Healthy and Easy Spaghetti Squash

A Low-Fat, Low-Calorie, and Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Dish

Aug 24, 2009 Emily Stellfox

Spaghetti squash may seem intimidating but its actually easy to cook and an incredibly versatile vegetable.

When it comes to exploring new vegetables, many people are hesitant to try squashes. Spaghetti squash is a vegetable that is simple to cook and can work in almost any dish. Spaghetti squash is yellow in color, varying anywhere from a pale yellow to a vibrant one. The squash is available in most grocery stores and supermarkets year round.

Why Try Spaghetti Squash?

Spaghetti squash has zero grams of fat, is low in carbs and calories, and can be used in dishes as a much healthier substitute for pasta. Many people seek out spaghetti squash while dieting, but it is beneficial, and delicious, for anyone. The spaghetti squash itself has a very mild taste, so it adapts well to the flavors of any dish. It is filling enough to be the base of any traditional pasta dish, without the carbs, calories and fat.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash can be cooked in a variety of ways. The easiest way is to bake it.

To bake spaghetti squash:

1. Cut it in half length-wise.
2. Use a fork to scrape out the seeds and guts, similar to the inside of a pumpkin.
3. Pour about a half inch of water into a baking dish.
4. Then, put the squash in the baking dish with the cut side facing down.
5. Bake the spaghetti squash at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
6. Let it cool a little, then use a fork to scrape the spaghetti like strands out lengthwise.

After the spaghetti squash is cooked, it can be used in all kinds of different recipes.

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This recipe is incredibly simple, it only contains three basic ingredients, and it will please the whole family.

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cooked spaghetti squash
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups of spaghetti sauce
• Minced garlic (optional, to taste)

Directions for Spaghetti Squash Casserole

1. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Next, put in a layer of cooked spaghetti squash.
3. Follow with a layer of spaghetti squash.
4. Then put on a layer of shredded cheese.
5. Repeat the layers.
6. Top with minced garlic.
7. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbling.

Nutritional Information

This dish makes 4 servings each with approximately 280 calories, 15 grams of fat, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, and more than 20% of the daily recommended value of vitamins A, B-12, and C.

Easy Spaghetti Squash Casserole Alterations

The fat content in the dish can be reduced by using shredded mozzarella made with 2% milk, or fat free mozzarella. For more protein, lean ground turkey can easily be added into the layers. Ground beef, shredded chicken, or even tofu would all be delicious additions. Try something new with your own spaghetti squash dish!

The copyright of the article Healthy and Easy Spaghetti Squash in Healthy Cooking is owned by Emily Stellfox. Permission to republish Healthy and Easy Spaghetti Squash in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Low-Calorie and Easy To Cook Spaghetti Squash

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