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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

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This easy spaghetti squash casserole is packed full of nutritious ingredients for a delicious family meal! If you are looking for a comforting vegetarian, gluten free recipe with all the classic flavors of a pasta bake, give this casserole a try!

Healthy baked spaghetti squash casserole, in a casserole dish topped with fresh herbs.

When I think of comfort food, a good pasta bake or casserole is at the top of the list. Unfortunately, they aren’t always the best choice for a healthy dinner. My lightened up version is made with spaghetti squash for a gluten free main dish that works for a lower calorie diet. 

This healthy main dish has all the comfort and flavor of an Italian casserole, without the pasta! This baked spaghetti squash casserole recipe is easy to make, tasty, and totally family friendly.

It’s super cheesy, yet packed with veggies for extra nutrients and fiber for the perfect way to get in a boost of health. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat eater you’ll be completely satisfied with this filling and flavorful recipe. It will quickly become one of your favorite things to cook for an easy weeknight dinner! It is one of those classic fall recipes that can be enjoyed anytime of year.

Whether you are short on time or an amateur in the kitchen, this gluten free squash casserole is so simple to make! After 15 minutes of prep all you have to do is pop it in the oven to bake with a cooking time of 30 minutes.

The best part? This spaghetti squash gratin is super versatile with so many different ways to enjoy it! Try it out with different sauces, veggie combos, or even vegan cheese for a plant-based option.

👩🏽‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy To Make: Throw this spaghetti squash lasagna casserole together in 15 minutes, and then sit back and relax while it bakes! 
  • Lower Calorie Option: Since you are substituting traditional pasta in this recipe for spaghetti squash, you drastically cut the amount of calories you might find in similar pasta dishes.
  • Gluten-Free: This cheesy spaghetti squash casserole is naturally gluten-free making it a good option for a range of dietary needs and preferences! 
  • Packed With Nutrients: You will get plenty of vegetables with this meal, which means lots of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and more. Each serving has 16 grams of protein and 209 mg of Vitamin C! This is a healthy lunch or dinner option for the whole family.

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🥘 Ingredients

This vegetarian spaghetti squash casserole bake requires simple ingredients that you can easily find at the grocery store. See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for detailed instructions and nutritional data. 

Ingredients for spaghetti squash casserole recipe on a white background.
  • Spaghetti Squash: The star of this recipe, spaghetti squash is the best alternative to pasta when you want something light and nutritious.
  • Olive Oil: Just a drizzle of olive oil is needed in this recipe to help saute the vegetables.
  • Vegetables: This healthy casserole recipe calls for diced yellow bell peppers, chopped onion, diced carrots, zucchini, and garlic. 
  • Italian Seasoning & Oregano: Any classic Italian spices will do but my favorites are a pre-mixed Italian seasoning and dried oregano.
  • Crushed Red Pepper: Add a subtle spice to the this healthy spaghetti squash main dish recipe with crushed red pepper flakes!
  • Black Pepper & Salt: Salt and pepper make every dish better! Use whatever type of salt you’d like in this recipe.
  • Pasta Sauce: Use whatever sauce you prefer for this spaghetti squash pizza casserole. My favorite brands are Muir Glen or Cucina Antica. Looking for a sauce with no added sugar is great!
  • Shredded Cheese: I recommend using an Italian blend of shredded cheese or shredded parmesan for this spaghetti squash cheese casserole to keep that authentic Italian flavor.

✔️ Ingredient Substitutions

  • Gluten Free Pasta Noodles: Although this is a recipe for spaghetti squash casserole, the veggies and other ingredients would pair perfectly with any type of pasta instead of spaghetti squash too! Use gluten free pasta to keep this recipe gluten free friendly.
  • Calabrian Chile Peppers: Another fun idea to add spice instead of crushed red pepper flakes is calabrian peppers! 
  • Garlic Powder: No garlic cloves on hand? No worries! Get that garlicky taste with some garlic powder instead.
  • Parsley: You can use parsley or other Italian spices in this healthy spaghetti squash recipe if you do not have any oregano.
  • Meat Sauce: If you aren’t vegetarian or vegan, feel free to substitute your sauce for a meat option.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: If you don’t have an Italian blend of cheese or parmesan handy, mozzarella on its own would be great too!

🔪 How To Make Spaghetti Squash Casserole

The hardest part about this dish is simply resisting the urge to eat the whole thing, but by all means do so if you are compelled! Here is how to make this creamy spaghetti squash casserole:

Preheat & Cook Squash: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Poke spaghetti squash all over with a knife and cook in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 8 to 12 minutes until soft. If you don’t have a microwave, place the poked squash on a baking sheet and bake at 375ºF for 45 to 60 minutes.

Spaghetti squash being cut on a cutting board.

Saute Veggies: While the squash is cooking, add oil, yellow pepper, red onion, carrots, zucchini, garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, crushed red pepper, and salt & pepper to a large pan. Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Veggies and Italian spices sauteeing in a pan.

Prepare The Squash: Cut the squash in half with a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds of each of the squash halves, and with a fork, scrape the flesh from the peel. It should flake off easily into spaghetti-like strands. 

Spaghetti squash on a cutting board.

Mix Ingredients: Place the spaghetti strands in a casserole dish. Add the cooked veggies, pasta sauce, and half of the cheese. Mix well. 

Marinara sauce poured over veggies in a casserole dish.

Bake: Once the oven temperature has reached 350 degrees, sprinkle the other half of the cheese on top of the casserole and bake this spaghetti squash au gratin for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

Gluten free squash casserole topped with cheese in a casserole dish.

Let Cool: Allow to cool for five minutes, serve, and enjoy!

Baked spaghetti squash casserole fresh out of the oven.

💭 Expert Tips

  • How To Cut Spaghetti Squash Open With Ease: Your first time prepping squash might feel tricky but it is easier than you think. Here’s how to cut a spaghetti squash open:
    • Using a sharp knife, poke a few small slits in the squash skin; poke in a dotted line along where you plan to slice the squash in half.
    • Microwave squash 8-12 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
    • Place squash on a cutting board with the most-flat surface down. Slice off the stem, then slice along your ‘dotted line’ to cut it in half.
    • Scrape out the seeds with a spoon. Use a fork to pull the flesh away from the peel.
  • Cut Squash Across The Middle For Longer Strands: The best way to cut the squash is across the middle When you cut it lengthwise you halve the strands, as they are arranged in a circular formation.
  • Save Time: Cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave to reduce prep time, but you can also cook it in the oven.
  • Use The Shells: Save the squash shell to use in place of bowls! Place individual servings into the halves and enjoy as spaghetti squash boats. This is a great way to cut down on dishes, too.

📖 Variations

  • Enchilada Squash Casserole: Take a Mexican twist with this dish and transform it into an enchilada casserole. Substitute marinara sauce for enchilada sauce and the parmesan cheese for cheddar cheese. Add in black beans and top with sour cream.
  • Creamy Garlic Squash Casserole: Boost the garlic flavors by using a garlic white sauce in this dish. You can also add extra garlic cloves or mix in creamy baked garlic.
  • Gluten Free Spaghetti Squash Casserole With Meat: Feel free to add in your favorite meat to your spaghetti squash noodles like ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken breasts.
  • Different Sauces: Try this gluten free spaghetti squash recipe with various sauces like this vegan bolognese, alfredo sauce without heavy cream, vodka sauce, or pesto without pine nuts. For an extra creamy sauce, mix in some cream cheese or even cottage cheese.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This casserole stands on its own, but I personally love pairing it with some crusty bread and salad as a side dish. Here are a few more of my favorite serving suggestions:

🙌 Dietary Adaptations

This healthy spaghetti squash casserole recipe is already gluten free, vegetarian, and low carb but can be modified for other dietary needs.

Vegan Squash Casserole: If you are vegan, feel free to omit the cheese altogether or opt for a vegan cheese alternative.

Low FODMAP: If you follow a low-FODMAP diet, skip the onions and garlic and use your favorite sensitive stomach marinara sauce.

Keto Spaghetti Squash Casserole: This recipe has 31 grams of carbs and 8 grams of fiber per serving, for 23 grams net carbs making it a great recipe for a low carb diet but not quite keto. To make this keto friendly, modify the recipe by using a keto-friendly sauce (like this keto marinara sauce) and swapping some veggies for spinach, mushrooms, or cauliflower.

🫙 Storage Directions

You can store this spaghetti squash dish in either the fridge or freezer for tasty leftovers or meal prep! Here’s how to store and keep this cheesy casserole:

To Store In The Fridge: After the leftover spaghetti squash casserole has cooled to room temperature you can cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and enjoy it as leftovers the next day. It will keep for about 2-3 days.

To Freeze: You can freeze this healthy squash casserole recipe for 2-3 months. Remove it from the casserole dish and transfer to an airtight container. I wouldn’t recommend a freezer bag since it won’t help the casserole hold together as well.

To Reheat: The next time you are ready to eat this gf squash casserole, reheat your casserole dish in the microwave, toaster oven, or regular oven. You may want to use a bit of cooking spray on your baking dish to avoid sticking. You could also heat this up on the stove top on medium heat or medium-high heat if frozen. Stir frequently.

❓Recipe FAQs

WHAT MAKES SPAGHETTI SQUASH TASTE GOOD?

Spaghetti squash has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavor, so the best way to make spaghetti squash taste good is to prepare it in a way that enhances that flavor! To enhance the flavor of spaghetti squash, try roasting it in the oven with the cut side down so it caramelizes, then season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Making spaghetti squash recipes like this one, you will be pleasantly surprised by just how delicious this dish is!

WHY IS MY BAKED SQUASH WATERY?

The main reason that your baked squash might be too water is overcooking it. The noodles will not only become too mushy, rather than al dente, but they will also release a lot of water making the whole casserole very watery. Avoid this by checking on the casserole in the oven a few times while it is cooking.

IS SPAGHETTI SQUASH A CARB OR A STARCH?

Spaghetti squash is a non-starchy vegetable that is low in carbs. It contains about 7 grams carbohydrates per cup, with about 5g of net carbs. It is a good option for someone who is on a low carb or keto diet, but is great for anyone who enjoys squash and vegetables in general!

IS SPAGHETTI SQUASH CASSEROLE HEALTHY?

Typically yes, Italian spaghetti squash casserole is healthy as long as it’s made with other healthy ingredients and a non-cream-based sauce! Spaghetti squash is a good source of protein and fiber as well as vitamins C and B6.

This easy spaghetti squash casserole recipe is very healthy! It is high in vitamins and nutrients thanks to the spaghetti squash, zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. These nutrient dense foods are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, helping you easily reach your daily values. This dish is loaded with Vitamins A, C, fiber, and antioxidants. Since the pasta has been replaced by spaghetti squash in this recipe, it’s a low calorie dish. The amount of cheese is also less than typical pasta bake recipes which helps lower the total fat per serving, making it a low fat spaghetti squash recipe!

Is spaghetti squash gluten free?

Yes! Spaghetti squash is gluten free. It can be a great gluten free substitute for pasta or noodles, because of it’s shape and texture as well.

Italian spaghetti squash casserole served on a white plate with a fork.

🍲 More Healthy Casserole Recipes!

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Healthy baked spaghetti squash casserole, in a casserole dish topped with fresh herbs.
Print Recipe
5 from 12 votes

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

This healthy main dish has all the comfort and flavor of a pasta bake, without the pasta! This spaghetti squash casserole is easy to make and packed full of nutritious ingredients for a delicious family meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Calories: 275kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 yellow bell peppers diced
  • 1 red onion diced
  • 3 carrots diced
  • 3 zucchini cut into fourths lengthwise, and then sliced into ¼ inch thick pieces
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp dried italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • Sprinkle of crushed red pepper and black pepper
  • salt to taste (about ½ tsp)
  • 28oz jars of your favorite pasta sauce (I like Muir Glen or Cucina Antica)
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend or shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF.
  • Poke spaghetti squash all over with a knife and cook in the microwave for eight to 12 minutes until soft. If you don’t have a microwave, place the poked squash on a baking pan and bake at 375ºF for 45 to 60 minutes.
  • While the squash is cooking, add the oil through salt to a pan (oil + veggies + seasonings), cooking over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through.
  • Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and with a fork, scrape the flesh from the peel. It should flake off easily in strings, resembling spaghetti.
  • Place the spaghetti squash flesh in a casserole dish. Add the cooked veggies, pasta sauce, and half of the cheese and mix well. Sprinkle the other half of the cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
  • Allow to cool for five minutes, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Top Tips To Make Spaghetti Squash Casserole
  • Cut the squash across the middle for longer strands. When you cut it lengthwise you halve the strands, as they are arranged in a circular formation.
  • To save time, cook the spaghetti squash is in the microwave, but you can also cook it in the oven.
  • This is a really versatile dish, if you don’t have all the veggies in the recipe add the ones that you have in your fridge.
  • For convenience I use jarred pasta sauce, but if you have time, you can always make your own!
Adapted from this recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 1686mg | Potassium: 1440mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 15g

20 responses to “Spaghetti Squash Casserole”

  1. This spaghetti squash casserole turned out just as described – delish and satisfying. With so many of my family members turning to gluten-free or low gluten diets I can see this as a regular dish to make in my home!5 stars

  2. One of those casserole recipes that you’ve got to have on hand no matter what. Such a delicious dish!5 stars

  3. This is perfect use of my garden squash. I loved everything about this. Casseroles are the best because they feed my whole family and this one was among one of our favorites.5 stars

  4. This checks all the boxes of what I am looking for in a meal for dinner tonight! Excited to give this a try; looks too good to pass up, indeed!5 stars

  5. I think I may actually be able to convince my kids to eat vegetables now 😂 Looks like a perfect weeknight meal!5 stars

  6. I just love pasta bakes. They are the go-to quick and easy and delicious comfort food in my house. I never tried using spaghetti squash though – and can’t wait to try this. I bet it will be my new favorite thing!5 stars

  7. This is the perfect meal for when I’m feeling like soul comforting dinner without the guilt! Just wonderful 🙂5 stars

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