Looking for a delicious and healthy comfort food? Look no further than this Cheesy Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Squash recipe! Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

two spaghetti squash halves with melted cheese and herbs and a fork with twisted spaghetti squash

Are you looking for a delicious, low carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes? Look no further than this Cheesy Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Squash recipe! Not only is it easy to make with simple ingredients, but it’s also a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your meal. The roasted garlic and cheesy sauce give this dish a creamy and flavorful twist, while the spaghetti-like strands of the squash make for a satisfying and nutritious main dish. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at cooking spaghetti squash or new to the game, this roasted spaghetti squash recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes – Spaghetti squash is a low-carb and low-calorie option that can help you stay on track with your health goals while still satisfying your cravings for comfort food.
It’s easy to make – With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this cheesy roasted garlic spaghetti squash recipe is a breeze to prepare.
It’s delicious – The combination of roasted garlic, melted mozzarella, and fresh parsley creates a flavor explosion that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Plus, the spaghetti-like strands of the squash provide a similar texture to traditional pasta, making it a perfect substitute for those looking for a healthier option.

roasted spaghetti squash half with melted cheese and herbs with a fork pulling up the shredded squash

Ingredients

Spaghetti Squash – Low-carb and low-calorie pasta alternative.
Roasted Garlic Cloves – Add a rich, deep flavor to the dish.
Mozzarella – Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping.
Red Pepper Flakes – Optional ingredient for a subtle spicy kick.
Chopped Parsley – Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and bright green color.
Lemon – Provides a subtle acidic balance to the richness of the cheese and garlic.
Salt and Pepper – Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Olive Oil – Used to roast the squash and garlic and adds a rich, fruity flavor.

Tools

Baking sheet for roasting the spaghetti squash.
Knife for cutting the squash and parsley.
Microplane for zesting the lemon and grating the parmesan cheese.

How to Make Cheesy Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Squash

roasted spaghetti squash half with melted cheese and herbs

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Wash the raw squash and place it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in an aluminum foil pan for easy clean up.
Poke holes in the squash with a fork or a knife. Just a few holes per squash will do.
Drizzle a little olive oil on the outside of the squash.1-2 tablespoons will do.
Place the squash into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the squash is nicely brown and very soft to the touch. (see note 3)
Once the squash is ready, set it aside and allow it to cool for 10 minutes or until it can be handled.
Cut squash in half length-wise using a cutting board and a sharp knife. First, take off the top and ends of each squash and then slice it in half length-wise from top to bottom. It should look like two yellow spaghetti squash boats 🙂
With a spoon, scrape out the seeds of the spaghetti squash.
Once the inside of the squash is cleaned, take a fork and start scraping against the long strands until you have turned the whole boat into strands of spaghetti. Make sure to leave a little bit of squash at the bottom so it does not collapse.
Season with salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest (as much or as little as you like). Combine everything together and taste for seasoning.
Add the roasted garlic cloves (split up evenly) and Mozzarella cheese.
Place back into the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is all bubbly!
Garnish baked spaghetti squash with parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Variations

Add your favorite protein – Try topping your spaghetti squash with grilled chicken, shrimp, ground beef, or even meatballs for a delicious dish.
Experiment with different kinds of cheese – Mozzarella is a classic choice, but why not mix things up? Try using a blend of parmesan and cheddar, or sprinkle on some feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Spice it up – If you’re a fan of heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to your spaghetti squash.
Get creative with toppings – Chopped bacon, cream sauce, sautéed mushrooms, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze can all add a delicious pop of flavor to your dish.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Freeze plain spaghetti squash for up to 6 months.

two spaghetti squash halves with melted cheese and herbs

FAQ

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

You can omit the cheese or use a non-dairy cheese substitute for a vegan option.

Can I make this cheesy spaghetti squash recipe without garlic?

While the garlic adds a lot of flavor, you could omit it or reduce the amount to suit your personal taste. You could also add chopped onion for flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spaghetti squash and garlic ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.

Can I use an Instant Pot to cook the spaghetti squash?

An Instant Pot can be a quick and easy way to cook the spaghetti squash. Add a cup of water to your pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 7-8 minutes.

But just a heads up it will not roast the same way. Ideally the oven is best!

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for the oven, you could try cooking the spaghetti squash and garlic in a slow cooker on low heat for 4-5 hours. But just a heads up it will not roast the same way. Ideally the oven is best!