These delicious “boats” let you enjoy the wonderful flavors and cheesiness of pizza 🍕 with a tasty vegetable base. When my kids ask if we can order pizza, and I happen to have spaghetti squash in the house, I ask them if they would like these boats instead. Nine times out of ten, the enthusiastic answer is “Yes!” So this should tell you how good they are. It’s genius, really - enjoy all the cheesiness and goodness of pizza, but with a vegetable base.
Ingredients
Here’s an overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make these tasty spaghetti squash boats. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements. Spaghetti squash: I use a small 2-lb. squash in this recipe. Marinara sauce: Try to use a sugar-free sauce such as Rao’s. Shredded mozzarella: Provolone is another good option. Salt and pepper: Just a dash of each. Topping: I like to use pepperoni. Grated parmesan: It’s best to use finely grated parmesan and not coarsely shredded, although if all you have is shredded, you can use that. Chopped parsley: Used mostly as a pretty garnish. So if you don’t have any on hand, you can simply skip it.
Instructions
Making these spaghetti squash boats is easy! The full instructions are listed in the recipe card below. Here’s an overview of the steps:
Expert tip
When you rake the flesh to create the strands, work carefully so that the shells remain intact, and leave some flesh in the shells. Rake a fork back and forth to remove strands of the flesh, keeping the shells intact. Mix the strands with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella, then transfer them back to the shells. Arrange the pepperoni on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and with parmesan. Bake the boats until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 15 minutes. But if, despite all your best efforts, the shells get torn, do not despair. Simply bake the filling in a casserole dish such as a square 8-inch baking dish. It won’t be as pretty, but it will be just as delicious!
Frequently asked questions
Variations
I love this recipe as is and almost always make it as written. But in case you’d like to vary the basic recipe, here are a few ideas for you:
You can try different melty cheeses instead of mozzarella. Provolone is a good option.You can obviously use whatever toppings you like and enjoy. I tend to use pepperoni, but other options include olives, sauteed mushrooms, red onions, and bell peppers.Mix a cup of shredded cooked chicken into the strands. You might need to add some more pizza sauce if you do.
Serving suggestions
I usually serve these boats as a main course, alongside a simple green vegetable that I can cook in the same 425-degree oven, such as roasted Brussels sprouts. You can also serve them with an easy side salad such as this arugula salad.
Storing leftovers
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in a sealed container, for 3-4 days. They keep quite well, actually. Reheat them gently, covered, in the microwave on 50% power. I don’t recommend freezing the leftovers.
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