If youโre looking for a comforting yet nutritious dinner, Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is the perfect recipe. This dish combines tender roasted spaghetti squash with a creamy spinach and artichoke filling, creating a wholesome meal thatโs rich, satisfying, and naturally lower in carbs than traditional pasta dishes.
Inspired by the classic spinach and artichoke dip everyone loves, this recipe transforms those same creamy, cheesy flavors into a hearty main course. Whether youโre serving it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, this stuffed spaghetti squash is guaranteed to impress.
What Is Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash?
This recipe features roasted spaghetti squash halves filled with a creamy mixture of:
- Fresh spinach ๐ฅฌ
- Artichoke hearts ๐ฟ
- Cream cheese ๐ง
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic ๐ง
The natural strands of spaghetti squash mimic pasta, making it a delicious and lighter alternative to traditional baked pasta dishes.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Low-Carb Comfort Food
All the creamy goodness without heavy pasta.
Rich and Cheesy
Inspired by classic spinach artichoke dip.
Nutrient-Packed
Loaded with vegetables and fiber.
Great for Meal Prep
Stores and reheats beautifully.
Naturally Gluten-Free
Perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
Ingredients Youโll Need
For the Spaghetti Squash
- 2 medium spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise ๐
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ๐ง
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped ๐ฅฌ
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened ๐ง
- ยฝ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
- ยฝ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping
- ยฝ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish ๐ฟ
Why Spaghetti Squash Makes a Great Pasta Alternative
Spaghetti squash offers:
Fewer Carbohydrates
A lighter alternative to pasta.
High Fiber Content
Keeps meals satisfying.
Mild Flavor
Pairs beautifully with creamy sauces.
Beautiful Texture
Forms noodle-like strands after roasting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash
Preheat oven to:
400ยฐF (200ยฐC)
Brush squash halves with olive oil.
Season with:
- Salt
- Pepper
Place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Roast for:
35โ45 minutes
until tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Squash Strands
Allow squash to cool slightly.
Use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
Leave the strands inside the squash shells.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Stir in:
- Artichokes
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Season to taste.
Step 4: Combine with Squash
Mix some of the squash strands into the filling.
This helps incorporate all the flavors.
Step 5: Stuff the Squash Shells
Divide the filling evenly among the squash halves.
Pile generously.
Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle with:
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
for a golden cheesy crust.
Step 7: Bake
Return to the oven.
Bake for:
15โ20 minutes
until bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley.
Serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Roast Until Tender
The squash should easily shred into strands.
Drain Artichokes Well
Prevents excess moisture.
Use Fresh Spinach
Provides the best flavor and texture.
Donโt Overcook the Filling
Keep it creamy rather than dry.
Add Extra Cheese for a Richer Dish
A little extra mozzarella never hurts.
Delicious Variations
Chicken Spinach Artichoke Squash ๐
Add shredded rotisserie chicken.
Bacon Version ๐ฅ
Mix in crispy bacon pieces.
Spicy Spinach Artichoke Squash ๐ถ๏ธ
Add red pepper flakes.
Mushroom Spinach Artichoke Squash ๐
Include sautรฉed mushrooms.
Seafood Version ๐ฆ
Add cooked shrimp or crab meat.
What to Serve With This Dish
This stuffed squash pairs beautifully with:
Salads
- Caesar salad ๐ฅ
- Garden salad
- Arugula salad
Bread
- Garlic bread ๐ฅ
- Breadsticks
Proteins
- Grilled chicken
- Salmon
- Steak
Health Benefits
Spinach
Provides:
- Iron
- Vitamin K
- Antioxidants
Artichokes
Rich in:
- Fiber
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Spaghetti Squash
Offers:
- Low calories
- High fiber
- Essential nutrients
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm in:
- Oven
- Air fryer
- Microwave
until heated through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Undercooking the Squash
Makes it difficult to shred.
Not Draining Artichokes
Can create a watery filling.
Overbaking
May dry out the creamy filling.
Using Too Little Seasoning
Creamy dishes need adequate seasoning for balance.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can:
- Roast the squash ahead of time
- Prepare filling a day in advance
- Assemble before baking
Simply bake when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. The recipe is naturally vegetarian as written.
Is spaghetti squash healthy?
Absolutely. Itโs low in calories and rich in nutrients.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.
Can I make it keto-friendly?
Yes. Spaghetti squash contains some carbs but is lower-carb than pasta.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Definitely. Assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash combines the creamy, cheesy flavors of a beloved appetizer with the wholesome goodness of roasted vegetables. The result is a comforting, satisfying meal thatโs packed with flavor while remaining lighter than many traditional pasta dishes.
Whether youโre looking for a healthy dinner, a vegetarian main course, or a creative way to enjoy spaghetti squash, this recipe delivers every time. With its creamy filling, tender squash strands, and golden cheese topping, itโs a meal youโll want to make again and again.
Creamy, cheesy, nutritious, and incredibly satisfyingโthis stuffed spaghetti squash is comfort food done right.
Print
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash ๐ฅฌ๐ง๐ | Creamy, Healthy & Packed with Flavor
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Squash:
- 1 large spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Filling:
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- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Brush the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35โ40 minutes, until tender.
- Let cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape the squash into spaghetti-like strands, leaving the shells intact.
- While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sautรฉ garlic for 30 seconds, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in chopped artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until creamy and well combined. Season to taste.
- Fold the spaghetti squash strands into the spinach-artichoke mixture.
- Spoon the mixture back into the squash shells.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15โ20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Broil for 1โ2 minutes for a golden top if desired.
- Serve warm.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION:
ย
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 320
- Net Carbs: 18g
- Fats: 21g
- Protein: 14g