Spaghetti Squash: The RIGHT Way to Cut & Roast It
Cutting and roasting spaghetti squash: I've been doing it wrong for years... maybe you have, too?
1. Cutting: If you're after long, spaghetti-like strands in your roasted spaghetti squash, you should cut it crosswise as opposed to lengthwise — it's counterintuitive.
2. Roasting: If you want strands that don't turn to mush, you need to roast the squash for less time. When you remove the squash from the oven, it won't be knife tender or easily pricked with a fork. This will make it a little hard to tell if it's done, so you'll have to trust the method: 45 minutes at 350ºF is about right. Let it cool for 10 minutes; then gently pull with a fork.
I like this method because if you want to dress the spaghetti squash with another warm dressing, the firmer textured strands will be able to stand up to the warmth and weight of whatever dressing you use. Here I've tossed it with the baked feta and tomatoes... so good. Interestingly, I like it even more after it cools to room temperature.
Here's a recipe for baked spaghetti squash with garlicky chickpeas:
And here's the recipe for the baked feta and tomatoes, which is what I dump over the cooked spaghetti squash:
#spaghetti #squash #cutting #roasting
Spaghetti Squash Chicken Casserole
Instead of stuffing each spaghetti squash with a filling, this casserole incorporates everything into one easy baking dish. A combination of spaghetti squash, tomatoes, zucchini, and chicken are all mixed together and topped with cheese. Once baked, it’s the perfect, hearty meal for a weeknight or special occasion!
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Skip ahead:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Preparing the squash and chicken
03:57 Cooking the zucchini
05:21 Preparing the tomato sauce
09:26 Scooping out the squash
10:11 Mixing everything together
12:30 Tasting the dish
INGREDIENTS
For the squash and chicken:
- 2 spaghetti squash
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the casserole:
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
For the squash and chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the stems off of the squash, slice in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds and pith. Set the squash cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet along with the chicken breasts. Drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Turn the squash cut-side down and place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Roast the chicken breasts until they register 160°F. The chicken will finish before the squash, so remove them as soon as they are at 160°F, 16-20 minutes.
- When the squash are darkened on their skin and a knife easily is inserted into the flesh, remove them from the oven, 45-60 minutes. Set the squash aside to cool.
For the casserole:
- Grease a 9x13 baking dish and set it aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil in a large skillet. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Add the sliced zucchini to the hot oil and sauté until they are browned, 3-4 minutes. Turn the slices over and brown, 2-3 minutes. Once browned, remove the zucchini from the skillet and set them aside.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and salt to the hot skillet. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, 4-6 minutes. Add the halved tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and chicken stock. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes are burst, and the liquid is mostly cooked off, 8-12 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Scrape the flesh of the cooled squash into a large bowl. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-size pieces and add the chicken to the squash. Pour on the peas, zucchini, and prepared tomato mixture. Stir the mixture together and pour it into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the 375°F oven until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese is melted, 35-45 minutes. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving.
#dinner #weeknightdinner #recipe #winter #squash
Spaghetti Squash 4 Ways
Breakfast Spaghetti Squash (Bacon & Egg)
Serving Size: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 spaghetti squash
oil, to brush
salt and pepper, to season
1/2 cup of bacon, chopped
4 eggs
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
green onion, garnish
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 400º F / 200º C.
Half the squash and scoop out seeds.
Brush the inner flesh with oil, season with salt and pepper. Place squash cut side down, and roast until tender, about 30 minutes. Then let cool.
Use a fork to scrape the squash strands and “fluff” it up.
Sprinkle bacon and cheese on top of the fluffed squash. Make a hole with a spoon and crack an egg inside.
Place breakfast squash halves back in the oven, and bake until filling is hot and eggs reach your desired doneness, about 10 minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onion and black pepper.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Four Cheese Spaghetti Squash
Serving Size: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 spaghetti squash
oil, to brush
salt and pepper, to season
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided in half
1/4 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 mozzarella cheese
1/4 monterey jack cheese
chopped parsley, for garnish
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 400º F / 200º C.
Half the squash and scoop out seeds.
Brush the inner flesh with oil, season with salt and pepper. Place squash cut side down, and roast until tender, about 30 minutes. Then let cool.
Use a fork to scrape the squash strands and “fluff” it up.
In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
Slowly stir in milk and beat until there are no lumps. Bring the sauce slowly to boil, stirring the whole time until the sauce is thickened.
Add all four cheeses to the sauce and stir until melted.
Pour the sauce into the squash halves, sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, and stir to ensure the squash is coated in the cheese sauce.
Bake until the filling is hot, about 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Chicken Enchilada-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Serving Size: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 spaghetti squash
oil, to brush
salt and pepper, to season
2 cups of shredded chicken, cooked (rotisserie chicken)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon cold water
1/3 cup onion, chopped
1/3 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup black beans
1/2 cup red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 400ºF / 200ºC.
Half the squash and scoop out seeds.
Brush the inner flesh with oil, season with salt and pepper. Place squash cut side down and roast until tender, about 30 minutes. Then let cool.
In a medium skillet, bring up to medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Add water, then cook and stir until veggies have mostly softened and browned and water has evaporated, about 3 minutes.
Transfer the veggies to a large bowl. Add chicken, black beans, 1/2 cup enchilada sauce, and 1/4 cup cheese. Mix until uniform.
Use a fork to scrape the squash strands and “fluff” it up.
Divide enchilada mixture between the hollow squash halves. Sprinkle tops with more cheese.
Bake until filling is hot and cheese has melted, about 10 minutes.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tomato Meat Sauce Spaghetti Squash
Serving Size: 4
INGREDIENTS
1 spaghetti squash
oil, to brush
salt and pepper, to season
1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 cup shredded mozzarella
chopped parsley, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400º F / 200º C.
Half the squash and scoop out seeds.
Brush the inner flesh with oil, season with salt and pepper. Place squash cut side down, and roast until tender, about 30 minutes. Then let cool.
Use a fork to scrape the squash strands and “fluff” it up.
In a skillet, heat up oil over medium-high heat. Stir in onions and cook until translucent, 5-8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and bit of salt. Cook until well-browned, breaking up the beef into small crumbles, 5-8 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
Divide the meat sauce mixture between the hollow squash halves. Evenly top with the 1/2 cup of cheese.
Bake until the feeling is hot and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Music provided by Audio Network. Used with permission