Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta is a low-carb, creamy, and cheesy comfort dish that combines tender roasted spaghetti squash with a rich tomato sauce and creamy layers of cheese. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a healthy twist on classic pasta!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Spaghetti Squash:
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle the inside of each squash half with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until tender.
- Use a fork to scrape out the strands and set them aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Layer:
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti squash, followed by half of the meat sauce and half of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti squash, meat sauce, and cheese mixture.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of chopped vegetables.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce based on your preference.