Fresh spaghetti squash tossed in fresh garlic, Parmesan, parsley and butter; making this cheap & easy (Hey, who you calling “cheap & easy?”) low-carb pasta substitute the perfect side for all of your proteins. I mean, it’s in the name: Garlic, Butter, and Parmesan..? What more could you ask for? (Besides carbs, of course.)
Someday, When I’m Awfully Low…
As yummy as these low carb recipes are, they are still things I miss. I already lamented about my longing for pizza in my Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers post on Sauced. But I also miss pasta. Luckily, there are several low-carb options to replace your desire for those starchy, heavenly noodles. This recipe for Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti Squash is one of them.
Another pasta substitute (pasta-tute?) are Zoodles, or zucchini noodles. Over the next few weeks, I will share some of my favorite zoodle recipes with all of you on Sauced.
When the World is Cold…
On tonight’s Kitchen Playlist: Frank Sinatra’s, “The Way You Look Tonight.” The song, which was written by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields, has been covered by many artists. It was originally performed by Fred Astaire in the 1936 film: “Swingtime,” in which he starred alongside his frequent co-star: Ginger Rogers. I have a fondness for Fred’s version and this particular scene of this movie. However, Frank Sinatra’s version is my personal favorite.
I Will Feel a Glow, Just Thinking of You…
I love this song for a multitude of reasons; one of which being the movie and TV scenes it brings to mind. Although not the version sung by Ol’ Blue Eyes, “The Way You Look Tonight,” plays towards the end of the movie: “Father of the Bride.” (The Steve Martin version, not the one with Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy; I’m a 90s baby, after all.)
In case you haven’t seen it (can we really be friends, then?), it’s the tale of an anxiety-ridden father (George Banks, portrayed by Steve Martin), who works for a pretty famous tennis shoe company, lives in an extraordinary house, and yet, somehow continually finds reasons to freak out over the cost, stress, and planning of his only daughter’s wedding. Having planned a wedding myself (during a global pandemic, no less), I can understand the meltdowns and hilarity that ensues.
Not only does the film possess a multitude of laugh-out-loud quotable scenes from both Steve Martin: “I am removing the superfluous buns!”
As well as Martin Short (in an accent from unknown origin): “Every party has a pooper, that’s why we invited you, Party Pooper. George Baaaahnks…”
It is also a movie that my sisters and I must have watched at least 800 times. That’s why, when it came time for my little sister’s bridal shower gift, I knew just what to get her:
My attempt to create a Converse version of the wedding shoes that George Banks has specially-made for his daughter on her wedding day, along with the “Father of the Bride,” DVD.
And the Way You Look Tonight.
Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” appears in one of my favorite scenes, in one of my favorite episodes, of one of my most beloved shows: Gilmore Girls. Season 2, episode 6: “Presenting Lorelai Gilmore,” when Rory agrees to attend the debutante ball in order to please her grandmother. While practicing the Viennese Waltz, Lorelai (Rory’s mom) and Christopher (her dad), show her how it’s done while this song plays at Miss Patty’s dance studio. Even though I am completely Team Luke. 100 percent. There is no denying the chemistry between Christopher and Lorelai in this scene, not to mention their sweet, sweet dance moves.
That being said, there’s no reason that you can’t dance in the kitchen to this song while you wait for the spaghetti squash to roast.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti Squash:
- 1 small spaghetti squash
- 1/2 c. shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 Tbsp. fresh minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- 1/4 c. fresh minced parsley
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
Instructions for Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pierce the skin of the spaghetti squash with a sharp knife. (This will allow the steam to escape.)
- Roast the squash in a casserole dish for 45-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the squash easily pierces the skin.
- Allow the squash to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Once the squash is cool enough to handle, slice in half lengthwise, using a large, sharp knife.
- Then, you will need to utilize a fork to scrape the interior of the squash, removing the thin, spaghetti-like strands; and place them in a paper towel-lined dish. Note: If it is difficult to scrape the squash at this point, return both halves to the oven for an additional 10 minutes; allow to cool; and try again.
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the garlic and cook 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the spaghetti squash to the pan at this point, along with the fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and 1/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss the ingredients (I find that tongs work best), ensuring that they are well-mixed and each spaghetti squash strand is fully immersed in the garlic butter.
- If you like a crunchier texture, you may top the spaghetti squash with the remaining Parmesan cheese and remove from the heat at this point.
- If you prefer a softer bite, reduce heat to low, top with the remaining Parmesan cheese, and cover. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the squash reaches the desired softness.
Get More Sauced
As stated, this Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti Squash is an awesome accompaniment for any of your favorite entrées. I often serve it with my Chicken Bacon Wine Skillet, or Marry Me Chicken. I have included the Sauced posts for each of those recipes below.
