Who says comfort food can’t be both indulgent and healthy? Our Boursin spaghetti squash recipe delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave without the carb-heavy guilt. Spaghetti squash, with its magical noodle-like strands, is the perfect low-carb base for this rich and flavorful dish.
Boursin Spaghetti Squash Recipe
This Boursin Spaghetti Squash Recipe is a delightful mix of creamy indulgence and wholesome ingredients. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this flavorful dish to life in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2-3 pounds), halved and seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 package (5.2 ounces) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 40-50 minutes or until the flesh is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Use a fork to gently scrape the strands from the squash into a bowl. Set aside.
Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce:
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese and heavy cream. Cook, stirring continuously, until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the spaghetti squash strands to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until the squash is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes over low heat, allowing the squash to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Quick Cooking Times
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prepping Spaghetti Squash | 10 minutes |
| Roasting Squash | 40-50 minutes |
| Making Boursin Sauce | 5 minutes |
| Combining and Heating | 5 minutes |
| Total Estimated Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
Ingredients
Let’s gather everything we need to create this indulgent yet nutritious Boursin Spaghetti Squash recipe. Carefully selecting and measuring these ingredients will ensure the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
For The Spaghetti Squash
- 1 large spaghetti squash (about 3–4 lbs), halved and seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for roasting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For The Boursin Sauce
- 1 5.2 oz package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for richness
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional for extra flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, to enhance the sauce
Optional Toppings And Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits, for added crunch
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving
With these ingredients in hand, we’re ready to create a creamy, flavorful, and visually stunning dish.
Tools And Equipment
To create our Boursin Spaghetti Squash Recipe, we’ll need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure everything runs smoothly. From preparing the spaghetti squash to making the creamy sauce, these tools will save time and maximize efficiency.
Kitchen Tools
Here are the essential kitchen tools we’ll use while preparing this dish:
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: For carefully cutting the large spaghetti squash in half.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface to safely slice the squash.
- Spoon: To scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp from the squash.
- Fork: To effortlessly shred the roasted spaghetti squash into “noodles.”
- Medium-Sized Saucepan: Ideal for melting the Boursin cheese and creating the creamy sauce.
- Silicone Spatula: For stirring the sauce and ensuring even blending of the ingredients.
Baking Equipment
For roasting the spaghetti squash to tender perfection, we’ll need the following:
- Baking Sheet: A flat, rimmed sheet to hold the squash halves securely during roasting.
- Parchment Paper (optional): To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking or mess.
- Aluminum Foil (optional): Useful for creating a tent over the squash if you want softer textures.
- Oven Mitts or Gloves: For safely handling hot equipment once the squash is roasted to golden perfection.
With these Tools And Equipment in hand, we’re ready to prepare the most creamy, flavorful spaghetti squash dish perfect for any occasion.
Directions
Let’s transform our spaghetti squash into a creamy, flavorful dish with this step-by-step guide. Follow along as we roast the squash, prepare the luscious Boursin sauce, and assemble it all into a perfect meal.
Prep The Spaghetti Squash
- Carefully slice a large spaghetti squash lengthwise using a sharp chef’s knife.
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each half with a spoon.
- Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cut sides of the squash.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly to season.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a lined baking sheet (use parchment paper for an easier cleanup).
Roast The Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Roast the squash for 40-50 minutes, or until the skin is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the squash to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes.
- Use a fork to scrape the inside of each half, creating those perfect noodle-like strands. Be careful not to break the shell if you plan to use it for serving.
Make The Boursin Sauce
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently.
- Stir in 1 package (5.2 oz) of softened Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese. Whisk continuously until the cheese melts into a creamy consistency.
- Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and continue whisking until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer slightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally with a silicone spatula.
Combine And Assemble
- Transfer the spaghetti squash strands into the saucepan with the Boursin sauce. Gently toss until the squash is thoroughly coated.
- Optionally sprinkle in additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits, or toasted pine nuts for an elegant finish.
- For presentation, serve in the squash shells or a shallow serving bowl. Enjoy immediately while warm!
| Step | Time Required (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| Prep the squash | 10 |
| Roast the squash | 40-50 |
| Make the sauce | 5-7 |
| Combine and assemble | 5 |
Tips For Success
Perfecting this Boursin Spaghetti Squash Recipe requires attention to detail and a few tricks to ensure the dish is as flavorful and creamy as intended. Here are some expert tips to elevate your culinary results.
Choosing The Right Spaghetti Squash
- Size Matters: Choose a medium-to-large spaghetti squash that feels heavy for its size. This ensures plenty of “noodle” strands to hold the creamy Boursin sauce.
- Firm And Smooth: Look for a squash with firm, unblemished skin. Avoid any with soft spots or cracks.
- Seasonal Freshness: For the best flavor, use a squash that’s in season, typically during fall and winter months.
Adjusting The Sauce Consistency
- Control The Thickness: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of warm heavy cream or milk gradually until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Prevent Thinning: To avoid the sauce becoming runny, ensure the spaghetti squash strands are fully drained of excess moisture before combining.
- Boost With Cheese: If you prefer a thicker texture, stir in extra Parmesan cheese lightly, as it naturally thickens the sauce.
Pro Tip: Cook the sauce over low-to-medium heat to prevent curdling.
Storage And Reheating Tips
- Proper Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating Techniques: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture if it thickens in the fridge.
- Avoid Freezing: We don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the spaghetti squash and Boursin sauce may separate when thawed, losing their creamy consistency.
| Storage Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration Time | 3-4 days in an airtight container |
| Reheating Method | Low heat with added cream/milk |
| Freezing Recommendation | Not recommended for best texture |
Variations And Substitutions
When it comes to our Boursin Spaghetti Squash recipe, there are countless ways to personalize this dish to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether you’re seeking a vegetarian twist or a dose of protein, we’ve got creative ideas for you.
Vegetarian Options
For a fully vegetarian-friendly version, stick with plant-based toppings and dairy-based ingredients:
- Swap Parmesan cheese with a vegetarian parmesan substitute to ensure no animal rennet is used.
- Add sautéed or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach. These bring texture and pops of vibrant color while enhancing the dish’s nutritional value.
- To make it even creamier yet vegetarian, mix a spoonful of ricotta cheese or vegan cream cheese into the sauce.
- Garnish with toasted nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pepitas, for crunch and extra protein.
Adding Protein
If you’d like to introduce protein-rich additions while keeping the creamy base intact, here’s how you can customize the recipe:
| Protein Addition | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Slice into thin strips and fold into the sauced squash. |
| Shrimp | Sauté with olive oil, garlic, and herbs until pink; serve on top. |
| Ground Turkey | Cook with spices like paprika, garlic, and onion before mixing. |
| Bacon Crumbles | Fry crispy bacon, chop finely, and sprinkle as a garnish. |
| Plant-Based Protein | Try crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils for a vegetarian option. |
Conclusion
This Boursin spaghetti squash recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and nourishment, offering a creamy, flavorful dish that feels indulgent yet fits into a balanced lifestyle. With its simple preparation, versatile options, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a meal that can easily adapt to any occasion or dietary preference.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe brings a touch of elegance and satisfaction to your table. Let’s embrace the joy of creating wholesome, delicious meals that leave us feeling good inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spaghetti squash, and why is it used in this recipe?
Spaghetti squash is a low-carb vegetable that transforms into noodle-like strands when cooked. It’s used as a healthier substitute for traditional pasta, offering a lighter, gluten-free option with excellent texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with sauces.
What is Boursin cheese, and can I substitute it?
Boursin cheese is a soft, creamy cheese flavored with garlic and fine herbs. It adds a rich, savory taste to the dish. For substitutes, you can use cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs or any similar herbed soft cheese.
How long does it take to make this Boursin spaghetti squash recipe?
The recipe takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish, including roasting the squash and preparing the creamy Boursin sauce.
What tools do I need to make the recipe?
You’ll need a sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, spoon, fork, medium-sized saucepan, silicone spatula, baking sheet, optional parchment paper or foil, and oven mitts for safe handling of hot items.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the spaghetti squash and prepare the Boursin sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently with added cream or milk for best results.
What are some optional toppings for this dish?
Optional toppings include crispy bacon bits, toasted pine nuts, additional Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
How do I adjust the sauce’s consistency?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer, stirring frequently. To thin it, add a splash of cream or milk until you achieve the desired consistency.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the creamy sauce may break and lose its texture. Instead, refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days and reheat gently.
What protein can I add to this recipe?
You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, ground turkey, or plant-based proteins like crumbled tempeh or lentils. These options complement the flavors of the dish while making it more filling.
Are there vegetarian substitutions for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a vegetarian Parmesan alternative and incorporate roasted or sautéed vegetables. For added creaminess, add ricotta or vegan cream cheese to the sauce.