Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spaghetti squash casserole is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of spaghetti squash with the savory flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and cheese. It is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without all the guilt.

History

Spaghetti squash casserole has been a popular dish in the United States for many years. It is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit any taste preferences. The combination of spaghetti squash, tomatoes, and cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

3.5 lb (1.59 kg) spaghetti squash, 1 medium or 1.5 lb (680 g) spaghetti squash, 1 small [1]
4 ripe tomatoes
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp salt
freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.25 cup chopped scallions
grated parmesan for garnish

How to prepare

Prick the squash in 3 or 4 places with a fork.
Place the squash on a microwave-safe plate, loosely cover it with microwave-safe plastic wrap, and cook it at full power (650 – 700 watts) for 9 minutes.
Turn the squash over and cook it for another 9 minutes.
Let the squash stand, still covered, for 5 minutes.
Using a sharp knife, cut a small x in the bottom of each tomato.
Arrange the tomatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel.
Cook the tomatoes at full power for 4 minutes.
Let the tomatoes stand for 1 minute.
Then peel, core, and coarsely chop them.
Pour off any excess liquid.
Place 1 tbsp of olive oil on a small microwave-safe plate and cook it at full power for 2 minutes.
Then stir in the garlic and cook until it becomes crisp, which takes about 3 – 4 minutes.
Halve the squash and scrape out the seeds.
Using a fork, scoop out the pulp and transfer the spaghetti-like strands to a 2.5 qt (2.36 liter) microwave-safe casserole.
Add the tomatoes, garlic and oil, salt, pepper, and the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil; toss everything well.
Top the mixture with mozzarella, Parmesan, and scallions.
Cook at full power until heated through, which takes about 4 minutes.
Serve with additional Parmesan on the side.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking spaghetti squash, be sure to prick it with a fork before microwaving to prevent it from exploding. Cooking the squash in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare it, but you can also roast it in the oven if you prefer. Be sure to let the squash cool slightly before handling it to avoid burning yourself.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole can be served as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables. It is also great as a side dish to accompany grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Microwaving the spaghetti squash is a quick and easy way to cook it, but you can also roast it in the oven for a deeper flavor. Simply cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and roast it cut-side down on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have spaghetti squash, you can use zucchini noodles or regular pasta in this recipe. You can also substitute the tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce if fresh tomatoes are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spaghetti squash and tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the casserole. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving for a cheesy finish.

Pairing Recommendations

This spaghetti squash casserole pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It also goes well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this spaghetti squash casserole contains around 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Spaghetti squash is a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. One serving of this casserole contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This spaghetti squash casserole is a moderate source of fats, with each serving containing around 15 grams of fat. The olive oil and cheese in this recipe provide healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet.

Proteins

Each serving of this casserole contains approximately 10 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a nutritious option for a well-rounded meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Spaghetti squash is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. This casserole provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of cheese. If you are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Summary

Overall, this spaghetti squash casserole is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. It is low in carbohydrates, moderate in fats, and provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Spaghetti squash casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste preferences. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this casserole is a satisfying and healthy option for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Spaghetti Squash Casserole. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ropes in the kitchen from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and I remember spending countless hours watching her work her magic with pots and pans, creating delicious meals that always seemed to bring our family together.

One day, as I was rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded index card with the words "Spaghetti Squash Casserole" scrawled across it in beautiful cursive handwriting. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she told me that it was a dish she had learned to make from a dear friend many years ago.

According to my grandmother, the recipe for Spaghetti Squash Casserole had been passed down through generations of women in her friend's family. It was a simple yet delicious dish that combined the sweetness of spaghetti squash with the savory flavors of cheese, herbs, and spices. My grandmother had made it for us once or twice before, and I remember how much I had enjoyed it.

Eager to learn how to make this dish myself, I asked my grandmother if she would teach me the recipe. She smiled and nodded, delighted that I was taking an interest in cooking. Together, we gathered the ingredients we would need: a large spaghetti squash, onions, garlic, cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs.

My grandmother showed me how to prepare the spaghetti squash by cutting it in half, removing the seeds, and roasting it in the oven until it was tender. While the squash was cooking, she sautéed the onions and garlic in a skillet until they were soft and fragrant, adding in some fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Once the squash was done, my grandmother scraped out the strands with a fork and mixed them together with the sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs. She then added in a generous amount of cheese, stirring everything together until it was well combined.

Next, my grandmother transferred the mixture to a baking dish and topped it with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch. She popped the dish into the oven and let it bake until the cheese was melted and bubbly, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

As we waited for the casserole to finish cooking, my grandmother shared stories with me about the friend who had taught her the recipe. She spoke fondly of their time spent in the kitchen together, laughing and chatting as they cooked up delicious meals for their families. I could see the joy in her eyes as she reminisced about those days, and I felt grateful to be learning from her in the same way.

When the casserole was finally ready, my grandmother pulled it out of the oven and set it on the table with a flourish. The dish looked golden and bubbling, the cheese oozing out in tempting strings. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of our labor.

We served ourselves generous portions of the Spaghetti Squash Casserole, savoring each bite as the flavors melded together on our tongues. The sweetness of the squash paired perfectly with the savory cheese and herbs, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

As we ate, my grandmother and I talked and laughed, enjoying each other's company as much as the meal itself. It was moments like these that I cherished most, the simple act of cooking together bringing us closer and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

That day, I learned more than just a recipe for Spaghetti Squash Casserole. I learned the importance of family, tradition, and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones. And as I continue to cook and create in my own kitchen, I carry those lessons with me, grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that my grandmother passed down to me.