This Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is bursting with flavor and an absolutely delicious way to get your fill of veggies for the day. Feel free to add in some of your other favorites or customize to make it your own!
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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!
Sensational Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
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
Instructions
- 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?
Devon (Run Sleep Rinse Repeat) says
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!
Charlie says
This looks so good! I love spaghetti squash! Definitely looks better than having it with only pasta sauce :).
Lauren says
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!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
That looks so delicious! I love spaghetti squash – and it is one squash my husband doesn’t want to eat either!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Omg, that looks sensational!! I must try this. Yum! I love all winter squash, but spaghetti squash is so versatile. Delish!
Lauren @ Hungry Dancer says
That looks amazing!! I LOVE spaghetti squash!!
Lisa @ I'm an Okie says
I LOVE THIS! Oh, and what do ya know–I have a spaghetti squash in my kitchen. I’ll be making this tomorrow night!
Lauren says
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!
Shayla says
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!! :)
Blog is the New Black says
This looks like THE BEST way to enjoy sketti squash! YUM!
fsugirl! says
MMMMMM!!!! Hungry now and i just had dinner!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
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! :)
Kimberley says
I don’t know what I am drooling over more the meal or the desert! ;)
Jillian says
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
Erica says
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.
Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie) says
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 :D
Lauren says
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! :-)
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
I *LOVE* spaghetti squash.
And the Iron Chef on the Food Network
presley says
That looks AMAZING!!!
Emily says
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 :-D
Alicia says
YUM! That looks so good!!!
ashallann says
Can’t wait to try this!
Kate Horning says
I love spaghetti squash and your cats facial expressions are hilarious.. food network is all I watch when I turn on the tv
Liz @ iheartvegetables says
YUM!!! I had spaghetti squash for dinner!!! But mine wasn’t nearly as cool as this!
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet says
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 :P
Khushboo says
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!
Diane {Created by Diane} says
looks delicious. I love squash!
Emily says
I love the Food Network. No really, I think it’s my favorite channel. Saturday and Sunday morning’s are the best.
Cute~Ella says
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
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
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!!
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy Living Girl" says
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 :-)
Becca says
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!!!
Courtney says
Aww YAY! :)
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
This looks amazing! I have yet to try spaghetti squash but this looks like the way to go!
Nicole says
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!
CaSaundra says
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 :-(
Sarah says
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 :)
Heather says
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.
GrowCookEatNYC says
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
Kate says
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!
Courtney says
Yum! Yours looked great, so glad you liked it :)
Allison @ Happy Tales says
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!
Jen says
Just tried this recipe tonight and fell in love! Thanks for sharing.
Courtney says
Awesome! So glad you liked it :-D
Stacey says
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!
Trista says
that looks SO good…and i’m a vegetarian…definitely making this for my boyfriend and me…thank you!
Nicole says
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!
Courtney says
I think ground turkey or chicken would be awesome. I might have to try that next time!!
Carole Crawford says
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.
Bill says
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.
Karen says
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!!!
Stacey says
Just got done w this yummy meal!!! Stuffed w veggies! So filling and do guilt free!!! I subbed daiya cheese ….. Yum!
Theresa says
I came across this recipe on Pinterest. Looks amazing. I’ll be making it for dinner tonight!
P.S. Cody is a handsome cat :)
Debora Thompson says
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!
Michelle says
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. :)
Alicia says
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!
Amy Risner says
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!!
Eric says
I made this the other night for myself and my friend thinking it would be pretty tasty. Little did I know this recipe was going to be so amazing. It blew my mind a little bit just how tasty this was. Great way to make a spaghetti squash!
Bella Hardy @ Healthnerdy says
Definitely your sensational stuffed spaghetti squash is awesomeness! This is a great recipe Courtney, as you know I made it a short while ago and it was lovely, in fact have made it again since. Thanks for sharing!
Robin Hamilton @Wellness Wires says
I love healthy food like spaghetti squash. It would be a perfect breakfast!
Kara Mathys says
I love healthy food like spaghetti squash. It would be a perfect breakfast! Thanks for sharing, Courtney!
SENSED says
your all food item is good and i like this food
Fitness tips says
sweeet Dish lovely tasty
Veronica says
This recipe is very innovative, it truly was bursting with flavor, I made this at my sister’s bridal shower and everyone simply loved this spaghetti squash!
Rimmy says
I have never tried them. I will do it tomorrow
Paul @Diet Blog Pro says
sensational stuffed spaghetti squash looking so amazing and healthy.i will try make it,hope i will succeed.thanks for this post.
Christina Moore says
Hi there. I’m glad to read your recipe. Stuffed squash and overall cheese on top make my mouth crave. Easy to cook. The ingredients are available in my fridge. I should cook it over the dinner.
Whits@amusebouche says
You’ve inspired me to try again to love spaghetti squash! This looks wonderful!
Mona J Yoder says
what a great style, it not easy job well don.
Beks says
I love this so much, I make it often.
Lori says
Love stuffed spaghetti squash- this looks so good!
Health and Beauty Facts says
It’s really great post, nice blog..I would like to appreciate your work and would like to tell to my friends.
Stepehn says
wow lovely cake. looks so delicious.
Hqketo says
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