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Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 1 review

This Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a hearty and healthy vegetarian dish that combines tender spaghetti squash strands with flavorful chopped tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic, and plenty of Parmesan cheese. Baked until bubbling and golden, it’s a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pasta casseroles, perfect for a comforting family dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Spaghetti Squash

  • 1 spaghetti squash

Tomato Mixture

  • 2 cans (14.5 ounce each) chopped tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh oregano, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Cheese

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (¾ cup plus ¼ cup)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  2. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Pierce the spaghetti squash: Using a knife, pierce the spaghetti squash in several places to allow steam to escape during cooking.
  4. Microwave the squash: Place the pierced squash in the microwave and cook on medium-high for 10 to 15 minutes, turning it every 5 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly until tender.
  5. Cool the squash: Carefully remove the hot squash and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s safe to handle.
  6. Prepare squash strands: Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Using a fork, scrape the inside flesh into long spaghetti-like strands.
  7. Transfer to baking dish: Place the spaghetti squash strands into the prepared baking dish as the base.
  8. Add tomato mixture: Add the chopped tomatoes, ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, fresh oregano, fresh basil, chopped garlic, and salt to the squash. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  9. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
  10. Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown, indicating it’s fully cooked and flavorful.

Notes

  • Microwaving the squash beforehand speeds up the cooking process compared to roasting it whole in the oven.
  • Fresh herbs add brightness and depth of flavor, but dried oregano and basil can be substituted if needed (use about 1 teaspoon each).
  • This casserole can be served as a main vegetarian dish or as a hearty side.
  • To add protein, consider mixing in cooked ground turkey or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian