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Healthy spaghetti squash pasta casserole with melted cheese, ground beef, and fresh herbs in white baking dish, showing golden bubbly top and pasta-like squash strands

Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Pasta – 78% Fewer Calories Than Regular Pasta!

  • Author: liya
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Spaghetti Squash Pasta recipe transforms comfort food into a nutrient-dense, low-carb powerhouse. Creamy, cheesy, protein-packed layers deliver all the satisfaction of pasta with a fraction of the calories.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large spaghetti squash (about 2.5 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or mushrooms/lentils for plant-based)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve half for topping)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, drizzle with olive oil, season, and place cut-side down on baking sheet. Roast 30–40 minutes, then scrape into strands.
  2. Meanwhile, cook ground beef or sausage in skillet until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain grease, add marinara, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
  3. In bowl, mix ricotta or cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, and half the mozzarella until smooth.
  4. Grease 9×13 baking dish. Layer half the squash, spread cheese mixture, add remaining squash, then top with meat sauce. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake uncovered 20 minutes. Broil 2–3 minutes for golden top. Rest 5 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Notes

Drain spaghetti squash strands in colander for 10 minutes before layering to avoid sogginess. Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: spaghetti squash pasta, low-carb pasta, keto pasta, healthy comfort food

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Find it online: https://liyarecipes.com/cheesy-spaghetti-squash-pasta/