Spice Up Dinner: Ina Garten’s Fiery Spaghetti Squash Arrabbiata Recipe

When the spicy, robust flavors of Ina Garten spaghetti squash arrabbiata dance on your palate, you’ll understand why this dish is a weeknight game-changer.

Bold tomatoes and fiery red pepper flakes create a vibrant sauce that coats tender strands of roasted squash.

Each forkful delivers a punch of Mediterranean-inspired zest that feels both comforting and exciting.

The recipe strikes a perfect balance between hearty and light, making it ideal for health-conscious food lovers.

Vegetarians and spice enthusiasts will especially appreciate this clever twist on traditional pasta dishes.

The simplicity of ingredients belies the complex, layered flavors waiting to be savored.

Get ready to fall in love with a vegetable-forward meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

How to Cook Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash with a Kick

• Squash Preparation Slice spaghetti squash lengthwise and remove seeds. Position the halves facing upward on a baking sheet lined with foil.
• Seasoning Brush the squash surfaces with olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Roasting Process Place squash in a hot oven and allow it to cook until the flesh becomes tender and edges turn golden brown. This typically takes about an hour.
• Sauce Integration Warm the spicy Arrabbiata sauce in a large pot. Once the squash is roasted, gently scoop out its tender flesh and mix thoroughly with the sauce.
• Cheese and Finishing Touches Refill the squash shells with the saucy mixture. Top with soft bocconcini and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for a quick final bake until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
• Serving Plate the squash and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Flavor Boosts for Ina Garten’s Arrabbiata Dish

• Adjust the heat in the Arrabbiata sauce by adding more or less red pepper flakes to match your personal spice tolerance, creating a personalized flavor experience.
• Experiment with different cheese options like mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese instead of bocconcini to add unique textures and flavor profiles to the dish.
• Prepare the roasted spaghetti squash and sauce a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation and enhance flavor development.
• Boost the nutritional value by adding cooked ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein crumbles to the sauce for a more substantial and filling meal.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini directly into the sauce to increase nutritional content and add more depth to the dish.

Serve Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash with Confidence

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious Arrabbiata sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the spaghetti squash.
• Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the spicy tomato sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish and add a pop of fresh flavor and color.

Save & Serve Tips for Ina Garten’s Spicy Squash Dish

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover stuffed spaghetti squash in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the cheese toppings intact to maintain the best flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual squash halves tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm stuffed squash in the oven at 180°C/350°F for 15-20 minutes to prevent soggy textures. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent cheese from burning.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Roast spaghetti squash and prepare sauce 1-2 days in advance. Store components separately to keep ingredients fresh and assemble quickly when ready to serve.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash Arrabbiata

• Spaghetti Squash: Select firm, heavy squash with deep yellow color and no soft spots for maximum flavor and texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden crispy edges and adds rich moisture to the squash during roasting.
• Dried Oregano: Provides earthy Mediterranean warmth and deepens the vegetable's natural flavors.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps draw out moisture from the squash.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the squash's mild sweetness.

• Arrabbiata Sauce: Spicy tomato-based sauce that brings vibrant, zesty flavor to the dish.
• Bocconcini: Soft, creamy mini mozzarella balls that create a luxurious melted layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, sharp notes and provides a crispy golden surface when baked.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds bright, aromatic finish and provides a fresh contrast to the rich, spicy sauce.

Tools to Get Started on Ina Garten’s Arrabbiata Recipe

• Large knife: Sharp blade for safely splitting spaghetti squash lengthwise.
• Foil-lined baking sheet: Essential for roasting squash with easy cleanup.
• Pastry brush: Helps evenly distribute olive oil on squash surfaces.
• Large pot: Perfect for reheating Arrabbiata sauce and mixing squash.
• Measuring spoons: Precise tool for adding salt and pepper.
• Spoon: Needed for scooping squash flesh and filling shells.
• Baking dish: Allows final baking with cheese topping.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for preparing ingredients.

Spicy Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash Arrabbiata Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s spaghetti squash arrabbiata combines roasted squash with spicy tomato sauce, creating a low-carb Italian-inspired dish. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 spaghetti squashes (medium, about 3 lbs or 1.36 kg each)
• 8 oz (226 g) bocconcini (fresh, small mozzarella balls)
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) Parmesan cheese (Italian, freshly grated)
• 6 tbsps (90 ml) olive oil (good quality)
• 1½ tsps (7.5 ml) oregano (dried, crushed)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper (freshly ground)
• Arrabbiata sauce
• Basil leaves (fresh, julienned, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Position oven rack to 220°C / 425°F for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Squash Preparation: Halve spaghetti squash lengthwise, meticulously removing seeds and inner membrane with a spoon, creating clean vessels for the sauce.
3. Initial Roasting: Position squash halves cut-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet, generously coating flesh with olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Vegetable Transformation: Roast squash for 50-60 minutes until flesh becomes fork-tender with delicate caramelized edges, indicating perfect cooking progression.
5. Sauce Integration: Simultaneously heat Arrabbiata sauce in a large pot, developing robust flavor profiles while squash completes roasting.
6. Flesh Extraction: Scoop tender squash flesh from roasted shells, carefully folding into simmering sauce to create a harmonious culinary blend.
7. Cheese Enhancement: Reintroduce sauce-coated squash into original shells, topping with bocconcini and Parmesan cheese for rich, creamy dimensions.
8. Final Baking: Return filled squash to oven for 10-12 minutes, allowing cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
9. Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic finale, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Knife Safety: Use a sharp chef’s knife and cut squash carefully on a stable surface to prevent slipping and potential injuries.
• Roasting Tip: Ensure squash is evenly oiled and seasoned for maximum flavor absorption and caramelization during roasting.
• Texture Check: Roast squash until flesh is tender and edges are golden-brown, indicating perfect doneness and enhanced natural sweetness.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese in the final stage of baking to achieve a perfectly melted, bubbling topping without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg