Imagine a dish that combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with a healthy twist—welcome to White Pizza Stuffed Spaghetti Squash! This delightful recipe transforms the humble spaghetti squash into a cheesy, savory masterpiece that will leave your taste buds singing. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish to serve at your next gathering, this stuffed squash is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. Ready to impress your guests and indulge in a guilt-free treat? Let’s dive into the delicious details of this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and discard or save for roasting later.
- Drizzle the inside of the squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Once the squash is cooked, remove from the oven and carefully flip the halves cut-side up. Use a fork to gently separate the squash strands, creating a spaghetti-like texture.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the surface of both squash halves.
- Top the ricotta layer with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot, cutting each squash half into two portions for a total of 4 servings.
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: Look for a spaghetti squash that feels heavy for its size and has a firm, unblemished skin. This ensures a sweeter, more flavorful outcome.
- Roasting Technique: When roasting the squash, cut-side down helps steam the flesh, making it tender and easier to shred into spaghetti-like strands.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Adding a bit of goat cheese or using different types of mozzarella can elevate the flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the ricotta mixture before stuffing the squash.
- Broiling for Perfection: Keep a close eye on the broiler during the final step. Cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your stuffed spaghetti squash with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a quick and delicious lunch the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
