Garlic Brown Butter Spaghetti Squash is quick and healthy side dish that is super cheesy and tossed in nutty garlicky browned butter! One bite and you won’t believe how light it really is!
Why hello!
It has been a bit, so tell me, how was you the rest of your holidays and New Years? Eventful? Relaxing? Filled with snow, hot cocoa and a fire roaring?! Mine was a bit of all.
Last time we chatted, it was before Christmas and I had expressed I was taking a bit of time off to spend with my family and friends. Well apparently, my body and mind was telling me I needed a bit more time off. I completely underestimated the level of energy running a blog with a newborn took.
With all the hours I spent at home with him, I figured I had hours to spend on the blog, but in reality it was only tiring me further and stressing me. I realized during one morning while laying in bed attempting to sleep, that time off was needed. Granted I hardly took any time when he arrived! Despite trying. I failed.
In the past few weeks, I have relaxed a bit more. Spent way more hours cuddling with my little guy (who will be 3 months this week. Say WHAT?!); sleeping a whole lot more, cooking up a storm and spending much needed time with my husband. All were amazing for the soul.
This year, I have decided to focus on doing what makes me happy. Rather than all the should’s in life. I believe we all get held back by the should’s (should do the laundry, should clean the house, yada yada yada), rather than looking at what brings us joy and moving forward with those. While I am very fortunate I have a career I can work from home while watching over Aiden, I wasn’t taking advantage of it. So this year, when a new friend mentioned a women’s bible study she partakes in, I knew that was just it. The idea has been an interest of mine for awhile but for some reason, I wasn’t seeking it out. Until God brought my friend Amy into my life.
This past week was our first meeting and we discussed our word for the year. Rather than setting a resolution for the new year, we choose a word. As I listened to the other women’s words and stories, I thought, oh that sounds like my word too! I see myself pushing through the year with those intentions! Then it hit me. Positivity. That’s my word.
It is very easy to see the negative side in life when things get difficult or stressful. Which life has much been both of those lately. A three month old getting up 7 times a night for a week straight will do that to ya. Staying positive is much harder, but so much more rewarding. Seeing the joy in each day. Being in the moment rather than trying to fix the other stresses in life. And letting positivity drive the day!
Making this small mind shift over the past few days has already shown me the benefit. More sleep. A better mood and a drive to get back to blogging! While I may not know what my schedule is for the blog, I know I love working on it. A passion I am thankful I can enjoy while being at stay at home mom.
So tell me, how do you try to stay positive during high stress times? I love hearing others secret hacks!
Okay after all that, let’s talk food! Just like so many others out there, as January came we decided to clean up our diet a bit. We had to say goodbye to cookies for dinner and bring in more vegetables. And one that is always a favorite of mine is spaghetti squash! So many ways to jazz it up and today’s may top them all.
It is:
Speedy.
Comforting.
Cheesy.
Flavor filled.
Low carb.
Filled with protein.
And indulgent enough for even the biggest pasta lover.
If you have yet to try spaghetti squash, this is a good place to start as it is super quick. As in cooked in the microwave, left to cool slightly, then shredded and tossed in a saute pan with a touch of butter and gooey cheese. How can anyone turn that down?
Don’t be scared by the brown butter! There is under 1 tablespoon per serving but when browned it takes on this other profile. A nutty, caramelized counterpart, if you will. Then we add a bit of garlic to really up the flavor. Once that gets together in a saute pan, you add the shredded squash, throw on the cheese, fold it all together and you are ready for one killer dish.
Tools I used to make this recipe:
Garlic Brown Butter Spaghetti Squash is quick and healthy side dish that is super cheesy and tossed in nutty garlicky browned butter! One bite and you won't believe how light it really is!
5 minPrep Time
20 minCook Time
25 minTotal Time
Yields 2
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 4 cups cooked)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
Instructions
- Using a fork, pierce the squash a few times all over. Place on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 5 minutes. It will start to get soft.
- If not completely cooked, microwave for 5 more minutes. This will depend on the size of your squash. If using a small squash, start with 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully remove the squash from the microwave and let stand few minutes. Then using a chef's knife, cut in half. It will release steam so be careful. Remove the seeds by scooping out with a spoon.
- Using a fork, peel the spaghetti strands by running the fork through them. Set aside.
- In a large saute pan, add the butter. Once melted, add and garlic.
- Cook for 2 minutes on a low heat. Once the butter starts to bubble and starts to smell nutty and brown, add the spaghetti squash and toss to coat well.
- Remove from the heat and add the salt, mozzarella and parmesan. Toss to mix well.
- Place onto two plates and serve immediately. Garnish with more parmesan, if desired.
Craving more healthy side dish ideas?
Garlic Gouda and Parmesan Cauliflower Au Gratin
Caramelized Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese and Roasted Grapes
Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
If you make this recipe, make sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #WITHSALTANDWIT. I’d love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen!
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