Cheesy Creamy Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Ready to take your taste buds on a cheesy, creamy adventure that’s actually guilt-free? Let’s dive into this dreamy spaghetti squash dish that’s about to make your pasta cravings totally obsolete. 🌀✨

I enjoy taking spaghetti squash and turning it into a wonderful, low-carb stand-in for good old classic pasta. My cheesy, creamy spaghetti squash recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted spaghetti squash with a sauce made from olive oil, garlic, heavy cream, and—of course—plenty of Parmesan.

Red pepper flakes provide the perfect amount of heat, and melted mozzarella makes this dish even more irresistible.

Cheesy Creamy Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ingredients

• Spaghetti Squash: Low-calorie, fiber-rich, great for weight management.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, rich in antioxidants.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor, contains beneficial sulfur compounds.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy texture, adds richness to dishes.
• Parmesan Cheese: High in protein, adds savory umami flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Meltable, provides creamy texture and mild flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a spicy kick, boosts metabolism slightly.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens flavors, rich in vitamin K and antioxidants.

Cheesy Creamy Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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How to Make this Cheesy Creamy Spaghetti Squash Recipe

1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a spaghetti squash and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Brush the inside of each half with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

2. Set the roasting squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and then in the oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh has surrendered to the heat and can be easily shredded with a fork.

3. When the cooking is done, take the squash from the oven and allow it to cool for a bit. Then, using a fork, scrape out the strands that resemble spaghetti and place them in a bowl.

4. In a big frying pan on medium heat, melt the butter. Then add the minced garlic and cook it for about 1-2 minutes, until you can smell it but it hasn’t browned yet.

5. Add the heavy cream and stir frequently until it reaches a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.

6. Slowly mix in the Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the shredded mozzarella and mix until it, too, is melted and the mixture is creamy.

7. If desired, sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the sauce. Season to taste.

8. Incorporate the roasted strands of spaghetti squash into the creamy cheese sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly. The squash should be well-coated.

9. Let the squash and sauce cook together for 2-3 minutes, making sure the squash is warmed all the way through and that the flavors are blended.

10. Serve the spaghetti squash, which is creamy and cheesy, right out of the oven. It will taste best when hot. You can enjoy this as a light, tasty main course or as a side dish to an equally delightful partner dish.

Cheesy Creamy Spaghetti Squash Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Sharp knife
4. Spoon (for scooping seeds)
5. Pastry brush
6. Fork
7. Large frying pan
8. Stirring spoon or spatula
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Mixing bowl

FAQ

• What is the best way to prepare the spaghetti squash for this recipe?Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and coat the inside surfaces with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the cut sides, then lay the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until they are tender.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?You can make the cheese sauce and roast the squash ahead of time. Then, combine them and warm gently before serving.
• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?Substituting equal parts half-and-half or coconut cream makes a lighter, dairy-free, and vegan alternative to this recipe. Texture may be less silken, but ingredient variations allow for some personalization!
• Can I use a different type of cheese?Certainly. You can easily swap in cheeses such as Gruyère, cheddar, or a mix, but be aware this might change the flavor profile.
• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?This recipe is already a vegetarian one. Make sure the cheeses you use are free of animal rennet to accommodate stricter vegetarian diets.
• Are the red pepper flakes necessary?No, they are not mandatory and they add only a little heat. You can leave them out or use only as many as you want. Adjust to your taste.
• What can I serve with this dish?This creamy, cheesy spaghetti squash is a nice complement to either a fresh side salad or some garlicky bread to round out the meal.

Cheesy Creamy Spaghetti Squash Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Avocado oil or melted coconut oil can be used to replace olive oil.
Butter – Substitute ghee or margarine if necessary.
Substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a non-dairy alternative to heavy cream.
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast make for good dairy-free substitutes for Parmesan cheese.
Substituting mozzarella cheese is easy.

If you don’t have mozzarella or want to use something else, any melting cheese will work, with the best results from provolone or, if you’re looking for something with a little more kick, fontina. If you need a vegan option, try using a cheese alternative that melts well.

Pro Tips

1. Roasting Perfection For even cooking and caramelization, make sure the spaghetti squash is cut as evenly as possible and placed cut-side down on the baking sheet. This allows the squash to steam in its own moisture for optimal tenderness.

2. Garlic Timing When cooking the garlic, keep a close eye to ensure it does not brown, as burnt garlic can lend a bitter taste to your dish. If you see it starting to brown, quickly proceed to add the cream.

3. Cheese Integration Gradually mix the Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce in small batches. This helps prevent clumping and allows the cheese to melt smoothly, resulting in a silkier sauce.

4. Spice Level Control If you’re unsure about your spice tolerance, start with just a pinch of the red pepper flakes. You can always add more after tasting the completed dish, but it’s challenging to remove once added.

5. Serving Temperature For the best taste experience, serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is still gooey. Preheat your serving dishes in the oven to ensure the squash stays warm longer after serving.