Name: Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 medium spaghetti squash; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce is the ultimate comfort-food makeover, a dish that combines irresistible gooey cheese, hearty marinara, and the tender, noodle-like strands of roasted spaghetti squash. It’s everything you love about cheesy pasta bakes, but lighter and utterly satisfying, with each bite soaking up robust tomato flavors and melty goodness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want an easy vegetarian main, this recipe makes dinnertime feel like a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients for Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce, but each one is chosen to create layers of flavor and deliciously golden, cheesy results. It’s a lineup where simple meets memorable, and every element truly pulls its weight.

Spaghetti Squash: When roasted, this squash transforms into tender, spaghetti-like strands that give the dish its unique base.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the squash caramelize beautifully as it bakes.
Salt: Brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and balances the whole dish.
Black Pepper: Offers just the right amount of warmth and zing in every bite.
Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce provides the bold, tangy backbone that ties everything together.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to silky, stretchy perfection on top of your squash boats.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that no Italian-inspired bake can do without.
Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs adds that instant “pizzeria” aroma as soon as it hits the heat.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: The bright, fresh garnish gives a pop of color and a burst of herby flavor right before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Squash

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. If you’ve never worked with spaghetti squash before, don’t worry — just go slowly and use a sharp knife, since the rind can be tough.

Step 2: Drizzle, Season, and Roast

Drizzle the cut sides of each squash half with olive oil, then sprinkle them generously with salt and black pepper. Place the halves cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roasting the squash like this makes it wonderfully tender and encourages those golden, caramel edges we all crave. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the flesh is fork-tender and ready to shred.

Step 3: Fluff and Sauce

Once your squash is roasted and cool enough to handle, gently use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands, but keep them right inside their shells — these are your “boats.” Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into each squash half, and with a fork or tongs, gently toss the strands so everything is coated in that savory, robust sauce.

Step 4: Layer on the Cheese

This is the moment where Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce truly shines! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across both squash halves, then shower with grated Parmesan. Finally, dust the tops with Italian seasoning for that aromatic, herby finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Return the cheese-topped squash boats to the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for golden, bubbling cheese and edges that look irresistible. If you love extra color, you can broil for a minute or two at the end — just keep a close eye so the cheese doesn’t brown too much.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle each squash boat with plenty of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving. The fresh herbs add color and lift, providing a perfect contrast to the gooey cheese and tangy sauce.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce

Garnishes

Add a flourish of fresh basil or parsley to each serving just before bringing it to the table. For a little extra flair, scatter on some shaved Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of good olive oil. These simple garnishes highlight the vibrant, fresh flavors of your Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is a star on its own, but it plays beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or some homemade garlic bread for scooping up every last bite of sauce. Roasted vegetables and a chilled glass of white wine can turn your Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce into a true Italian-American feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the squash boats right in their shells for that impressive “wow” factor at the dinner table. If you’re feeding a crowd, scoop the cheesy squash strands into a gratin dish for sharing, or portion into individual ramekins for personalized servings of Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), simply spoon the cooled Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce into an airtight container. It will keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for an easy, satisfying lunch the next day.

Freezing

While spaghetti squash’s natural moisture means it won’t be quite as firm after freezing, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place portions in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture when you’re ready to reheat.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring often for even heat. If the sauce looks a little thick, add a splash of extra marinara or a touch of water to loosen things up and bring back that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I add meat to Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce?

Absolutely! Browned ground beef or mild Italian sausage, stirred into the marinara sauce before baking, turns this into a heartier meal. It’s a great option if you want extra protein or need to please a meat-loving crowd.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding wheat. Just double-check your marinara sauce label to make sure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I make this vegan?

You can! Swap in your favorite plant-based mozzarella and parmesan substitutes, and use a vegan marinara sauce. The results are every bit as comforting and cheesy as the original.

How do I choose a good spaghetti squash?

Look for squash that feels heavy for its size, with firm, unblemished skin in a deep yellow color. Avoid any with soft spots or cracks. A good spaghetti squash makes all the difference in texture and flavor.

What if I don’t like mozzarella?

No problem! Feel free to mix things up with provolone, fontina, or even a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile. The magic of Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce is that you can experiment with any melting cheese you love.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce the way I have — it’s cozy, wholesome, and weeknight-easy, but always feels a little special. Give it a try, play with the toppings, and make it your own. There’s nothing better than bringing friends and family together over a dish that’s as joyful to eat as it is to make!

Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in a delightful dish of Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce, a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal that’s gluten-free. This recipe combines tender spaghetti squash strands with savory marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and fragrant Italian herbs for a comforting dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti Squash:

1 medium spaghetti squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast cut-side down for 35-40 minutes.
Shred the Squash: Once tender, scrape the flesh into strands, leaving them in the shells.
Add Sauces: Pour marinara sauce into each squash half, toss the strands, then top with cheeses and Italian seasoning.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.