This cheesy spaghetti squash casserole is vegetarian comfort food.

Spaghetti squash is a gift from the diet gods. When roasted, it miraculously transforms into low-carb, low-cal, spaghetti-like strands. Here, I toss it with good-quality jarred marinara sauce, top it with shredded cheese and crispy bread crumbs, and bake it until gooey and golden brown. The casserole makes a comforting vegetarian main course or side dish for meatballs or Italian sausage.

If you’ve never cooked spaghetti squash, it can be a little intimidating because it’s one of those large, awkward vegetables you’re not quite sure how to go at. For this recipe, I use two medium squash rather than one large one, as the smaller squash are easier to cut. I also sharpen my chef’s knife before I get started; it makes all the difference. (Pro tip: you’re much more likely to cut yourself with a dull knife than a sharp one. I use an electric knife sharpener regularly to keep my knives in tip-top shape.) 

What You’ll Need To Make Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Spaghetti Squash

Using a very sharp chef’s knife, cut a sliver off of the stem end of each squash (this creates a flat surface to cut the squash in half).

Stand each squash upright on a cutting board and slice through them top to bottom to cut each squash in half (use your body weight to press the knife down).

Using a soup spoon, scrape out the seeds and discard them.

Step 2: Roast the Spaghetti Squash

Place the squash halves cut-side-up on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Flip the squash halves so they are cut-side-down.

Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the squash is golden brown underneath and the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. You should be able to scrape the strands away from the skin easily. Flip the squash halves so they are cut-side-up, and let sit until cool enough to handle.

Use a fork to scrape out and fluff the strands.

Step 3: Toss the Spaghetti Squash with Sauce and Seasonings

Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Place the strands in a large bowl. Add the marinara sauce, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and thyme.

Toss gently until the squash is evenly coated. Taste and add adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over top, followed by the Parmigiano-Reggiano.

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the panko, and mix until the panko is evenly coated.

Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the cheese.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden.

Let cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with more fresh thyme and serve.

Please find original recipe link here.