Integration: Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the squash, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy texture.
8. Seasoning: Enhance with kosher salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes for depth of flavor, optional fresh parsley for garnish.
9. Serving: Plate immediately, offering additional parmesan cheese on the side for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Master Knife Skills: Use a sharp chef’s knife and cut squash carefully to prevent uneven cooking and potential injury.
• Roasting Precision: Position squash cut-side down for even caramelization and optimal moisture retention during baking.
• Fork Technique: Scrape squash strands gently at a 45-degree angle to create uniform, spaghetti-like texture without breaking delicate strands.
• Flavor Enhancement: Toast garlic slowly in butter to develop deep, nutty undertones without burning, ensuring a rich, aromatic base for the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg