Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy dish that will transform your perception of healthy eating! Imagine tender strands of spaghetti squash, naturally sweet and slightly nutty, nestled within its own roasted shell, then generously filled with a creamy, garlicky, Parmesan-infused mixture that will have you craving more.

Spaghetti squash, while relatively new to the culinary scene compared to other squashes, has quickly gained popularity as a healthy and versatile alternative to traditional pasta. Its mild flavor makes it the perfect canvas for bold flavors, and this Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe truly lets those flavors shine. The combination of garlic and Parmesan is a classic for a reason – the pungent aroma of garlic perfectly complements the salty, umami-rich Parmesan cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

What makes this dish so beloved? It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and healthy eating. You get the satisfying feeling of indulging in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish, but without the guilt! The spaghetti squash provides a naturally low-carb and nutrient-rich base, while the garlic Parmesan filling adds a burst of flavor and richness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Add some roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or Italian sausage for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Spaghetti Squash:
• 1 large spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Garlic Parmesan Filling:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparing the Spaghetti Squash:

1. Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the squash cooks evenly and gets that nice, slightly caramelized texture.
2. Prepare the Squash: Now comes the slightly tricky part – cutting the spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash can be tough to cut, so be careful! The easiest way is to microwave it for a few minutes to soften it slightly. Pierce the squash several times with a fork. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. Let it cool slightly before handling. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut the squash lengthwise from stem to end. If it’s still too hard, you can microwave it for another minute or two.
3. Remove the Seeds: Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center of each squash half. Discard the seeds (or save them to roast later!). Make sure you get all the stringy parts out, as they can be a bit bitter.
4. Season and Oil: Drizzle the inside of each squash half with olive oil. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat the entire surface evenly. This will help the squash to roast properly and develop a good flavor.
5. Roast the Squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender and you can easily pierce it with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your squash.
6. Shred the Squash: Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, using a fork, shred the flesh of the squash into spaghetti-like strands. Be careful not to pierce the skin. You should end up with a pile of spaghetti-like strands in each squash half.

Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Filling:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: While the squash is roasting, you can prepare the filling. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. Add the Bell Peppers: Add the chopped red and green bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened. The peppers will add a nice sweetness and color to the filling.
3. Incorporate the Spinach and Beans: Add the thawed and squeezed dry spinach and the rinsed and drained cannellini beans to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is heated through. Make sure to squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the spinach, as this will prevent the filling from becoming watery.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. The heavy cream will create a rich and creamy sauce that coats all the vegetables and beans.
5. Add the Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute or two, until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Assembling the Stuffed Spaghetti Squash:

1. Combine Squash and Filling: Gently fold the shredded spaghetti squash into the garlic Parmesan filling. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the squash strands intact.
2. Stuff the Squash: Spoon the mixture back into the hollowed-out spaghetti squash halves. Pack it in tightly to ensure that each squash half is filled to the brim.
3. Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the top of each stuffed squash half with additional grated Parmesan cheese and grated mozzarella cheese. This will create a cheesy and bubbly topping that is irresistible.
4. Bake Again: Place the stuffed squash halves back on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through.
5. Broil for Extra Color (Optional): For an extra golden-brown and bubbly top, you can broil the stuffed squash for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the stuffed spaghetti squash from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! From the satisfyingly stringy squash to the creamy, garlicky, cheesy filling, every bite is a little piece of culinary heaven. It’s healthy, it’s comforting, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a winner in my book.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile. Looking for a vegetarian main course that even meat-eaters will love? This is it. Need a show-stopping side dish for your next holiday gathering? Look no further. Want a healthy and delicious way to use up that spaghetti squash you picked up at the farmer’s market? You’ve found your answer! The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is pure bliss.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to serving and customizing this dish. For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted chicken or fish. The squash provides a hearty and satisfying base, while the salad or protein adds a touch of freshness and balance.

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to spice things up:

* Add some protein: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken to the filling for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick.
* Go green: Mix in some chopped spinach, kale, or broccoli to the filling for added nutrients and color.
* Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even a little bit of goat cheese for a tangy twist.
* Top it off: Sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the finished dish for added texture and flavor.
* Make it vegan: Use vegan parmesan cheese and a plant-based cream cheese alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

I personally love adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect combination!

Your Turn to Cook!

I’m so excited for you to try this Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe. I truly believe it will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so relax, put on some music, and let your creativity flow.

Once you’ve made this delicious dish, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] or tag me [Your Social Media Handle]. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your favorite variations. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash as much as I do!

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June 24, 2025 by Melissa