Spaghetti Squash With Tomatoes and Parmesan

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/25/21
Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce

bhofack2 / Getty Images
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 80 mins
Total: 100 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
184 Calories
13g Fat
14g Carbs
4g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 184
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 22mg 7%
Sodium 315mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 15mg 75%
Calcium 120mg 9%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 360mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Spaghetti squash is getting to be known as a great substitute for pasta for tasty Italian-based recipes that are both meatless and low in carbohydrates―a five-star healthy rating.

In this recipe, spaghetti squash is steamed with basil, tomatoes and Parmesan cheese for a deep Italian vibe. It's easy and satisfying―perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Serve with extra shredded Parmesan cheese and Italian bread with seasoned olive oil for dipping, along with a dry red wine like zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz or merlot―or a blend featuring any of these varieties. You might be feeling so proud of yourself for serving up this super healthy dinner that you think a reward of dessert is in order for all. But to stay with your healthy food theme, think about something fruit-based, like old-fashioned baked apples; apple tart; peach, apple or blueberry cobbler; or raspberry, orange, lemon or pineapple sherbet. Oatmeal cookies are packed with whole grains, raisins, and nuts, another great choice.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 medium tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced

  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, more for serving

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Salt, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Line a baking pan with foil and oil lightly with olive oil. Heat the oven to 375 F.

  2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and any soft fibers.

  3. Arrange the squash, cut side down, on the foil-lined pan.

  4. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.

  5. After an hour, turn the squash over, cover once again with foil and bake for about 20 minutes longer, or until very tender.

  6. Scoop the squash out of its peel and toss in a large bowl with the butter, diced tomato, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pepper, and salt.

Recipe Tags: