Description
This Baked Feta Spaghetti Squash transforms the viral pasta trend into a healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free delight. Sweet cherry tomatoes and smoky roasted red peppers are baked with a block of creamy feta cheese until they meld into a luscious, savory sauce. Tossed with tender spaghetti squash strands, this simple recipe delivers all the comfort of a classic pasta dish without the carbs. It’s an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 medium spaghetti squash
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
¼ teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
Pinch of black pepper
1 pint cherry tomatoes
½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 block feta cheese (8 oz)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for topping)
Instructions
Roast the Spaghetti Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, drizzle the cut sides with one tablespoon of olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until tender.
Bake the Feta and Tomatoes
While the squash roasts, place the block of feta in the center of a medium baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and chopped roasted red peppers around it. Sprinkle the minced garlic and Italian seasoning over everything, then drizzle with the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and melty.
Create the Sauce
Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Using the back of a spoon, mash the softened feta and press down on the burst tomatoes. Stir everything together right in the baking dish until a creamy, vibrant sauce forms.
Combine and Serve
When the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the flesh into long strands. Add these strands directly into the baking dish with the feta sauce. Toss everything together until every strand is coated. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and serve immediately.
Notes
Avoid Watery Squash: To prevent a diluted sauce, spread the cooked spaghetti squash strands on a paper towel-lined plate and pat gently to absorb excess moisture before adding them to the sauce.
Use Block Feta: For the creamiest sauce, use a block of feta packed in brine. Pre-crumbled feta contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.
Add Protein: To make this a more substantial meal, stir in cooked shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or a can of rinsed chickpeas.
Fun Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped zucchini or a handful of fresh spinach to the baking dish. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 29
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 11
- Cholesterol: 25
Keywords: baked feta, spaghetti squash, low-carb pasta, keto recipe, gluten-free dinner, vegetarian meal, healthy comfort food, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes