Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften if needed.
- Scoop out the seeds from each half.
- Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 40-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender and you can easily pierce it with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped bell pepper and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, cooked quinoa, Parmesan cheese (if using), basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together.
- Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Leave the strands inside the squash "bowl".
- Spoon the filling evenly into the spaghetti squash halves, mounding it on top of the strands.
- Place the stuffed squash halves back on the baking sheet.
- Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese (if using) is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Don't overcook the squash, as it will become mushy. Season generously, as spaghetti squash can be bland on its own. Get creative with the filling by experimenting with different vegetables, proteins, and cheeses. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. You can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the filling for a meat lover's version.
