Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Tangy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Dive into a culinary adventure with this irresistible spinach and artichoke stuffed spaghetti squash that redefines comfort food.

Creamy, cheesy goodness meets nutritious vegetables in a stunning dish that’s both elegant and satisfying.

The roasted spaghetti squash provides the perfect canvas for a decadent filling bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Tender artichoke hearts and vibrant spinach mingle with rich, melted cheese to create a mouthwatering experience.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

This recipe turns a simple squash into a show-stopping meal that’s both wholesome and indulgent.

Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

For Roasting Squash:
  • Spaghetti Squash: Versatile veggie with noodle-like texture, select firm and heavy squash with vibrant yellow color and no soft spots.
  • Olive Oil: Helps caramelize squash surface and adds rich flavor, choose extra virgin for best taste.
  • Salt: Enhances natural squash sweetness and brings out deeper flavors.
For Filling Base:
  • Garlic: Aromatic foundation that provides deep, savory undertones, select fresh, firm cloves without sprouts.
  • Fresh Spinach: Nutrient-packed green that adds vibrant color and earthy taste, choose crisp leaves without wilting.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Tangy, tender component that brings Mediterranean flair, opt for jarred or canned varieties without excessive brine.
For Creamy Binding Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, smooth texture, select full-fat version for maximum richness.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds subtle tanginess and helps bind ingredients, choose high-quality, real egg-based type.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty punch, grate fresh for most intense flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides delightful stretchy, melty quality, select low-moisture variety for best melting.

Tools Needed for Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting the spaghetti squash evenly.
  • Large Pan: Perfect for sautéing spinach and artichokes with garlic.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to carefully cut squash in half and chop ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for prepping vegetables.
  • Fork: Crucial for scraping squash into spaghetti-like strands and mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring Tablespoon: Helps measure olive oil precisely.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

How to Assemble Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

  • Squash Preparation

Slice spaghetti squash in half and remove inner seeds. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt across the surface. Place cut-side up on baking sheet, ready for roasting.

  • Roasting Magic

Slide squash into preheated oven at 400°F. Let the heat transform the vegetable into tender, strand-like goodness for about 40 minutes.

  • Filling Creation

Warm a pan with olive oil. Toss in minced garlic, then add fresh spinach until it softens. Fold in chopped artichokes and creamy ingredients like cream cheese, mixing until everything blends smoothly.

  • Squash Stuffing

Gently scrape roasted squash into delicate strands using a fork. Generously fill each squash half with the spinach and artichoke mixture. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.

  • Final Bake

Return stuffed squash to oven, allowing cheese to melt and edges to turn golden brown. This final step takes about 20-25 minutes, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s crispy on top and creamy inside.

  • Serving Delight

Pull your masterpiece from the oven and serve immediately. Each bite promises a perfect balance of veggie goodness and cheesy comfort.

Tips to Elevate Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

  • Ensure even cooking by choosing symmetrical spaghetti squash with smooth, hard surfaces free from soft spots or blemishes.
  • Swap Parmesan and mozzarella with goat cheese, fontina, or Swiss cheese for unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Prepare the filling and roast squash up to two days in advance, storing components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture.
  • Enhance the dish by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled sausage to the spinach and artichoke filling for extra heartiness.
  • Elevate the flavor by sprinkling red pepper flakes, adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or drizzling hot sauce on top for a zesty kick that transforms the recipe.

How to Serve Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

  • Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this stuffed spaghetti squash as a stunning centerpiece with crisp white wine and fresh salad.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Pair the squash with hummus, olives, grilled pita bread, and a light cucumber salad for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits on top for extra protein and a satisfying protein-packed dinner option.
  • Weekend Comfort Feast: Create a cozy weekend meal by serving alongside roasted vegetables and a simple green herb sauce for extra flavor complexity.

Save Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Like This

  • Advance Prep Magic: Slice and roast spaghetti squash up to 3 days before assembling the final dish. Store cooled squash strands in an airtight container within the refrigerator for quick weeknight meal assembly.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Sealed leftover stuffed squash stays fresh for 3-4 days. Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Prepare entire dish without final baking, then freeze unbaked stuffed squash halves for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking at 200°C (400°F) for 30-35 minutes.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide filling and squash into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Reheat in microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a sprinkle of extra cheese for renewed deliciousness.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Satisfying spinach and artichoke stuffed spaghetti squash combines Mediterranean flavors with comforting textures. Green vegetables and creamy cheese create a wholesome meal you’ll savor with each delightful forkful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 spaghetti squashes
  • 7 cups / 220 g fresh spinach
  • 14 oz / 400 g canned artichokes (drained and chopped)
  • 1 cup / 250 ml cream cheese (full fat)
  • 1 cup / 120 g mozzarella (grated)
  • 0.5 cup / 50 ml grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese)
  • 4 tbsps mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsps olive oil (divided)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 200°C (400°F), establishing a perfect roasting atmosphere for the spaghetti squash.
  2. Squash Transformation: Slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise and excavate the inner seeds with a spoon, creating clean vessel-like halves.
  3. Initial Seasoning: Lavish the squash surfaces with olive oil and sprinkle salt, infusing fundamental flavor profiles into the vegetable’s natural essence.
  4. Roasting Phase: Position squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet, allowing uniform heat penetration to tenderize the flesh for approximately 40 minutes until strands separate effortlessly.
  5. Filling Creation: While squash roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet and introduce minced garlic, then gently wilt spinach and sauté artichokes until moisture dissipates completely.
  6. Creamy Integration: Fold cream cheese into the vegetable mixture, melting smoothly over low heat, then incorporate mayonnaise, Parmesan, and mozzarella to develop a rich, cohesive filling.
  7. Squash Stranding: After cooling slightly, delicately fork the roasted squash flesh into spaghetti-like strands, maintaining the original shell structure.
  8. Filling Distribution: Generously spread the spinach-artichoke mixture across each squash half, ensuring comprehensive coverage and flavor balance.
  9. Final Baking: Sprinkle reserved Parmesan over stuffed halves and return to the oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the top to transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
  10. Serving Presentation: Extract from oven, let rest momentarily, and serve warm, presenting a luxurious, vegetable-centered culinary creation.

Notes

  • Squash Selection Tip: Choose firm, heavy spaghetti squash with vibrant, uniform color to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
  • Oil Coating Technique: Generously coat squash interior with olive oil to prevent drying and enhance caramelization during roasting.
  • Moisture Management: Completely evaporate spinach moisture to prevent watery filling and maintain creamy consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Use low heat when incorporating cheeses to prevent separation and achieve smooth, velvety texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star