Description
This Cheesy Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a delightful and healthy way to enjoy spaghetti squash, packed with ricotta, spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. Roasted to perfection and layered with seasoned cheeses and fresh spinach, this comforting casserole is perfect for a hearty dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg white
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the spaghetti squash.
- Prepare the squash: Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Roast the squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast them for 40-45 minutes until the flesh is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
- Shred the squash: Allow the squash to cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Set aside for layering.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg white, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the shredded spaghetti squash evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Add the cheese mixture: Spread the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over the spaghetti squash layer.
- Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the filling layer.
- Adjust oven temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the assembled dish for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The spaghetti squash can be roasted a day ahead to save time when assembling the casserole.
- For added protein or variety, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils to the ricotta mixture.
- Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different taste and texture.
- Use whole egg instead of egg white only for a richer texture if desired.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
