Are you trying to follow a Paleo diet but missing your favorite Italian spaghetti? Don’t worry! You can still enjoy a fantastic spaghetti meal without breaking your diet rules. The secret ingredient? Spaghetti squash! This magical veggie can transform into noodle-like strands that are a perfect substitute for traditional pasta. Plus, when you top it with a delicious homemade marinara sauce, you get a meal that’s not just Paleo-friendly but also incredibly tasty. Here’s how to make a simple yet delightful Paleo-friendly spaghetti squash with marinara sauce.
The Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, no salt added
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Cooking the Spaghetti Squash
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Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (205°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the perfect temperature by the time your squash is ready to be baked.
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Prepare the Squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. This might require a bit of muscle, so be careful and use a sturdy knife. Once halved, scoop out the seeds and any stringy bits from the middle. You can use a spoon for this part – think of it like cleaning out a pumpkin!
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Season: Drizzle the inside of each squash half with olive oil. Then, sprinkle some salt and pepper over each half. This not only adds flavor but also helps in roasting the squash to perfection.
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Roast: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until you can easily pierce the squash with a fork. The flesh should easily scrape out in strands that look like spaghetti.
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Make Spaghetti Strands: Once the squash is cooked and cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the inside flesh to create the “spaghetti” strands. Transfer these to a bowl and set aside.
Preparing the Marinara Sauce
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Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re soft and fragrant. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
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Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. If you’ve got any other favorite Italian herbs, feel free to add them too! Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. Remember to stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper according to taste.
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Combine: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to add your spaghetti squash strands into the skillet. Gently toss everything together, making sure the squash strands are fully coated with the marinara sauce. Let it all heat through for a couple of minutes.
Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your Paleo-friendly spaghetti squash with marinara sauce to a serving dish. If you like, garnish with some fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor. Voila! You have a delicious, nutritious, and completely Paleo-compliant version of spaghetti ready to be enjoyed.
Some Tips
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Microwave Hack: If you’re short on time, you can cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave. Just place the squash halves cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish with a little water, and microwave for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
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Make It Yours: Feel free to customize your marinara sauce with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for an even healthier twist.
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Storage: Both the cooked spaghetti squash and marinara sauce can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a great make-ahead meal.
A Paleo diet doesn’t mean you have to give up on your favorite dishes. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can enjoy meals that are both delicious and in line with your dietary needs. This spaghetti squash with marinara sauce is a testament to that – giving you a healthy, satisfying meal without the guilt. Bon appétit!
