


1 If you'd like the squash to have a more caramelized, roasted flavor, preheat the oven to 425 F (218 C). Combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, seasonings and marinara sauce. Let the oven preheat while you cut the squash. Cook ground beef in a skillet, breaking up as you go. Let cool, then use a fork to pull out strands of the flesh. This Italian Baked Spaghetti Squash allows you to include any of your favorite ingredients just like you would in your favorite pasta dish- mushrooms, diced tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, olives, peppers, onions, even diced pepperoni or salami if you want to add some meat. Place halves of squash flesh side down in a 9×13 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds. Note: if its really difficult to slice, you can microwave it for a couple of minutes to soften the outside flesh. Spaghetti squash is a wonderful gluten-free substitute for boxed noodles, and while the texture is, of course, different you still get the “noodle” experience. Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. It’s delicious and light, but definitely not light on flavor. If you have tried it and are already a fan, then you will want to add this to your recipe box. If you have not yet tried spaghetti squash in place of noodles you will definitely want to give it a try with this recipe.

This easy Italian Baked Spaghetti Squash recipe can be served in the squash shell!
