If you have never used this kind of squash before, it gets it’s name because the strands of squash look like strands of spaghetti.  It is a great alternative to regular spaghetti, because it is loaded with nutrients, low in carbohydrates, high in fiber, and is only about 40 calories per cup! (Compared to regular spaghetti which has 170 calories per cup).

Follow my step-by-step process of how to make spaghetti squash here!

Spaghetti squash is one of my favorite dishes to make, because you can do so much with it.  You can sauté other veggies like onion, zucchini, and spinach and add it to the dish, or even add ground turkey or lean ground beef and make it a meat-sauce ‘pasta’ dish.  Once you prepare the squash, (which is very easy, especially if you microwave it), you can eat it just as is, or prepare it any way you would regular spaghetti!

Ingredients

• 1 large spaghetti squash (about 4 cups) cooked and prepared (cooking directions below)
• 1 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 1/2 Teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 2 Tbs grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Cup fresh tomato sauce of choice (just be sure to check the label! I would look for one with 80-100 calories per 1/2 cup serving)

*Optional:

• 1 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Basil
• 1/8 teaspoon Dried Oregano

Method

Spaghetti squash can be cooked 2 different ways, I prefer the microwave because it is much quicker, but I listed both methods of cooking below.

Cooking Squash in Microwave:

• Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Place squash in a microwaveable dish with the open side up. Add a few cups of water, and cover with saran wrap.
• Microwave for 10-12 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes covered, then test it with a fork to see if it is done, (squash should be tender and pull apart in spaghetti-like strands).  If needed, cook an additional 2-5 minutes (cook time varies based on size of squash).
• Remove from oven and allow to cool, until it can be handled. Using a fork, loosen the spaghetti squash.

Cooking Squash in Oven:

• Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.  Place squash cut side down in a baking pan.
• Bake the spaghetti squash in the oven at 350 F for 45 minutes.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool, until it can be handled. Using a fork, loosen the spaghetti squash.

Preparing Spaghetti Squash (my personal favorite way to eat it)

1. Prepare and cook squash (see basic methods above).
2. Spray a non-stick skillet with cooking spray.  Add garlic to skillet and saute over medium heat for about 2 minutes. (If using garlic powder, skip this step and add garlic powder during next step).
3. Add the cooked spaghetti squash “noodles” to the sauteed garlic, and add salt, pepper (along with other seasonings if you choose).
4. Let squash cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until squash has become more tender and excess moisture has cooked out of squash.
5. Add Parmesan cheese to the squash and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the Parmesan starts to become brown and crispy.
6. Remove from pan and add spaghetti sauce (if desired you can microwave sauce before serving for 1-2 minutes).
7. Mix well and serve warm.

Enjoy!  Love Katie

Servings: 2 (1 serving~ 1 cup of squash and 1/2 cup of sauce)

Calories: 170 Per Serving

Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 4 Per Serving

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This post was written by Katie Farrell, the creator of Dashing Dish. Want to share Dashing Dish recipes with your friends and family? Click the ‘like’ or tweet button to the right and spread the love! Thanks so much and God Bless!

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