An easy side dish of buttery spaghetti squash with robust sun-dried tomatoes. Adding your favorite protein can turn this into a delicious Fall slow carb dinner.
With a sharp knife, cut the squash in half lengthwise (be careful not to cut yourself, the shell can be difficult). Scrape out the seeds from both cavities with a spoon.
2 pounds spaghetti squash
The squash can now be either microwaved or baked. If you are baking it, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake squash halves (flesh side down) 30-45 minutes, or until it is fork-tender.If you are using the microwave, place both halves cut side down on a plate and microwave in 4 minute increments until a fork slides into the squash easily without pressure.
While the squash is cooking, rehydrate the dried tomatoes in warm water. After 20-30 minutes drain the tomato water and finely chop the rehydrated tomatoes (use the tomato water for a tomato martini!)
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes
Let squash cool. Using a fork or spoon, gently scrape the strands of squash out into a bowl.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute briefly (about 1 minute). Add spaghetti squash and saute 2-3 minutes, stirring so as not to burn.
3-5 cloves garlic, 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Add chicken broth, salt and pepper, and chopped sundried tomatoes and simmer until heated through. If it is too thick for your taste, add some more chicken broth. Taste and add more salt if desired.
1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Sprinkle grated parmesan on the squash while it is still on the burner and gently simmer until it melts in (2-3 minutes). Cover the skillet to speed the melting process if desired.
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish with thyme or savory herbs.
Notes
Spaghetti squash makes a great bed for a robust tomato sauce in this Italian Putanesca recipe. Or use the shells for a tureen type of bowl and fill it with this low carb lasagna or this chicken enchilada. It is truly a great ingredient that can replace pasta in terms of texture and substance in low carb dishes.