why make this recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. This recipe brings all the flavors you love in pasta but replaces the noodles with healthy spaghetti squash. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a comforting meal without the extra carbs. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while satisfying your cravings for cheesy goodness.
how to make Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free for keto)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and drizzle with olive oil. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender. Scrape out the spaghetti-like strands with a fork and set aside.
Cook the Meat Sauce – In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix the Cheeses – In a bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Assemble the Casserole – In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti squash, followed by the cheese mixture, then the remaining squash. Top with the meat sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake & Serve – Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, cheesy top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot!
how to serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added flavor boost.
how to store Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Store any leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. If you wish to prepare it ahead of time, you can assemble the dish and store it uncooked in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
tips to make Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
- Make sure to cook the spaghetti squash until it is tender; this will make it easier to scrape out the strands.
- Feel free to use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option.
- For extra flavor, add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if you like a little heat.
- Consider mixing in some sautéed vegetables, like spinach or zucchini, into the cheese mixture for added nutrition.
variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Also, try adding different types of cheese or using a different sauce, like pesto, for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure to cool it completely and then store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
2. Is spaghetti squash hard to cook?
Not at all! While it may seem tough to cut through, roasting it in the oven softens the flesh, making it easy to scrape out the strands.
3. Can I use other meats instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute like black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and drizzle with olive oil. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Scrape out the spaghetti-like strands with a fork and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti squash, followed by the cheese mixture, then the remaining squash.
- Top with the meat sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, cheesy top.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot!