Delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta topped with cheese and herbs

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta: 1 Winner

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta is a delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes. It’s healthy, low-carb, and packed with flavor! This recipe makes a comforting, cheesy meal that the whole family will love, plus it’s easy to prepare. Using spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta gives you all the enjoyment without the added carbs. This dish is not only tasty but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Ingredients

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free for keto)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
  2. Slice the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender.
  4. Once it’s cool, scrape out the spaghetti-like strands with a fork and set them aside.
  5. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a bowl, mix the ricotta (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese together.
  7. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti squash, followed by the cheese mixture, then the remaining squash.
  8. Top with the meat sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, cheesy top.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot!

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Serve this delicious dish warm. It makes a great main course for dinner and can be paired with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For extra flavor, drizzle some olive oil or balsamic vinegar over the salad.

How to Store Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!

Tips to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

  • Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti squash; it should be tender but still hold its shape.
  • Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms. For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese, such as goat cheese or a dairy-free option.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.

Q: How can I reheat the leftovers?
A: You can reheat the spaghetti squash pasta in the oven at 350 °F until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option. Just be careful not to overheat it!