Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a delicious, low carb alternative to baked pasta dishes that are made with tender spaghetti squash, a homemade meat sauce, and fresh mozzarella.
Spaghetti squash has been a mainstay in my diet for years now and I am happy to report I am finally beginning to get the whole family to enjoy it. In the past, I would usually make a pasta dish using spaghetti squash for me and regular pasta for everyone else. Sometimes I would sneak some spaghetti squash into their pasta to add extra veggies, but many times I would just prepare the sauce separately so I could easily make both.
Last week I had a rare night home alone and decided to make this spaghetti squash casserole since I was craving baked pasta and let's be honest, cheese. Instead of ordering out for a calorie bomb, which was definitely a temptation as I contemplated a night of Netflix, pasta, and wine; I decided to make a healthier version at home.
This meant I could still enjoy my relaxing evening - just without the guilt. So I whipped together a quick bolognese, threw my spaghetti squash in the microwave for quick cooking, and then tossed everything together with some fresh mozzarella and baked it in the oven. Then happily sank into the couch and relished my quiet evening at home alone. It was amazing.
Then the next day to my surprise, when I pulled out my leftovers for lunch, everyone was interested in trying them. I think it's because it looked so much like the baked pasta I sometimes make. They were all shocked to learn it was only spaghetti squash and even more surprised that they liked it. Luckily, I had made a big batch so there was plenty to go around.
Can I make spaghetti squash casserole with chicken? turkey? sausage?
Sure! This casserole can be made with virtually any protein you like. Ground beef, ground turkey, and ground chicken all work. You can also use ground or sliced chicken or turkey sausage. Another option is to use chicken breast. Simply shred or chop the chicken breast and toss it with the spaghetti squash before baking it. For those on WW, using chicken breast to 99% lean ground turkey will reduce the recipe tp just 3 Freestyle Smartpoints.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
There are lots of ways you can cook your spaghetti squash for this casserole. It can also be prepped and cooked in advance for meal prep.
- Microwave: Pierce the whole squash all over with a fork or sharp knife. Then place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook 10-15 minutes, until tender to the touch. Carefully remove it from the microwave, cut in half, and scoop out the seeds. It will be extremely hot, so if possible, let it cool before handling it.
- Roasted: Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds from the center. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Season with salt and pepper. Then place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes or until it is tender.
- Slow Cooker: Spaghetti squash can be cooked whole in the slow cooker. Simply pierce it using a fork or sharp knife. Then place it in the slow cooker with 1 cup of water and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.
- Instant pot: Cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds. Add a steamer basket to the Instant Pot and place the squash on the steamer basket. Add 1 cup of water to the pot. Close and cook on Manual mode for 7 minutes. the seeds.
Tips for Making Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
- Although I love the sweetness of spaghetti squash, this recipe would also work with cooked zucchini noodles. You could also throw in some cooked pasta if you wanted, but I guarantee you don't need it.
- Personally, I love the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, but you can use any cheese you like. Regular shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and even goat cheese would all be delicious.
- If you can, try and buy crushed San Marzano tomatoes for this recipe. They are sweeter and less acidic than standard tomatoes and mean you will have a sweeter sauce without having to add any sugar.
- Ground beef, turkey, chicken, sausage, or vegetarian crumbles are all options when it comes to protein for this dish. You could even use white beans for a natural, plant-based protein source.
- If you need a shortcut, you can use jarred marinara sauce for this recipe. Just look for one with no added sugar that has the most natural ingredient list as possible.
- For a Whole30 or Paleo spaghetti squash casserole, option, leave off the cheese.
Looking for more spaghetti squash dishes?
- Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs with Fresh Mozzarella
- Creamy Parmesan Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Broccoli
- Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
- Baked Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash
- More spaghetti squash recipes
Here are some of the products and tools I used in creating this recipe:
- Skillet: I am in love with this pan that I use to prepare this dish but you could use any heavy bottomed pan or cast iron.
- Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes: If you can find San Marzano crusted tomatoes, I highly recommend using them as they will make a much better sauce than a traditional canned tomato since they are naturally sweeter and less acidic.