Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the natural strands of spaghetti squash and turns them into a velvety, herb-infused side or main dish. It’s lighter than pasta yet equally satisfying, making it a perfect choice if you’re looking for somethingwholesome but indulgent. The goat cheese adds tangy creaminess, Parmesan provides a savory bite, and fresh herbs brighten the entire dish. It’s a recipe that balances comfort food with fresh, garden-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 cup milk
1/3 cup Parmesan shredded cheese
2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup mixture of herbs – basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drizzle the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes until tender. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Use a fork to scrape the squash into strands and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown.
- Pour in the milk, stirring until warmed through.
- Add Parmesan and goat cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Fold in the spaghetti squash strands and toss gently to coat.
- Stir in fresh herbs and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Servings and timing
Serves: 6 people
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Replace goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder flavor.
- Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-light option.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Swap mushrooms for zucchini or bell peppers for a different vegetable mix.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works as well, though the oven or stovetop maintains texture better.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the spaghetti squash in advance and refrigerate it until ready to prepare the creamy sauce.
Do I have to roast the squash, or can I microwave it?
You can microwave it cut side down in a dish with water for about 12–15 minutes if you’re short on time.
What herbs work best in this recipe?
A mix of basil, rosemary, thyme, and parsley works beautifully, but you can customize with dill or oregano.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
It already is vegetarian, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheeses.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, spaghetti squash is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe a great alternative to pasta.
Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes, using heavy cream will make the sauce even richer and thicker.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with roasted chicken, fish, or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian main dish.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes, shredded chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas would be great additions.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the roasted squash before mixing it into the sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the squash strands tend to become mushy when thawed.
Conclusion
Creamed Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Herbs is a creamy, comforting, and wholesome dish that brings together the best of both worlds rich, cheesy flavor with the freshness of herbs and lightness of squash. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy spaghetti squash in a unique and delicious way.
Print
Creamed Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Herbs
A creamy, herb-infused spaghetti squash dish with mushrooms, Parmesan, tangy goat cheese, and fresh herbs. A lighter yet comforting alternative to creamy pasta, perfect as a side or vegetarian main.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
2 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 cup milk
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup fresh herb mixture (basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drizzle cut sides of spaghetti squash with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes until tender. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Use a fork to scrape the squash into strands and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until golden brown.
- Pour in milk, stirring until warmed through.
- Add Parmesan and goat cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Fold in spaghetti squash strands and toss gently to coat.
- Stir in fresh herbs, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Notes
Substitute goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder flavor.
Use almond or oat milk for a lighter, dairy-friendly version.
Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Swap mushrooms with zucchini or bell peppers for variety.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of milk for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg