Easy Spaghetti Squash Dinner: Delicious & Healthy!

Spaghetti Squash Dinner: A Flavor Bomb!

Okay, amiga! Get ready, because I’m about to drop a flavor bomb on you. Remember that time I swore off boring weeknight dinners? Well, this Spaghetti Squash Dinner is the reason why! It’s vibrant, satisfying, and makes you feel like you’re dining at a fancy Cuban restaurant, even if you’re just in your kitchen. It’s a celebration on a plate, and it screams Cuba Queen!

I knew I had to share this Spaghetti Squash Dinner recipe as soon as I nailed it. It’s not just about being healthy; it’s about creating a meal that makes you feel GOOD. Get ready to experience a Spaghetti Squash Dinner that’s bursting with flavor and ridiculously easy to make!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This Spaghetti Squash Dinner ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! You can find the best ingredients for this Spaghetti Squash Dinner at your local farmer’s market. The secret to epic Spaghetti Squash Dinner is using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. Trust me, it makes ALL the difference.

Here’s the Spaghetti Squash Dinner game-changer that will blow your mind: using fresh corn instead of frozen. Splurge on this one Spaghetti Squash Dinner ingredient – trust me!

Here’s a flavor-boosting modification: add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick! If you’re on a budget, dried herbs work just fine, but fresh is always best. Store any leftover chopped veggies in an airtight container in the fridge.

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2-3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, hot sauce

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet.Don’t stress – your Spaghetti Squash Dinner is going to be incredible! This is where your Spaghetti Squash Dinner transforms into pure magic!
2. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender and you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork. While the squash is baking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.In my kitchen, this Spaghetti Squash Dinner takes exactly 45 minutes to bake perfectly. Here’s where most people mess up their Spaghetti Squash Dinner – but not you! Keep an eye on the squash and adjust the baking time if needed.
3. Add the garlic and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.Pro tip for Spaghetti Squash Dinner perfection: don’t overcook the veggies! You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
4. Once the spaghetti squash is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands, creating a “spaghetti” effect.Your Spaghetti Squash Dinner should look like perfectly separated strands of squash. It should smell savory and slightly sweet.
5. Divide the spaghetti squash between two bowls or plates. Top with the black bean and corn mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro and any desired toppings, such as avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese.While your Spaghetti Squash Dinner is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

PRESENTATION:

This Spaghetti Squash Dinner absolutely slays at dinner parties! Garnish with a generous handful of fresh cilantro for a pop of color. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Spaghetti Squash Dinner at potlucks.

For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, arrange the spaghetti squash in a nest shape and spoon the black bean mixture into the center. Serve this Spaghetti Squash Dinner with a side of crispy tortilla chips for dipping.

Here are some bold pairing suggestions that complement Spaghetti Squash Dinner: a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer! This Spaghetti Squash Dinner is perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration.

If you have any leftover Spaghetti Squash Dinner, you can transform it into a delicious quesadilla filling or add it to a breakfast burrito. Try a seasonal Spaghetti Squash Dinner variation by adding roasted butternut squash in the fall!

FAQs:

• Can I make this Spaghetti Squash Dinner spicier?Absolutely, amiga! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the black bean and corn mixture. I’ve even used diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
• What if I don’t have smoked paprika for my Spaghetti Squash Dinner?No problem! Regular paprika will work in a pinch, but the smoked paprika really adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level. If you don’t have any paprika at all, a dash of chipotle powder can also work.
• How do I know when my Spaghetti Squash Dinner is perfectly done?The squash is done when you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork. It should also be slightly soft to the touch. If it’s still hard, continue baking for a few more minutes.
• Can I use different beans in my Spaghetti Squash Dinner?Of course! Pinto beans, kidney beans, or even white beans would be delicious in this recipe. I’ve even used chickpeas for a vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Dinner.
• What if I don’t have fresh cilantro for my Spaghetti Squash Dinner?Dried cilantro can be used as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. If you don’t like cilantro, you can also use parsley or chives.
• Can I make this Spaghetti Squash Dinner ahead of time?Yes, you can bake the spaghetti squash and prepare the black bean and corn mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
• Is this Spaghetti Squash Dinner a vegetarian option?Yes, this is a naturally vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Dinner! For a vegan option, simply omit the sour cream or cheese toppings. I sometimes add crumbled tofu for extra protein in my vegetarian spaghetti squash dish.

CONCLUSION:

This Spaghetti Squash Dinner represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a celebration of life. It’s a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Here are my Spaghetti Squash Dinner Power Tips:

• Don’t overcook the squash! Mushy squash is no bueno.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Get creative and have fun!
• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor! It makes a HUGE difference.

I’ve created and loved a few Spaghetti Squash Dinner variations! There’s the Spicy Chorizo Spaghetti Squash Dinner (that one gets the BIGGEST reactions!), the Creamy Avocado Spaghetti Squash Dinner, and the Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash Dinner with feta and olives. If you love this one, you NEED to try my Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

I have complete confidence in your cooking success! Make this Spaghetti Squash Dinner your signature dish. Get more flavor inspiration at my Butternut Squash Soup, you will enjoy these similar flavors!

Go forth and create Spaghetti Squash Dinner memories! Share your results with me, I want to see your creations! For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash recipe. Try this healthy spaghetti squash dinner, I promise you won’t be disappointed. For another take, check out Spaghetti Squash with Sauteed Veggies | The Cozy Apron. If you are looking for a Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Skillet Recipe – Cookin Canuck. For another variation, look at Spaghetti Squash w/ Chickpeas & Kale Recipe – Love and Lemons. Let’s turn up the heat in the kitchen! 🔥🌮✨

 
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Spaghetti Squash Dinner

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Pin Recipe

Enjoy a healthy and delicious Spaghetti Squash Dinner! This versatile dish is perfect for a weeknight meal and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

• Author: Quinn
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
2. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the squash is easily pierced with a fork.
4. Let the squash cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
5. Top with marinara sauce, cooked ground beef or sausage (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can also use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta.