The spaghetti squash recipe to beat all others! Serve this as a side dish or a light vegetarian lunch. Packed with flavor!
It's a good thing that spaghetti squash is forgiving. It's a common occurrence for me to wander into our cellar (or the "pickle room" as we call it, though I have yet to actually pickle anything) and find a forlorn, yet resilient, yellow vegetable that has been waiting for weeks to be cooked and consumed. Spaghetti squash can be stored at room temperature for up to one month. Perfect for neglectful cooks such as myself. With a neutral, pleasing flavor, this large, cylindrical squash is able to accommodate a host of flavors. Paired with tomato sauce or pesto, it masquerades as pasta. Combined with a light vinaigrette, it makes a gratifying side dish. It's the chameleon of the vegetable world.
This recipe came to me courtesy of one of my best girlfriends, who found it in Six O'Clock Solutions by Eve Johnson and the Vancouver Sun Test Kitchens. My friend is not only beautiful in appearance and nature, but she is far better than me about cooking innovative vegetable dishes. This dish combines the tender-crisp texture of spaghetti squash with the tang of feta cheese and a light vinaigrette. With the addition of cannellini beans, it can effortlessly stand in as a vegetarian meal.
How to make Spaghetti Squash with Spinach:
In a medium bowl, combine 1 (14 oz.) can cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), 1 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar.
Using a large, sharp knife, pierce a 3-pound spaghetti squash in several places.
Place the spaghetti squash in a glass baking dish and cook in the microwave on high for about 15 minutes, turning the squash halfway through cooking. Before handling, let the squash stand for 10 minutes. Cut it in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and fibers. Using a fork, twist out strands of the spaghetti squash flesh and place in a large bowl.
Wash one bunch of spinach and remove the stems. There should be approximately 6 cups (packed) spinach leaves. Working in batches, stack the spinach leaves and cut across the leaves into ¼-inch wide strips.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add ½ cup chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add the sliced spinach and cook until the spinach is just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add ½ cup crumbled feta cheese and the cannellini bean mixture. Cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add bean and spinach mixture to the spaghetti squash. Gently toss. Place the mixture on a serving platter and serve with finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Printable Recipe
Spaghetti Squash Recipe with Spinach, Feta & Basil White Beans
Ingredients
- 1 14 ounce cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 3-pound spaghetti squash
- 1 bunch spinach washed and stems removed, about 6 cups (packed) leaves
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cannellini beans, basil, oregano, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and white wine vinegar.
- Using a large, sharp knife, pierce spaghetti squash in several places. Place the squash in a glass baking dish and cook in the microwave on high for about 15 minutes, turning the squash halfway through cooking. Before handling, let the squash stand for 10 minutes. Cut it in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and fibers. Using a fork, twist out strands of the spaghetti squash flesh and place in a large bowl.
- Working in batches, stack the spinach leaves and cut across the leaves into ¼-inch wide strips.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add the sliced spinach and cook until the spinach is just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Add feta cheese and the cannellini bean mixture. Cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add bean and spinach mixture to the spaghetti squash. Gently toss. Place the mixture on a serving platter and serve with finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
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Anonymous
This is an amazingly delicious recipe. Thank you for sharing it. The topping is simply scrumptious, and I was excited about how to cook and harvest the squash, too!
How To: Simplify
Wow, this sounds so delicious!
Michelle
You are so lucky to have a "pickling room"! I am jealous!
Stunning photos!
Tracy
Yum, what a great and healthy dinner!
Maggy
Wow, that looks absolutely delicious. I love squash.
Jenny
Beautiful dinner!! Love this post :0)
Divina Pe
Honestly, I haven't tasted a spaghetti squash. I saw it on the market but they're way too expensive. I would to give this a try. The flavors are fabulous.
marla {Family Fresh Cooking}
Now this is my kind of recipe! I love spaghetti squash, prefer it over pasta any day. I love it tossed with parm and olive oil. Nice additions with the spinach and the beans, balanced meal 🙂
Claudia
Spaghetti squash is so versatile - love your take on it - now I want it. Off to the store...
ncl117
did you make this dish just for me? those are some of my all time favorite foods in one dish! wow looks SO good. I love feta and white beans in ANYTHING!