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This garlic parmesan spaghetti squash is a light and flavorful dish made with tender roasted spaghetti squash, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s easy to prepare, low-carb, and perfect as a healthy side dish.
This is one of those recipes we make on repeat when we want something easy and comforting, but still light. It’s the ultimate easy side dish that comes together effortlessly with just a few simple ingredients. You’re going to love how simple and satisfying this recipe is!
If you love spaghetti squash, make sure to try our Mediterranean spaghetti squash and chicken Alfredo spaghetti squash next.
Why You Will Love Spaghetti Squash With Garlic and Parmesan
- Healthy: This recipe is high in fiber, low-carb, and gluten-free. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional pasta that still feels cozy and satisfying.
- Easy: This recipe is incredibly easy to make! All you need is spaghetti squash, grated Parmesan cheese, and a few simple seasonings.
- Simple: This spaghetti squash is packed with the incredible flavors of garlic and parmesan. It’s made super easy with grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. There aren’t any complicated steps!
- Minimal Prep: You simply slice the squash, scoop out the seeds, bake until tender, then shred into strands, season, and enjoy.
Ingredients Needed
- Spaghetti Squash: You’ll need one medium spaghetti squash for this recipe. It roasts up tender and turns into perfect noodle-like strands.
- Olive Oil: Just enough to coat the squash so it roasts beautifully and doesn’t dry out.
- Seasonings: Season the spaghetti squash with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper for the ultimate flavor.
- Parmesan: Grated Parmesan adds a delicious cheesy flavor.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Extra Cheesy: To make it extra cheesy, sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan on top before serving.
- Parmesan Swap: You can swap the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Butter: Add a small amount of butter or light butter once done for extra richness.
- Roasted Garlic: You can swap the garlic powder for roasted garlic for a deeper and richer garlic flavor.
- Add Protein: Add fully cooked shredded chicken breast, such as our slow-cooker shredded chicken, to turn this garlic parmesan spaghetti squash into a high-protein meal!
How To Make Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
Step 1: Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Step 2: Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and season evenly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 35-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the strands can be easily pulled away with a fork.
Step 4: Once roasted, let the spaghetti squash cool slightly so excess steam can escape. This helps prevent the strands from becoming soggy. Use a fork to scrape the squash into spaghetti-like strands.
Step 5: Transfer the strands to a bowl and toss with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Serve warm and top with fresh chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
We love serving this garlic parmesan spaghetti squash as a delicious side dish. It pairs especially well with our Caesar salad, Italian chopped salad, or high-protein Italian pasta salad. It’s also delicious alongside Italian meals like our healthy baked chicken parmesan, Italian turkey meatballs, or Crockpot Marry Me Chicken!
Expert Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grating the Parmesan or using a high-quality grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and melts better into the warm spaghetti squash.
- Let the Squash Cool Slightly: After baking, let the spaghetti squash rest for a few minutes before scraping it into strands so it doesn’t release excess moisture or become soggy when mixed.
- Season in Stages: Season the squash with salt and pepper before baking, then season the strands with garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and dried oregano after baking for the best flavor distribution.
- Adjust the Seasoning to Taste: The amount of seasoning may vary depending on the size of your spaghetti squash, so taste and adjust as needed.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover garlic parmesan spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
More Spaghetti Squash Recipes!
- Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash
- Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Marry Me Chicken Spaghetti Squash
- Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash
- Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Bowls
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.
Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper, or more to taste
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped fresh basil or parsley, optional
Instructions
- Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and season evenly with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 35-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the strands can be easily pulled away with a fork.
- Once roasted, let the spaghetti squash cool slightly so excess steam can escape. This helps prevent the strands from becoming soggy. Use a fork to scrape the squash into spaghetti-like strands.
- Transfer the strands to a bowl and toss with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm and top with fresh chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grating the Parmesan or using a high-quality grated Parmesan adds the best flavor and melts better into the warm spaghetti squash.
- Butter: You can add a small amount of butter or light butter once done for extra richness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
You’ll love this garlic parmesan spaghetti squash because it’s light, flavorful, and so easy to make. It is the perfect, simple, healthy side dish.