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- Medium spaghetti squash - Olive oil - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Dried oregano - Salt and pepper - Marinara sauce - Mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves I love cooking with spaghetti squash. It is a great base for many meals. Here’s what you need to make this tasty dish. First, grab a medium spaghetti squash. Choose one that feels heavy for its size. Next, you’ll need some olive oil. It adds a nice flavor and helps with cooking. For seasoning, we’ll use garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. These spices bring out the best taste in the squash. Don’t forget salt and pepper to make everything pop! You’ll also need marinara sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade. Either way, it adds a rich, savory flavor. Finally, get some mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and makes the dish extra delicious. Fresh basil leaves will add a lovely touch when you serve it. With these ingredients, you are ready to make a simple and flavorful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting that perfect bake. Cutting and scooping the squash Take your medium spaghetti squash and slice it in half lengthwise. Be careful with the knife! Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from each half. This makes space for all the tasty flavors to come. Drizzling with olive oil Next, drizzle about two tablespoons of olive oil inside each half of the squash. This adds flavor and helps with cooking. Adding seasonings Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste. Rub the seasonings into the squash to coat it well. Combining with marinara sauce Once the squash is done baking and cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the flesh. It will look like spaghetti! In a bowl, mix the strands with one cup of marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Final baking Transfer the mixture back into the squash halves. Spread it evenly and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Lower the oven heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Wait for that cheese to melt and get bubbly. To check for doneness, poke the squash with a fork. If it goes in easily, it's done. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Sometimes, ovens vary. Keep an eye on your squash for perfect results. For scraping strands, use a fork after cooling. Start at the edge and pull toward the center. This creates long, spaghetti-like strands. If you scrape too hard, you might break the strands. Take your time for the best texture. You can prepare spaghetti squash in advance. Bake it and scrape the strands. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. When ready, mix with sauce and cheese. Just bake again for 15 to 20 minutes. This makes meal prep easy and quick! Pro Tips Choosing the Right Squash: Look for a spaghetti squash that is firm and free of soft spots. A weighty squash indicates a good amount of flesh inside. Perfectly Cooked Squash: To ensure even cooking, place the squash cut-side down on the baking sheet. This helps steam the squash for a tender texture. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses like parmesan or feta with the mozzarella for added flavor complexity in your baked dish. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. {{image_2}} You can make your oven baked spaghetti squash even better with proteins. Chicken and sausage are great choices. To add chicken, cook and shred it first. Mix it in with the squash and sauce. For sausage, slice it and brown it in a pan. Then add it to the dish before baking. This will make your meal hearty and filling. If you want a veggie boost, add more vegetables. You can mix in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Chop them finely and sauté them before adding to the squash. This adds color and flavor, making your meal more nutritious. Don't be afraid to get creative with your favorite veggies! For those who need dairy-free options, there are choices. Vegan cheese works well in this dish. Look for brands that melt nicely. Nutritional yeast is another option. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can sprinkle it on top before the final bake. These choices ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious meal. To store your leftover spaghetti squash, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. You can also store it in the squash halves. Just cover the cut sides with plastic wrap. This keeps it moist and tasty. Freezing baked spaghetti squash is easy. First, let the squash cool completely. Then, scoop out the strands into a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to use it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your squash, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the squash in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just add a splash of water in a bowl, cover it, and heat for about 2-3 minutes. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! Spaghetti squash typically takes about 40 to 45 minutes to bake at 400°F (200°C). You should check for fork-tender flesh. If you bake it at 375°F (190°C) after mixing, it needs another 15 to 20 minutes. This method ensures a nice texture and flavor. Yes, you can eat the skin of spaghetti squash. The skin is safe and offers some nutritional benefits. It contains fiber, which helps digestion. Eating the skin helps you enjoy more vitamins and minerals. I recommend eating it if you like the texture! Spaghetti squash is low in calories. A one-cup serving has about 42 calories. It is rich in vitamins A and C, and provides fiber. This squash is a great option for healthy meals. It’s a tasty way to enjoy veggies while keeping calories low. In this blog post, we explored how to prepare tasty spaghetti squash. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. We also discussed variations like adding proteins or vegetables. Lastly, proper storage and reheating methods ensure your meals stay fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy spaghetti squash in many delicious ways. Get ready to impress with your new cooking skills!

Oven Baked Spaghetti Squash Delight

A delicious and healthy dish made with spaghetti squash, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
  • Drizzle the inside of each half with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender.
  • Once baked, let the squash cool for a few minutes, then use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
  • Turn the oven down to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the scraped spaghetti squash strands with the marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
  • Transfer the mixture back into the empty squash halves, spreading it evenly. Top each half with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to the mixture.
Keyword baked, spaghetti squash, vegetarian