Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/13 checked
4
servings
2 unit

Spaghetti Squash

Sliced In Half Lengthwise

0.25 cup

Olive Oil

Divided

1 unit

Onion

Minced

2 clove

Garlic

Minced

1 pinch

Red Pepper Flakes

(optional)

56 oz

Whole Tomatoes

And Their Juices

0.5 tbsp

Sugar

(optional)

0.25 cup

Fresh Basil

Minced, Plus More For Layering

0.25 cup

Fresh Parsley

Minced

2.5 cup

Mozzarella

Shredded

1 cup

Asiago

Shredded

1 pinch

Salt

To Taste

1 pinch

Black Pepper

Fresh Cracked, To Taste

Step 1
~4 min

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2
~4 min

Cut spaghetti squashes in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.

Step 3
~4 min

Place squash cut side down on a baking tray.

Step 4
~4 min

Roast for 35-45 minutes, until squash is tender.

Step 5
~4 min

While squash roasts, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Step 6
~4 min

Add minced onion and a pinch of salt.

Step 7
~4 min

Cook onions for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until tender.

Step 8
~4 min

Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and another pinch of salt.

Step 9
~4 min

Stir until garlic is fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Step 10
~4 min

Add whole tomatoes and their juices, crushing the tomatoes with your hands.

Step 11
~4 min

Season with additional salt, pepper, and sugar (optional).

Step 12
~4 min

Add 1/4 cup minced basil and parsley.

Step 13
~4 min

Simmer the sauce while squash finishes roasting.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 14
~4 min

When squash is cool enough to handle, scrape the flesh out into strands.

Step 15
~4 min

Layer about 1/2 cup sauce in the bottom of each squash shell.

Step 16
~4 min

Layer some squash strands, a handful of mozzarella and asiago cheese, extra basil, and more sauce.

Step 17
~4 min

Repeat layers until the squash shells are filled (about 3 layers).

Step 18
~4 min

Top each boat with a generous amount of mozzarella and asiago.

Step 19
~4 min

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Step 20
~4 min

Broil for a few minutes on high to brown the cheese, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 21
~4 min

Allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 22
~4 min

Drain excess moisture by carefully tipping the boats over the sink.

Step 23
~4 min

Serve.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Roast the squash a day ahead to save time.

Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience.

Add ground meat to the sauce for a heartier meal.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The squash can be roasted and the sauce prepared a day in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad.

Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic Bread
Caesar Salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy/United States

Cultural Significance

A healthier take on a classic Italian-American dish.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Fall Harvest
Family Dinners

Occasion Tags

Weeknight Dinner
Family Meal
Fall Recipe

Popularity Score

65/100

More Italian-American Dinner Recipes

Discover more delicious Italian-American Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Italian-American
Medium
B+

Chicken Marsala

4.5
(1679 reviews)

A classic Italian-American dish featuring pan-fried chicken cutlets in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.

30 min
350 cal
Gluten-containing
Dairy-containing
75%
70
Italian-American
Medium
A

Chicken Parmesan

4.1
(1159 reviews)

Classic Italian-American comfort food featuring breaded chicken breasts baked with tomato sauce and melted cheese, served over spaghetti.

45 min
600 cal
Gluten-containing
Dairy-containing
80%
75
Italian-American
Medium
A+

Chicken Parmigiana

4.4
(561 reviews)

Classic Chicken Parmesan recipe with a crispy chicken base, flavorful spaghetti sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

45 min
600 cal
Gluten-adaptable
70%
75
Italian-American
Easy
C+

Easy Chicken Parmesan

4.2
(1151 reviews)

A simple and delicious chicken parmesan recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

30 min
450 cal
High Protein
75%
70
Italian-American
Medium
A-

Spaghetti Sauce

4.2
(1697 reviews)

A homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, perfect for canning or immediate use. Simmered for 3 hours for rich flavor.

180 min
200 cal
Vegan
Vegetarian
75%
70
Italian-American
Medium
A

Pollo al Marsala

4.4
(1367 reviews)

A classic Italian-American dish featuring chicken breasts in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and shallots.

30 min
350 cal
Gluten-containing
70%
75
Italian-American
Medium
A+

Lobster With Creamy Garlic Linguine

4.3
(1530 reviews)

A decadent dish featuring succulent lobster in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, served over linguine with fresh pea pods.

45 min
650 cal
Pescatarian
60%
75
Italian-American
Medium
A-

Spaghetti Meat Sauce

4.1
(1765 reviews)

A classic and hearty spaghetti meat sauce, simmered for hours to develop a rich and complex flavor.

250 min
450 cal
75%
70