Viral Spaghetti Squash

$- 1 medium spaghetti squash - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 large handful of fresh spinach - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish If you don’t have spaghetti squash, you can use zucchini. Zucchini can also make a great noodle base. For olive oil, you can use avocado oil. If you need a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Fresh spinach can be swapped for kale or Swiss chard. Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes. Each serving has about 150 calories. You get 7 grams of fat and 9 grams of carbs. It also has 5 grams of protein. This dish is a good source of vitamins A and C. It is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy choice. 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. 2. Take the spaghetti squash and cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. 3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each half. 4. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on the squash. Rub it all over the flesh. 1. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 2. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Check for tenderness. You should easily shred the flesh with a fork. 3. While the squash cooks, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. 4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes. They should become soft and juicy. 5. Next, add fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper. 6. Once the squash is done, let it cool a little. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. 7. In a large bowl, mix the spaghetti strands with the sautéed tomatoes and spinach. 8. Add grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and toss well. Adjust seasoning if needed. - Roast the squash until it is tender. Overcooking makes it mushy. - Shredding with a fork creates the best spaghetti-like strands. - If you want extra crunch, sauté veggies just until soft, not mushy. - For added flavor, try mixing in herbs like parsley or oregano. - Always choose a medium spaghetti squash. A smaller squash may cook faster, while a larger one may take longer. - Cut the squash carefully. Use a sharp knife and a strong cutting board. This helps avoid slips and injuries. - Roast with the cut side down. This keeps the squash moist and helps it cook evenly. - Test for doneness by piercing the skin. If it feels soft, it’s ready to shred. - Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma. They pair well with the squash. - Mix in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This adds a fun heat and flavor twist. - Consider using lemon zest. It brightens the dish and balances the rich cheese. - Try other vegetables. Bell peppers or zucchini can add color and taste. - Use a large bowl for mixing. This helps keep everything combined and makes serving easy. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of color and a fresh aroma. - Serve in the squash shells. This gives a rustic and fun look to your meal. - Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before serving. It makes everything shiny and inviting. {{image_2}} If you want a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead. It adds a nice cheesy flavor without any dairy. This dish is already gluten-free since it only uses spaghetti squash and fresh veggies. You can enjoy a healthy meal that fits many diets. Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked chickpeas for extra protein. Sun-dried tomatoes also work great if you want a richer taste. For some spice, toss in red pepper flakes. You might also try adding olives or artichokes for a Mediterranean twist. These additions make the dish even more fun and tasty. You can cook spaghetti squash in different ways. If you have an Instant Pot, it cooks faster. Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place it on the trivet with a cup of water. Cook on high pressure for about 7 minutes. The squash will be soft and easy to shred. An air fryer is another option. Cut the squash like before, and season it. Cook at 375°F for about 25 minutes. You’ll get crispy edges and tender insides. Both methods give you great results and save time in the kitchen. After you enjoy your viral spaghetti squash, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to let it cool down a bit before sealing it up. This helps keep the texture nice and prevents moisture build-up. When you're ready to eat again, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the spaghetti squash in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to warm evenly. If you choose the stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan, then add the squash. Stir until it's heated through, usually about five minutes. If you want to save some for later, freezing is an option! First, let the squash cool completely. Then, use a fork to scrape the strands into a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Spaghetti squash is a unique vegetable. When cooked, its flesh pulls apart into strands, resembling spaghetti. To cook it, first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Drizzle olive oil on the inside, and season it with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes until tender. After that, use a fork to scrape the insides into spaghetti-like strands. You can eat spaghetti squash raw, but it is tough and crunchy. Raw squash lacks the soft texture that cooking provides. If you want to try it raw, slice it thinly or spiralize it. You can add it to salads for a crunchy texture. However, most people prefer it cooked for its softer, more pleasant bite. Spaghetti squash is low in calories, making it a healthy choice. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash has about 42 calories. This makes it a great option if you want to enjoy a filling dish without many calories. Plus, it is high in vitamins and nutrients, which is a bonus! Spaghetti squash is a healthy, tasty veggie option. We covered its ingredients, cooking steps, storage, and creative variations. You can experiment with substitutes and flavor tips to suit your taste. Remember, cooking methods like the Instant Pot add fun. Store leftovers wisely for later meals. With these insights, you can master spaghetti squash and impress with your dishes. Keep exploring flavors, and enjoy the process!$

Discover the deliciousness of this Viral Spaghetti Squash Delight! This easy recipe features roasted spaghetti squash mixed with savory sautéed tomatoes and fresh spinach, topped with melted Parmesan or vegan cheese. Perfect for a healthy meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Ready to impress your family? Click through for the full recipe and make this vibrant dish tonight! #SpaghettiSquash #HealthyRecipes #VeganEats #CookingInspiration

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Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 large handful of fresh spinach

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon.

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over both halves, then sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the flesh.

Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and their juices start to release.

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the spaghetti squash is finished cooking, let it cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the flesh, creating spaghetti-like strands.

In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti squash strands with the sautéed tomatoes and spinach mixture.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and toss until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4