I’ve got a mouth-watering dinner in store for you all tonight. You’re not gonna want to miss it!
Seee? I told ya.
A couple of weeks ago, Jay and I were watching one of our favorite shows, Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives on the Food Network. Seriously, we love that show.
I have no idea where exactly Guy was in this particular episode, because all I could fixate on was the Stuffed Spaghetti Squash that was featured. It left me salivating and craving a spaghetti squash like nothing ever had. It was intense. And I’m pretty sure I watched the tv screen the entire time looking like this…
But, ya know, only human.
The thing has been on my mind ever since that night, and tonight was the night for my attempt to recreate it! I got some notes ready…
I got my veggies prepped…
And I got to work!
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Recipe by Courtney
Ingredients:
- 1 spaghetti squash, cut lengthwise
- 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 celery stalks
- 4-5 baby carrots (or one carrot)
- 1/2 cup peppers
- 2 slices turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup each, zucchini & yellow squash
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup Italian-style diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce
- 3 tbsp Chavrie goat cheese
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
- parmesan cheese
- Salt, pepper, dried basil, or any other spices you enjoy
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375F. Halve the squash length-wise and scrape out the seeds. Place the halves of the squash in a large pot of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
In a large skillet, sauté the garlic and onion in olive oil. Add celery, carrots, peppers, and turkey bacon softened. Add zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and spinach and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Scrape the meat out of the squash and place in a large bowl. Add the sauteed veggies, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, goat cheese, and spices. Mix and return the mixture to the empty squash halves. Top with extra marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Bake until the top is bubbling and melted. ENJOY! 
First, I started by boiling my spaghetti squash for about 10-15 minutes.
While the squash was cooking, I began sautéing up my veggies. I tried to remember most of the veggies that were in the recipe that I saw, but really, anything would work for this. It’s so versatile!
The garlic and onion went first, cooked up in a little extra virgin olive oil.
Then I just started adding the veggies a few at a time. First went the celery, carrots, & peppers, along with 2 slices of turkey bacon that I was graciously given as leftovers from last night’s dinner.
Then went in the zucchini & yellow squash.
Next, I realized I had a small container of Italian-style diced tomatoes leftover in the fridge from last week. So they went in too.
Last went the spinach, since that doesn’t take too long to cook.
I let the veggies cook away for a few minutes while I got to work on the cooked squash.
Once it was cool enough to handle, I grabbed my fork and went to town. What is it about spaghetti squash that is so fun??
After the squash was in the bowl, I added in my sautéed veggies,
followed by some bread crumbs,
then some extra marinara sauce,
and a little Chavrie goat cheese. Why not, right?
Once it was all mixed up, I stuffed it right back into the empty spaghetti squash halves,
added a little extra marinara, reduced-fat mozzarella, & a sprinkle of parmesan cheese,
and popped it in the oven to let the cheese melt. I never set a timer, and pretty much just eye-balled it, but I’d say it was in there for probably about 8-10 minutes.
I couldn’t take the wait any longer, so I immediately plated one and dug right in.
Seriously, just check out that cheese!
Despite the fact that I was eating alone, I’m pretty sure I pronounced my love for this dish, out loud, more than half a dozen times. Easily.
I think Cody was even a little jealous…
Either that, or he was thoroughly impressed with my record time in demolishing the entire plate.
We’ll have to see how my stomach feels later after eating all those veggies. Oooof.
And I’m not going to lie. I was a little more than excited when hubby announced that he would not be interested in partaking in tonight’s dish. Spaghetti squash “weirds him out.” Hey, whatever…more leftovers for meeeee! The best part is, I could eat that entire half totally guilt-free, since it’s basically just loads of veggies and a little cheese. YUM!
For dessert, I plan on sinking my teeth into this little treat. I’ve been holding off all day on eating it. THAT my friends,
is a milk chocolate-covered Oreo. Thank youuuuu Easter Bunny!
Question for the Evening:
Do you watch the Food Network? What’s your favorite show?
Welcome to Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life! I'm Courtney, a 28-year old personal trainer living in Upstate, NY. I enjoy all things related to food, fitness, and fashion, as well as feeding my huge sweet tooth. To find out a little bit more about the girl behind the blog, check out my 
{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
I have NEVER had spaghetti squash… I’ve heard about it, but never tried it. I’ll have to add this to next week’s meal plan!
Devon (Run Sleep Rinse Repeat) recently posted..No Sweets Week
This looks so good! I love spaghetti squash! Definitely looks better than having it with only pasta sauce
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Charlie recently posted..Tofu & Broccoli Stir-Fry with Peanut Butter Sauce
Oh man this looks SO good. I love that show but I’ve never seen anything nearly as healthy on there as stuffed spaghetti squash, haha too bad I missed this episode! I’m a TOTAL Food Network junkie. The shows I love most are Barefoot Contessa, Aarti Party, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, and Giada at Home!
Lauren recently posted..Easter Brunch
That looks so delicious! I love spaghetti squash – and it is one squash my husband doesn’t want to eat either!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey recently posted..realist ravioli
Omg, that looks sensational!! I must try this. Yum! I love all winter squash, but spaghetti squash is so versatile. Delish!
J3nn (Jenn’s Menu and Lifestyle Blog) recently posted..Teeny Bopper Birthdays
That looks amazing!! I LOVE spaghetti squash!!
Lauren @ Hungry Dancer recently posted..Weekend Recap & Happy Birthday Sis-Cousin
I LOVE THIS! Oh, and what do ya know–I have a spaghetti squash in my kitchen. I’ll be making this tomorrow night!
I love spaghetti squash too, but I never make it because my boyfriend doesn’t like it (pretty much the only thing he doesn’t like). I’m definitely going to try this! Yummy!
Lauren recently posted..Happy Easter Herb Roasted Garbanzo Beans with Gorgonzola
Ooooo that looks so good! I must try that! And I love love Food Network! My fav shows are Best Thing I Ever Ate, Giada At Home, Barefoot Contessa, and Next Food Network Star!!
This looks like THE BEST way to enjoy sketti squash! YUM!
Blog is the New Black recently posted..Easy Tomato Salad
MMMMMM!!!! Hungry now and i just had dinner!
Yum yum yum! That look so good! I am pretty much obsessed with the Food Network, but if I had to pick a favorite show, it would def. be The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Have a great night!
Parita @ myinnershakti recently posted..Relaxation Nation
I don’t know what I am drooling over more the meal or the desert!
Kimberley recently posted..Beauty Round-Up
I looove spaghetti squash! I always mix it with veggies and cheese like that, but never thought to stuff it all back in and bake it! Genius! I held off all day for my Easter treat too, in my attempt to pace myself at one Easter treat a day until they disappear! lol
wow. i have only made spaghetti squash once in my life, and it didn’t look nearly as delicious as that!!! i must try it and give spaghetti squash another try!!!
i love food network, i had to stop watching because once i start, i’ll sit there all day. i was obsessed w/30min meals, giada, paula deen and ina garten.
The irony of this post, I just had spaghetti squash for dinner! I loaded it up with veggies, added chicken and layered on some Alfredo sauce with Parmesan cheese
I love your idea though, gonna test this out soon.
And I am obsessed with the Food Network, I pretty much spend my TV time between that and Bravo lol
Thanks for sharing! It looks delicious! I have a spaghetti squash in my pantry that I was just thinking of baking with some marinara sauce, but your recipe sounds much better! My husband won’t eat it either! He is also weirded out by it. lol Oh well, more for me!
I *LOVE* spaghetti squash.
And the Iron Chef on the Food Network
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out recently posted..Happy Easter
That looks AMAZING!!!
that looks so wonderful! I have yet to try spaghetti squash, but maybe this is the recipe that will finally get me to take the leap and do it
Emily recently posted..Rewarding yourself
YUM! That looks so good!!!
Alicia recently posted..Washington DC – A great place for a race!
Can’t wait to try this!
I love spaghetti squash and your cats facial expressions are hilarious.. food network is all I watch when I turn on the tv
Kate Horning recently posted..Rainy Saturday
YUM!!! I had spaghetti squash for dinner!!! But mine wasn’t nearly as cool as this!
Liz @ iheartvegetables recently posted..Family Fun My First Omelet
I lovelovelove the Food Network. I could watch it all day, and back when I had cable, it would always be running in the background.
That squash looks amazing! So so cheesy. I think I’d probably prefer your healthier version to the actual diner’s version, though. Who knows what crazy stuff they really put in it
Liv @ The Salty n’ Sweet recently posted..Sweet Signs of Summer
Wow that looks awesome- nothing beats marinara sauce with cheese! I’ve never watched the Food Network but I know I’d love it- I could watch these kind of shows for hours!
Khushboo recently posted..Rock-bottom motivation
looks delicious. I love squash!
I love the Food Network. No really, I think it’s my favorite channel. Saturday and Sunday morning’s are the best.
Emily recently posted..Cookie Heaven
Oh that looks really great! I’ll have to try it.
I don’t have cable right now, but when I did my favorite shows were Good Eats (Alton Brown is so much fun!) and Iron Chef
Cute~Ella recently posted..Sharing is Caring – Bizarre Peanut Butter Sandwich
I never watch the Food Network, because I’m too addicted to Bravo shows…though I do really love Top Chef, especially Top Chef Just Desserts!!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine recently posted..The Only Thing Better Than Chocolate
Love the Food Network. Love Spaghetti Squash. Love love Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives (second only to “Best thing I Ever Ate). I HAPPEN to have a spaghetti squash in my fridge right now. I may just have to make this tonight! Thanks for sharing
Jamie aka “Sometimes Healthy Living Girl” recently posted..Wedding Recap Part II- The Party Continues!
I saw this last night and had to come back and A) bookmark for when I’m not dieting and B) comment saying you totally MADE my night when I saw this!!!
Becca recently posted..Easter Eggs
Aww YAY!
This looks amazing! I have yet to try spaghetti squash but this looks like the way to go!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat recently posted..Starting Off Healthy
It is so funny that you made that bc I watched that episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives also and wanted to make it immediately!!! Looks delish! I attempted spaghetti squash for the first time last weekend and wasn’t too successful, so I’ll have to try again!
I am such a big fan of “stuffing stuff”. I think I’ve stuffed every kind of squash imaginable, but can’t say I’ve ever stuffed a spaghetti squash. Looks divine! And speaking of Guy Fieri, his show came to a town just 45 mins away from my house last summer, but I was working, so I couldn’t go
mmmmm! I have only tried making spaghetti squash once and i didnt do a good job! THIS LOOKS SO GOOD, i am forced to try it again
Sarah recently posted..Happy Royal Wedding Day
Looks delicious, but would taste a lot better if you roasted the spaghetti squash instead of boiling out all the nutrients and flavor. Also if you cut it the other direction (the short way around) you will get the really long strands of spaghetti that is more like spaghetti noodles, cause that’s the way it is on the inside, it also comes out easier that way too.
This looks so good! I am a huge fan of spaghetti squash, but I never thought about stuffing it back into it’s skin. Thanks for the recipe… will def be making this soon!
http://www.growcookeatnyc.com
Hi Courtney, I just wanted to let you know I referenced your stuffed spaghetti squash recipe. I made it this evening and it was great! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Kate recently posted..Don’t Know Much About History…
Yum! Yours looked great, so glad you liked it
Whoa whoa whoa. I’m going to seriously have to buy an out of season spaghetti squash and TRY THIS RECIPE! That sounds deeeelicious! Way to go on recreating it!
Allison @ Happy Tales recently posted..Oh- Happy Day!
Just tried this recipe tonight and fell in love! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome! So glad you liked it
I just made this for dinner, but with acorn squash from our farm Co=op instead of spaghetti squash, so delicious!! I love a veggie packed meal!
that looks SO good…and i’m a vegetarian…definitely making this for my boyfriend and me…thank you!
This looks delish! If you were to add a protein to this, what do you think would work best? Pre-cooked chicken breast? Ground turkey?
Thanks!
I think ground turkey or chicken would be awesome. I might have to try that next time!!
I HAPPEN to have a spaghetti squash in my fridge right now. I loaded it up with veggies, added chicken and layered on some Alfredo sauce with Parmesan cheese I love your idea though, gonna test this out soon. I attempted spaghetti squash for the first time last weekend and wasn’t too successful, so I’ll have to try again! Love the Food Network.
Carole Crawford recently posted..Gout Tips
Great recipe.
I changed it up a bit with fresh cilantro (no fresh basil available) and added a tiny bit of chicken stock (vegie stock works too) to give it a bit more richness. I also used Japanese Panko breadcrumbs as they have a nicer texture and consistency.
Left out the Chavrie ‘ too expensive here … 1 little piece was 10.00 so passed on that and did not seem to make a difference.
Substituted fresh mozzarella for Romano and put it on in thick strips and at the end of the bake cycle I put the broiler on for 4 or 5 minutes to really brown it looked like the top of a nice cheese pizza when done. I split the 1/2 between two of us and it was enough in itself for a meal (it was a big squash)
Will do this again in a heartbeat…. I am on Atkins for the most part but this is very forgiving and the carb content is not worth worrying about for such a great taste.
I absolutely love this type of squash! I’ve never boiled it, I always cut it an half then roast it in the oven. Definitely going to have to make this!!!
Just got done w this yummy meal!!! Stuffed w veggies! So filling and do guilt free!!! I subbed daiya cheese ….. Yum!
I came across this recipe on Pinterest. Looks amazing. I’ll be making it for dinner tonight!
P.S. Cody is a handsome cat
THANK YOU!!!!!
I too was fixated on this episode and finally HUNTED down the squash this week only to find the episode of DDD was deleted from my DVR. I have been online now for hours looking and began cracking up reading your intro to your recipe. Now, off to the store!! Forgot about the carrots and red onion!!!!
Thanks again!
I made this 2 nights ago and it was so good. I added about half a bag of morning star chik’n strips. I was a little overzealous while forking my squash and poked through the skin, so I mixed all the ingredients together and then put it in a baking dish before topping it with cheese and putting it in the oven. Thanks so much. I will definitely make this again, as even my squash hating husband liked it.
This was amazing! I made it tonight for dinner with slight variations, but so delish! My 3 year old even loved it. Great way to get in veggies! Thanks for the recipe and for sharing!
Courtney, I made your stuffed spaghetti squash tonight for dinner…one word: AMAZING!! I had 1 half and it was was soooo much food that I had to stop and take a break! It was super yummy! I’ll be having the other half tomorrow for lunch! Thanks for the great recipe and fulfilling two meals for me!!
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