Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash

Cacio e Pepe, “cheese and pepper”,  is typically a classic Italian pasta dish made with spaghetti, cheese and pepper along with some of the pasta water. Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti squash puts a healthy spin on this traditional recipe known for the simplest of ingredients. Freshly ground tricolor peppercorns add specks of color and just 2 tablespoons of butter replace the pasta water.

All About Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash provides many nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, calcium, folic acid, iron and potassium, is gluten free and extremely low in calories, about 42 calories per 1 cup serving (I’m loving that!)…..oh and contains no fat (I’m loving that even more!) Select a squash that is firm with no soft spots. It should be an even yellow color with no green spots. The fun part about cooking a spaghetti squash is that once it is cooked and tender it will shred into  spaghetti-like strands when you scrape a fork through the soft flesh! So cool!

Recipe Ideas

Still craving your pasta? then I’ve got some simple pasta recipes for you that you are going to love! Deep Dish Spaghetti and Meatballs Pizza is perfect for a fun dinner or movie night snack, Spaghetti & Meatball Soup will be a kids favorite for sure and my favorite way to cook a pasta dinner with everything cooking together in one pot, One Pot Creamy Basil Pasta! Mangia!

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Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

55 mins

 

Spaghetti squash puts a healthy spin on Cacio e Pepe, the classic Italian recipe known for the simplest of ingredients. Perfect for Meatless Monday!

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Servings: 4

Author: GG

Ingredients

• 1 spaghetti squash, about 2 pounds
• 3 Tbs. butter, melted, divided
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. freshly ground tricolor peppercorns OR 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
• Parmesan shavings, optional garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds.*
3. Roast, cut sides down, on baking sheet for 45 minutes or until squash is tender.
4. Let cool 15 minutes then, using a fork, scrape the cut sides so that spaghetti-like stands form.
5. Toss strands with remaining 2 Tbs. melted butter, Parmesan cheese and peppercorns.
6. Garnish with Parmesan shavings, if desired.

Recipe Notes

Makes 4 cups/ 4 servings
*For a delicious snack, spaghetti squash seeds can be roasted just like pumpkin seeds!