Spaghetti squash is a winter squash, harvested in late summer or in fall, when fully mature. It differs from summer squash varieties, such as zucchini and yellow squash, by the thickness and hardness of its skin. Spaghetti squash produces long, thin strands that make a great low-carb alternative to regular wheat spaghetti. Use spaghetti squash to make a healthy, low-calorie pasta dish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Low-Carb Spaghetti
Spaghetti squash is a delicious low-carb and low-calorie alternative to pasta. One 155 g serving of baked spaghetti squash contains only 42 calories, 1 g of protein, 10 g of carbohydrate and less than 0.5 g of fat, according to the U.S Department of Agriculture. One 155 g serving of cooked spaghetti contains 245 calories, 9 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrate and 1.3 g of fat.
Basil
Fresh basil leaves are delicious and an easy way to add lots of flavor to your dishes. You can find several varieties of basil -- spicy, lemon, sweet and Thai. One cup of fresh basil leaves contains merely 6 calories. Basil is also a source of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin K.
Parmesan
Parmigiano-Reggiano is a dry Italian cheese better known as Parmesan. It is not only rich in flavor but also in protein, minerals and vitamins. Grated Parmesan cheese contains 108 calories, 10 g of protein, 1 g of carbohydrate and 7 g of fat in 1/4 cup. In addition, 1/4 cup provides 277 mg of calcium, 182 mg of phosphorous, 0.6 mcg of vitamin B-12 and 216 IU of vitamin A.
Easy Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Cook the whole squash in the oven for one hour at 375 degrees Fahrenheit after piercing it several times with a fork. If you prefer, you can use the microwave. Place the whole squash, also pierced with a fork, in the microwave and cook on high heat for 20 minutes or until tender. If you do not have a turntable microwave, rotate the squash every five minutes. Then cut it in half, remove the seeds and scrape the strands into a bowl. Add Parmesan cheese, olive oil, fresh chopped basil and sauteed mushrooms and/or garlic and mix the ingredients. Season the dish with lemon juice, salt and black pepper.
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