Ina Garten’s Magical Spaghetti Squash Recipe: Simple Garden-to-Table Joy

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this Ina Garten spaghetti squash recipe delivers delightful comfort without complicated steps.

The kitchen fills with warm, inviting aromas that instantly spark appetite.

Roasted squash becomes a canvas for rich, herbaceous flavors that dance across your palate.

Garten’s approach transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of texture and taste, blending rustic charm with culinary finesse.

Fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when something delicious and wholesome calls your name.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

• Spaghetti Squash: A vibrant, low-carb veggie that transforms into delicate noodle-like strands when roasted, perfect for creating a healthy pasta alternative.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a golden, caramelized exterior while keeping the squash moist during roasting.

• Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and brings out its subtle flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and complexity to the roasted vegetable.

• Fork: Essential tool for piercing the skin and creating signature spaghetti-like strands after roasting.

Equipment for Roasting Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting the squash evenly and catching any drips.
• Large Sharp Knife: Needed to carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
• Fork: Perfect for piercing squash skin and later creating spaghetti-like strands.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for safely cutting the squash.
• Olive Oil Brush or Spoon: Helps drizzle olive oil evenly across the squash interior.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking sheet and squash.

Instructions for Making Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

• Oven Preparation Temperature and Setup

Warm your kitchen oven to a toasty 400 degrees, creating the perfect roasting environment for your spaghetti squash.

• Squash Preparation

Slice the squash carefully down its length, revealing its hidden seedy center. Gently scoop out the inner seeds and stringy bits, creating a clean cooking surface.

• Seasoning and Positioning

Sprinkle some salt and pepper across the squash’s inner flesh, then drizzle a light stream of olive oil. Place the squash halves facing downward on a sturdy baking sheet, creating a golden-brown promise.

• Roasting Magic

Send the squash into the heated oven for roughly 35 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown skin and tender flesh that yields easily when touched with a fork.

• Strand Transformation

Once cooled enough to handle, take a fork and gently pull across the squash’s interior. Watch as delicate, pasta-like strands magically separate and curl.

• Serving Joy

Transfer your squash strands to a beautiful serving dish, ready to delight taste buds with its light, fresh texture.

Flavor Additions for Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

• Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Squash
• Choose a spaghetti squash with firm, smooth skin and no soft spots or blemishes to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to add depth and complexity to the roasted squash.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to make cleanup easier and prevent the squash from sticking.
• Pat the squash dry with paper towels before roasting to help achieve a more caramelized and less watery result.
• Prepare extra roasted spaghetti squash and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, creating an instant base for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.

How to Serve Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash with Meals

• Create a Veggie Masterpiece: Top the spaghetti squash with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a colorful and nutritious meal.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies hunger and delivers maximum flavor.
• Mediterranean Twist: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, scatter kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor explosion that transports your taste buds to Greece.
• Herb-Infused Delight: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to elevate the squash's natural sweetness and create a fragrant, aromatic dish that feels gourmet yet simple.

Save Leftovers of Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover spaghetti squash strands in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep the strands separate from sauces to maintain their texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack cooled squash strands in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm refrigerated squash strands in a skillet with a touch of olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Microwaving works too, but can make the strands watery, so use minimal heating time.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare spaghetti squash in advance during weekly cooking sessions. Use as a low-carb pasta alternative in various dishes like stir-fries, salads, or as a base for protein-packed meals.

Effortless Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s spaghetti squash recipe offers a delightful twist on classic pasta dishes. Mediterranean herbs and roasted vegetables create a wholesome, flavorful meal you can savor with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 spaghetti squash (medium-sized)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt (sea salt)
• Black pepper (freshly ground)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and select a spacious baking sheet for roasting the spaghetti squash.
2. Cutting: Employ a sharp chef’s knife to bisect the spaghetti squash lengthwise, revealing the seed-filled interior.
3. Cleaning: Utilize a spoon to extract seeds and fibrous material, creating a pristine surface for seasoning.
4. Seasoning: Liberally coat the squash’s inner flesh with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
5. Positioning: Arrange the squash halves face-down on the baking sheet, puncturing the outer skin with a fork to facilitate steam escape.
6. Roasting: Place in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and tender consistency.
7. Checking: Verify doneness by testing the flesh with a fork – it should effortlessly yield while maintaining a slight firmness.
8. Cooling: Allow the squash to rest for 10-15 minutes, ensuring safe handling.
9. Shredding: Gently transform the squash interior into delicate, spaghetti-like strands using a dinner fork.
10. Serving: Transfer the squash strands to a serving dish, presenting a nutritious and versatile pasta alternative.

Notes

• Slice Carefully: Use a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife and apply steady pressure when cutting squash to prevent slipping and ensure safe, clean halves.
• Seasoning Strategy: Generously coat interior with salt and pepper before adding oil to help seasonings penetrate and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Steam Release Technique: Forking the outer skin prevents potential squash explosion and allows even heat distribution during roasting.
• Doneness Check: Look for golden-brown edges and fork-tender texture; squash should easily separate into strands without mushy consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg