Baked Spaghetti Squash

In attempts to reduce the amount of pasta we eat (we like it too much!) I usually throw a spaghetti squash in my shopping cart & hope I remember to make it. Spaghetti squash is great because you can really treat it like pasta but feel better about eating it. This time I made our spaghetti squash like I would baked ziti & I’ll be making it like this again. It was easy & delicious while being familiar but new at the same time.

How do you make your spaghetti squash?

Ingredients

• 1 medium sized spaghetti squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt & pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon parsley (plus extra for garnish) I used dried & fresh
• 1 tabelspoon dried oregano
• 1/3 cup mozzarella, grated

Make it!

1. Pre-heat oven to 375.
2. Place the whole spaghetti squash in the microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. This will make it easier to cut in half.
3. Cut the spaghetti squash in half length-wise. Scoop out the center with the seeds & discard.
4. Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil over the cut side of each half. Season with salt & pepper. Place the spaghetti squash cut side down on a baking dish.
5. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes.
6. In the meantime, heat the tomato sauce over low heat.
7. In a small mixing bowl mix the ricotta, garlic powder, parsley & oregano together.
8. Check the squash. Stick a fork in the outside of the spaghetti squash. If it breaks the outside shell super easily you’re done - if not keep cooking until it is (see the photo below for a queue of what to look for).
9. Flip the squash over (carefully it will be very hot).
10. Spoon half the ricotta cheese mixture into each half.
11. Then divide the heated tomato sauce into each half. Mix the sauce with the cheese.
12. Top each half with grated mozzarella cheese.
13. Set your oven to broil.
14. Return the baking dish to the oven. Broil for 2-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it the cheese may burn quickly.
15. Broil until the cheese becomes bubbly & golden.
16. Garnish with some fresh parsley & serve with a fork!