Golden Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta Recipe for Comfort

Spaghetti squash with a million dollar twist promises to revolutionize your dinner routine tonight.

Cutting into a golden, roasted vegetable that magically releases tender, pasta-like strands.

Crisp autumn nights call for comfort meals that feel indulgent yet surprisingly healthy.

Creamy cheese and rich meaty layers create an unexpected depth in this simple dish.

Weeknight cooking can suddenly feel like a gourmet experience without complicated techniques.

Skeptical home cooks will appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Each forkful delivers incredible flavor that makes you forget you’re eating a vegetable-based meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this surprisingly decadent creation.

What You’ll Need For Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Spaghetti Squash: A low-carb pasta alternative with a delicate, stringy texture that mimics traditional pasta. Choose a squash that feels heavy and has a hard, uniform skin.
• Ground Beef or Sausage: The protein base of the dish that adds rich, meaty flavor. Opt for lean ground beef or spicy Italian sausage for extra taste.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and traditional Italian flavor. Use a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the meat sauce. Fresh ingredients will provide the best taste.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds depth and authenticity to the sauce. Gives a classic Mediterranean profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall dish flavor.

• Ricotta Cheese, Sour Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy dairy components that create a rich, indulgent cheese layer. Shredded mozzarella works best for the top layer for optimal melting and browning.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.

How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Drizzle the inside with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes until squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Use a fork to gently pull out spaghetti-like strands into a separate bowl.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Meat Sauce

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables soften and become fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce and season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 6-8 minutes to blend flavors completely.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Stir ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

• Half of roasted spaghetti squash strands
• Half of meat sauce
• Half of cheese mixture

Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients. Top the final layer with additional mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Lower oven temperature to 375°F. Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy hot and straight from the oven.

Pro Tips For Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Slice Squash Safely: Use a sharp, sturdy knife and stable cutting board to slice spaghetti squash lengthwise. Hold the squash firmly and cut slowly to prevent slipping and potential injuries.
• Maximize Squash Flavor: Drizzle olive oil generously and season with salt and pepper before roasting to enhance natural sweetness and create caramelized edges for deeper taste.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat after browning ground beef or sausage to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated meat sauce flavor.
• Cheese Mixture Magic: Blend ricotta, sour cream, and cheeses until smooth for a creamy, luxurious texture that binds the layers perfectly and adds rich depth to the dish.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace marinara with a no-sugar-added tomato sauce and use full-fat cheeses to make this recipe keto-friendly and diabetic-meal compatible.

How To Save And Warm Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer cooled spaghetti squash pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat in Oven: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F (175C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy top and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Quick Option: For individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Perfect Pairings With Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, savory meat sauce with a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the creamy cheese and enhances the tomato flavors.
• Crisp Herb Salad on the Side: Create a light, refreshing counterpoint with a mixed green salad featuring arugula, basil, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole.
• Garlic Bread Crunch: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the dish to soak up the delicious meat sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft spaghetti squash.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Add a colorful side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to bring additional nutrients and a Mediterranean-inspired accompaniment to the meal.

Fun Twists On Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta

• Veggie Powerhouse: Replace ground beef with a mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version packed with nutrients and rich flavors.
• Spicy Mediterranean Splash: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and red pepper flakes to introduce a tangy, spicy Mediterranean-inspired profile to the original recipe.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Remix: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Swap dairy cheeses with cashew ricotta and nutritional yeast, using plant-based mozzarella to create a completely dairy-free rendition that doesn't compromise on creamy texture.

Got Questions About Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta?

• What makes this recipe different from traditional spaghetti dishes?

This recipe uses spaghetti squash instead of pasta, creating a lower-carb, healthier alternative that’s packed with nutrients and still delivers incredible flavor.

• Is spaghetti squash difficult to prepare?

Not at all! Roasting spaghetti squash is simple. Just slice it in half, season, and bake. The squash naturally creates pasta-like strands when you scrape it with a fork, making it easy and fun to prepare.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef or sausage with plant-based meat alternatives, lentils, or extra vegetables like mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

• How healthy is Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta compared to regular pasta?

This version is significantly healthier. Spaghetti squash is lower in calories, contains more nutrients, and provides fewer carbohydrates compared to traditional wheat pasta, making it an excellent choice for those watching their diet.

Why Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta Feels So Rich

• Swap Pasta for Veggie Goodness: Trade traditional pasta for nutrient-packed spaghetti squash, creating a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that doesn't sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.
• Layer Up the Comfort: Build delicious layers of tender squash, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese for a hearty, restaurant-quality casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Sneaky Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy all the decadent flavors of a classic pasta bake while boosting your vegetable intake and cutting down on calories without compromising taste or texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Easily prepare this dish ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Luxurious million dollar spaghetti squash pasta delivers comfort and elegance in one hearty dish. Creamy cheese layers and savory meat sauce combine for a low-carb masterpiece that delights passionate home cooks seeking gourmet flavor without guilt.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and carefully slice the spaghetti squash along its length, removing the inner seeds with a spoon.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the squash interior, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Position the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and easily separates.
3. Using a fork, gently scrape the squash to create spaghetti-like strands and transfer to a separate bowl.
4. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, eliminating any excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for 6-8 minutes.
6. Combine ricotta, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and half the mozzarella in a mixing bowl, stirring until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Select a spacious baking dish and create alternating layers: first spaghetti squash strands, then meat sauce, followed by the creamy cheese mixture. Repeat the layering process.
8. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella across the top, creating an even cheese coverage.
9. Reduce oven temperature to 375F (190C) and bake for 22-27 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling surface.
10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Slice spaghetti squash carefully to avoid uneven cooking, ensuring each half roasts evenly and develops a tender, stringy texture.
• Pat the squash strands dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish watery and dilute the rich flavors.
• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a lower-fat version without compromising the hearty meat sauce’s deliciousness.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some ricotta or goat cheese for extra creaminess and depth of flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 471
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg