Uncover the secret to a truly decadent yet surprisingly healthy meal with the Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta. This recipe transforms humble spaghetti squash into a rich, creamy pasta-like dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly versatile, making it a budget-friendly star for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Key Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
- 1 large spaghetti squash (approximately 3-4 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken (or your preferred protein)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta recipe is a revelation in simplicity and flavor, delivering a creamy, satisfying pasta experience without the heavy carbs. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, proving that a truly delicious and comforting meal doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Expect to spend about 15 minutes on prep and another 45-50 minutes on cooking, including bake time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare and Roast the Spaghetti Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center of each half. Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooled slightly, use a fork to gently scrape out the spaghetti-like strands. Set aside.
Brown the Protein and Aromatics: While the squash is roasting, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the meat and onions. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Remove the lid from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and is creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Combine and Serve: Gently fold the prepared spaghetti squash strands into the creamy sauce. Ensure the strands are well-coated. Serve the Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
You’ll absolutely adore this Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta for its incredibly satisfying, creamy texture that mimics traditional pasta dishes, but with a fraction of the calories and carbs. It’s a true game-changer for those looking for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor or that comforting, home-cooked feel. The richness of the creamy sauce, combined with savory protein and the unique texture of the spaghetti squash, creates a dish that feels undeniably indulgent.
Making this dish at home is not only a delight for your taste buds but also a smart choice for your wallet, proving that gourmet-quality meals can be incredibly budget-friendly. Compared to buying pre-made pasta sauces loaded with sugar and preservatives, or opting for expensive specialty pasta, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta offers a gourmet experience at a fraction of the cost. The customizable toppings, from fresh herbs to a sprinkle of extra cheese, allow you to elevate this simple dish into something truly special. Don’t just take our word for it – try this delightful recipe and experience the million-dollar flavor for yourself!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of your Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation buildup.
To reheat, you have a couple of great options for optimal taste. You can gently reheat the portions in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings on a microwave-safe plate until hot. If the sauce seems a little thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of water, milk, or cream to loosen it up while reheating. Freezing is also a viable option for longer storage. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen spaghetti squash pasta should be consumed within 2-3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Give it a try; you’ll be amazed at how satisfying and delicious this healthier pasta alternative can be, proving that a million-dollar taste doesn’t have to break the bank.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center of each half. Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooled slightly, use a fork to gently scrape out the spaghetti-like strands. Set aside.1 large spaghetti squash, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper
- While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.olive oil, 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken, 1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the meat and onions. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, Pinch red pepper flakes
- Remove the lid from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and is creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Gently fold the prepared spaghetti squash strands into the creamy sauce. Ensure the strands are well-coated. Serve the Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese.fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese