Easy Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash Recipe That Wows Every Time

Spaghetti squash transforms ordinary vegetables into a magical culinary experience that delights health-conscious food lovers.

Our favorite kitchen wizard creates an irresistible low-carb alternative that mimics pasta’s beloved texture and comfort.

Light, airy strands emerge from this golden vegetable when carefully roasted with strategic seasonings.

Robust flavors dance across each tender, delicate strand, promising a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Golden-hued and naturally sweet, this versatile vegetable offers incredible potential for creative home cooks seeking delicious alternatives.

Parmesan and garlic elevate the humble squash into a restaurant-worthy side dish that surprises and delights.

You will crave this simple yet extraordinary recipe that makes vegetables feel like a luxurious treat: dive in and savor every bite.

Pointers for a Delicious Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

• Slice Skillfully: Use a razor-sharp knife with steady hands, applying controlled pressure to split the spaghetti squash cleanly without struggling.
• Moisture Management: Flip squash cut-side down on baking sheet to naturally drain excess liquid and concentrate roasting flavors.
• Perfectly Tender Check: Fork-test the squash by gently scraping strands – they should separate smoothly and feel soft when fully cooked.
• Garlic Golden Rule: Keep constant watch while sautéing, removing from heat the moment garlic turns fragrant and becomes slightly translucent.
• Cheese Blending Magic: Mix parmesan off direct heat to maintain silky smooth consistency and prevent unwanted clumping or separation.

Why Ina Garten’s Spaghetti Squash Is So Versatile

• Unlock Effortless Low-Carb Comfort: Spaghetti squash transforms into a guilt-free pasta alternative that satisfies comfort food cravings without heavy carbohydrates, making healthy eating deliciously simple.
• Master Simple Gourmet Techniques: This recipe teaches elegant cooking methods like roasting, sautéing, and seasoning that elevate a humble vegetable into a restaurant-worthy side dish with minimal culinary expertise required.
• Quick Flavor-Packed Weeknight Wonder: Ready in just over an hour, this dish delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation, featuring rich garlic butter, parmesan cheese, and optional spicy red chili flakes for a sophisticated yet approachable meal.
• Nutritious and Versatile Kitchen Staple: Packed with nutrients, lower in calories, and incredibly adaptable, spaghetti squash serves as a fantastic base for endless flavor combinations, making it a smart addition to any health-conscious cook's recipe collection.

All You Need for Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

Main Ingredients:

• Spaghetti Squash: A versatile vegetable with a noodle-like texture that serves as a low-carb pasta alternative. Look for firm, heavy squash with no soft spots or blemishes.

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and creamy texture to the dish. Choose freshly grated for best taste and melting quality.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal notes. Use finely chopped leaves for best presentation.

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the garlic sauce. Ensures better control of dish's saltiness.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire dish. Select fresh, firm cloves for maximum taste.

• Salt: Essential for bringing out the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the squash preparation.
• Red Chili Flakes: Provides optional spicy kick for those who enjoy additional heat.

• Olive Oil: Used for lightly greasing the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Steps to Make Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking sheet and give it a light olive oil massage using a pastry brush.

Step 2: Slice And Prepare Squash

Grab a sharp knife and carefully slice the spaghetti squash right down the middle. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. Place the squash halves facing down on the oiled baking sheet, like they’re sunbathing.

Step 3: Roast To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the squash roast for about 45 minutes. The squash is ready when you can easily scrape out tender, spaghetti-like strands with a fork. Gently pull out these delicate strands and set them aside.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Magic

Heat up a large skillet over medium-high flame. Drop in the butter and let it melt into a golden pool. Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance around until it turns soft and see-through – but don’t let it turn brown!

Step 5: Combine Squash With Buttery Goodness

Tumble the squash strands into the skillet. Gently toss them around so they get completely coated in the garlicky butter goodness.

Step 6: Final Flavor Explosion

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red chili flakes

Optional: Scatter some freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve with extra parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Store Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer. Remove excess air from the container to prevent moisture and preserve the squash's delicate texture. This method extends storage life and maintains optimal flavor for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled spaghetti squash to a clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Layer a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture, preventing soggy strands. Keep in the refrigerator's main compartment, away from strong-smelling foods that might transfer flavors.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Revive leftover spaghetti squash by warming gently in a non-stick skillet. Add a small pat of butter or drizzle of olive oil to restore moisture and prevent drying.

Fun Variations on Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired vegetarian version that brings Mediterranean flavors to the dish.
• Herb Haven: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage into the garlic butter mixture, creating an aromatic herb-infused spaghetti squash that elevates the classic recipe with rich herbal notes.
• Protein Power: Top the spaghetti squash with grilled chicken or shrimp, transforming the side dish into a complete protein-packed meal that offers additional nutrition and satisfying textures.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chiles, cumin, and smoked paprika to the garlic butter, then sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern-style preparation that brings bold, vibrant flavors to the table.

Concluding Thoughts on Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash transforms dinner into a nutritious culinary adventure with Ina Garten’s signature simplicity.

Classic comfort meets healthy innovation in this remarkable dish.

Garlic butter elevates humble squash into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Parmesan cheese adds rich complexity and depth to each delightful forkful.

Mediterranean flavors dance across subtle vegetable textures, creating unexpected magic on your plate.

Passionate cooks: dive into this recipe, share its deliciousness across social platforms, and spark conversations that celebrate wholesome, elegant cooking.

Ina Garten Spaghetti Squash Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s spaghetti squash recipe brings Mediterranean charm to your dinner table. Rich roasted squash strands mingle with fresh herbs, garlic, and parmesan, creating a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 Spaghetti Squash (about 3 pounds or 1365 grams)
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup (75 grams) parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter

Seasonings:

• Kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) red chili flakes

Garnish:

• Handful of chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Additional parmesan cheese for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Gently coat a rimmed baking sheet with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the spaghetti squash precisely in half using a sharp chef’s knife. Carefully scoop out the inner seeds and stringy pulp using a sturdy spoon, discarding the unwanted parts.
3. Position the squash halves cut-side downward on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even contact with the surface.
4. Roast the squash in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes. The squash is perfectly cooked when the exterior becomes slightly golden and the interior yields easily when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for 5-7 minutes to make handling easier. Use a fork to gently scrape the interior, creating long, spaghetti-like strands.
6. In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add finely minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and translucent, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7. Transfer the delicate squash strands directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Gently toss to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the aromatic mixture.
8. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the squash. Stir until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy coating.
9. Season the dish with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red chili flakes for a subtle kick. Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
10. Serve immediately, with additional grated parmesan cheese on the side for those who desire extra richness.

Notes

• Roasting transforms this humble vegetable into a culinary masterpiece with incredible texture and flavor.
• Low-carb warriors will love how easily this dish replaces traditional pasta without sacrificing satisfaction.
• Selecting a vibrant yellow squash guarantees maximum natural sweetness and perfect spaghetti-like strands.
• Garlic butter creates a luxurious coating that elevates the squash from simple side to gourmet sensation.
• Sharp kitchen tools make preparation smooth, preventing potential cutting challenges with tough squash skin.
• Gentle reheating preserves the delicate texture, ensuring leftovers taste just as delicious as the first serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg