The Best Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe (Easy + Cheesy!)

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to enjoy a cozy, comforting meal that’s both wholesome and wonderfully cheesy?

Stuffed spaghetti squash has quietly earned its place as a modern classic, but its heart is deeply traditional. Long before it became popular as a lighter alternative to pasta, home cooks were roasting squash to bring out its natural sweetness, then filling it with whatever goodness the kitchen offered. This recipe follows that same honest philosophy: simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and a method that lets each component shine. 💛

The Best Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe (Easy + Cheesy!) is the kind of dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent. When roasted, spaghetti squash transforms into tender, golden strands that resemble pasta, ready to soak up rich sauces and melted cheese. Paired with a savory filling and baked until bubbly, it becomes a complete meal that satisfies without feeling heavy.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, relaxed weekends, or those evenings when you want something homemade but not complicated. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and deeply comforting. You can keep it vegetarian, add protein, or adjust the cheese to suit your taste. Most importantly, it brings people together around the table — which is what traditional cooking has always been about.

Let your kitchen fill with warmth, let the cheese melt slowly, and enjoy a recipe that proves simple food, made with care, is always the best kind of food. 🧀🍽️

Ingredients

For the Squash:

  • 1 large spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed 🎃
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the Cheesy Finish:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Optional additions:

  • Cooked ground chicken or turkey
  • Sautéed mushrooms or spinach

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Brush the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, until fork-tender.
  4. While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  6. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and chili flakes. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes.
  8. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  9. Using a fork, scrape the inside of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands, leaving them in the shells.
  10. Spoon the sauce evenly over the squash strands and gently mix.
  11. Top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  12. Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories per serving: ~420
🍽️ Servings: 4

Approximate per serving:

  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fiber: 6g

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️

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