Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Spaghetti squash: A versatile vegetable that, when cooked, transforms into pasta-like strands, offering a low-carb alternative to traditional spaghetti.

Olive oil: Used for roasting the squash and sautéing the garlic, it adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Minced and sautéed to release its aromatic and savory qualities, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Parmesan cheese: Grated and stirred into the squash, it provides a salty, umami-rich taste that complements the garlic.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, balancing the dish.

Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth, seasoning the squash and garlic.

Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color to the finished dish.

When preparing spaghetti squash, it's essential to cut it lengthwise to achieve longer strands that resemble traditional spaghetti. To make the cutting process easier and safer, use a sharp chef's knife and stabilize the squash by placing a damp towel underneath it on the cutting board. This prevents slipping and ensures a clean cut. Additionally, when roasting the squash, placing it cut-side down on the baking sheet allows the natural sugars to caramelize, enhancing the flavor. After roasting, let the squash cool slightly before handling to avoid burning your hands while scraping out the strands.

• spaghetti squash - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, offer a similar texture and are a low-carb alternative to spaghetti squash.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for olive oil.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.

• parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a vegan alternative to parmesan cheese.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture, so adjust accordingly.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and spice, offering a different but flavorful kick compared to black pepper.

• fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh, though it has a more concentrated flavor, so use less.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover spaghetti squash in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain the texture and flavor of the parmesan cheese and garlic.

• Stovetop Method: Add a splash of olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the spaghetti squash and stir occasionally until heated through. This method allows you to refresh the garlic aroma and even add a bit more parmesan cheese if desired.

• Microwave Method: Place the spaghetti squash in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. This is the quickest method, but be cautious as it might slightly alter the texture.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the spaghetti squash in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method can add a slight crispness to the edges, enhancing the dish's texture.

• Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide setup, place the spaghetti squash in a vacuum-sealed bag. Set the sous vide to 140°F (60°C) and let it warm for about 30 minutes. This method ensures even heating without losing moisture or flavor.

• Oven: Used for roasting the spaghetti squash to bring out its natural sweetness and make it tender.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for roasting the squash halves in the oven.

• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.

• Spoon: Useful for scooping out the seeds from the squash.

• Fork: Used to scrape the roasted squash into spaghetti-like strands.

• Pan: Needed for sautéing the garlic and tossing the squash strands with olive oil and parmesan.

• Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the garlic and squash in the pan.

• Measuring spoons: Helps in accurately measuring the olive oil and other seasonings.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the squash and chopping parsley.

Pre-cook the squash: Microwave the spaghetti squash for 5-10 minutes before roasting to reduce oven time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Grate cheese in advance: Pre-grate parmesan cheese and store it in the fridge for quick access.

Batch roast: Roast multiple squash at once and store extra strands for future meals.

One-pan method: Cook the garlic and squash in the same pan to minimize cleanup.