Irresistible Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this million dollar spaghetti squash pasta recipe delivers pure magic.

Creamy, cheesy layers melt together in a comforting casserole that feels luxurious yet simple.

Spaghetti squash provides a healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes, creating a lighter alternative packed with flavor.

Each bite combines rich cheese, hearty vegetables, and satisfying textures that dance across your palate.

The recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this dish transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable meal.

Dive into this delectable creation and treat yourself to a dinner that promises to become a new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Spaghetti Squash: Provides a low-carb pasta alternative with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that absorbs other ingredients beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Adds rich moisture and helps seasonings stick to the squash surface.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile and balancing other ingredients.

• Ground Beef or Sausage: Delivers hearty protein and adds robust meaty depth to the dish.
• Onion: Brings sweet, aromatic undertones that complement the meat perfectly.
• Garlic: Contributes intense, sharp flavor that elevates the entire sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Creates a classic, tangy base that ties all components together.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces a blend of herbal notes that makes the sauce more complex.

• Ricotta Cheese: Provides creamy, smooth texture with mild, delicate taste.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create a lighter cheese mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, nutty flavor that deepens overall taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers classic stretchy, melty texture that creates irresistible golden top.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds bright, fresh color and subtle herbal note.

Everything You Need To Prep Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting spaghetti squash evenly.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning meat and cooking sauce.
• Medium Bowl: Ideal for mixing cheese ingredients.
• Large Baking Dish: Necessary for layering and baking the casserole.
• Fork: Helpful for scraping squash strands and testing tenderness.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing spaghetti squash.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for accurate ingredient amounts.

Quick How-To For Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Squash Preparation

Slice the spaghetti squash right down the middle and remove those slippery seeds. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of seasoning. Place the halves face down on a baking sheet and let the oven work its magic until the squash becomes super tender. Gently pull out those beautiful spaghetti-like strands using a fork.

• Savory Meat Symphony

Brown the ground meat in a sizzling skillet until it develops a gorgeous color. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance together until fragrant. Pour in your favorite marinara sauce and add a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a rich and delicious sauce.

• Creamy Cheese Magic

Whip together soft ricotta, tangy sour cream, and a handful of cheeses until they create a smooth, luxurious mixture that will make your taste buds sing.

• Layering Wonderland

In a beautiful baking dish, start building your culinary masterpiece. Spread out the squash strands, then generously cover with the meaty sauce and dollop the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat these layers to create a delightful flavor explosion. Crown the top with an extra sprinkle of melty cheese.

• Baking Finale

Slide the dish into the oven and let everything bubble and brown until the cheese turns golden and irresistible. Pull out your creation, let it rest for a moment, and serve up pure comfort on a plate.

Helpful Hints And Tweaks For Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Squash Softening Secret: Pierce the squash with a fork several times before roasting to help steam escape and prevent potential explosion during baking.
• Moisture Management: After roasting, let spaghetti squash strands sit on a paper towel to absorb extra moisture, ensuring a less watery final dish.
• Flavor Boosting Technique: Sprinkle dried Italian herbs or red pepper flakes into the meat sauce for an extra flavor punch that elevates the entire recipe.
• Low-Carb Champion: Replace traditional pasta with spaghetti squash to create a nutritious, gluten-free meal that's packed with vitamins and lower in calories.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms to create a delicious meatless version that's equally satisfying.

How To Plate And Pair Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty spaghetti squash pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced, nutritious dinner that satisfies every craving.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp on top to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal for hungry diners.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich, savory flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully enhance the marinara and cheese elements of the dish.
• Low-Carb Celebration: Serve this recipe as a perfect alternative to traditional pasta for those following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate eating plans, delivering maximum flavor with minimal wheat-based ingredients.

How to Save Leftovers Of Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Refrigerator Ready: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Easy Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes or restore entire dish in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Add splash of marinara sauce to prevent dryness during reheating.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Keep unused spaghetti squash and sauce separate in sealed containers to extend freshness and prevent soggy texture when storing meal components individually.

Luxurious Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory million dollar spaghetti squash pasta blends Italian comfort with low-carb innovation. Creamy layers of cheese, hearty meat sauce, and roasted squash strands create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 ½ cups (355 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (236 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Squash Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400F (200C). Bisect the spaghetti squash lengthwise, extracting inner seeds with a spoon. Anoint interior with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Roast cut-side down for 35-40 minutes until flesh yields effortlessly.
2. Squash Transformation: Rake the roasted squash interior with a fork, liberating spaghetti-like strands into a separate vessel.
3. Meat Medley: In a skillet, sear ground meat over medium heat, rendering excess fat. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
4. Sauce Symphony: Cascade marinara into the skillet, infusing with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 6-8 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Cheese Fusion: Blend ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella in a mixing bowl until smooth and homogeneous.
6. Layering Choreography: In a capacious baking dish, construct alternating strata – spaghetti squash strands, meat sauce, and creamy cheese mixture. Repeat the layering ritual.
7. Cheese Crescendo: Disperse remaining mozzarella across the surface for uniform coverage.
8. Final Bake: Reduce oven to 375F (190C). Bake for 22-27 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, effervescent canvas.
9. Serving Finale: Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Squash Cutting Tip: Use a sharp, sturdy knife and cut slowly to prevent squash from slipping, ensuring clean and safe halving.
• Moisture Management: Pat squash strands dry with paper towels to prevent watery sauce and maintain a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Cheese Blend Flexibility: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for lower-fat alternatives without compromising creamy texture.
• Protein Variation: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushrooms for vegetarian-friendly version while maintaining robust flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg