Name: Classic Spaghetti Squash with Marinara
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 1.2 kg); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil (for marinara); 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 100 g); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 400 g crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 tsp salt (for sauce); 1/4 tsp black pepper (for sauce); 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp sugar; 2 tbsp water; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Description

Classic Spaghetti Squash with Marinara is a wholesome, low-carb alternative to pasta featuring tender roasted squash strands topped with rich, herby tomato sauce. It’s a comforting, simple dish perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash (about 1.2 kg)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for marinara)
1 small onion, finely chopped (about 100 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced
400 g crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp salt (for sauce)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for sauce)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp sugar
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
Brush cut sides with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place cut-side down on baking tray and roast for 35–40 minutes until tender.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, sugar, and water.
Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Let roasted squash cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape flesh into strands.
Divide squash among plates and top with marinara sauce.
Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil, if using. Serve warm.

Notes

Microwave the squash for 5 minutes before cutting to make slicing easier.
Use store-bought marinara for a quicker version.
Add chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Store sauce and squash separately to maintain best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 160
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 370mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg