Imagine diving into a mouthwatering pizza experience without the guilt of traditional carb-heavy crusts. These Pizza Spaghetti Squash Boats are about to revolutionize your dinner game, offering a deliciously ingenious way to enjoy all the classic pizza flavors while sneaking in a nutritious vegetable. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and pizza lovers alike, this recipe transforms the humble spaghetti squash into a show-stopping meal that's as Instagram-worthy as it is delectable!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your spaghetti squash cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Be cautious as the skin can be tough.
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy insides of the squash using a spoon. Discard the seeds and set the squash halves aside.
- Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the squash in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- While the squash is baking, prepare the pizza filling. In a medium bowl, combine the marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Once the spaghetti squash is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands.
- Mix the scraped squash strands with the prepared pizza filling in the bowl, combining everything thoroughly.
- Evenly distribute the pizza spaghetti mixture back into the hollowed-out squash halves, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Return the stuffed squash boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the pizza spaghetti squash boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your delicious Pizza Spaghetti Squash Boats!
Tips
- Choose a ripe spaghetti squash: Look for a squash with a deep, uniform yellow color and no soft spots.
- For easier cutting, microwave the whole squash for 3-4 minutes to soften the skin slightly before slicing.
- Pat the squash strands dry after scraping to prevent excess moisture in your final dish.
- Customize your toppings: Feel free to swap pepperoni for cooked ground sausage, or add diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile.
- For a crispy top, broil the boats for 2-3 minutes after baking to get a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
- Meal prep tip: You can prepare the squash boats ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
