Spaghetti Squash with Goat Cheese and Mushrooms

This Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms, Spinach, and Goat Cheese is delicious, savory, gluten-free, low-carb, and totally satisfying!

There’s nothing fancier than spaghetti squash pasta, and that’s an opinion I’ll stand behind! It’s so delicious that it’s hard to believe it’s a healthier pasta alternative. For this recipe, we’re taking regular, good old squash noodles and pairing them with mushrooms, spinach, and goat cheese for a savory dish that’s ridiculously satisfying. 

This is an old recipe, back from when this blog wasn’t completely vegetarian. We used bacon back then, but today we’re replacing the bacon with smoky, umami-packed mushrooms!

We pack in the veggies for a Nutrition A+ and use ingredients like liquid smoke, soy sauce, and maple syrup for extra flavor. The prep will only require 20 minutes of your time, so you can rest assured that you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for very long. 

In addition to being delicious, this meal is gluten-free, low-carb, and vegetarian. It’s easily made vegan by simply omitting the goat cheese or using a non-dairy alternative. All of these factors make this a wonderful option for serving to guests with varying food preferences and restrictions! Serve it up in the shells for bonus presentation points. 

Here’s what you’ll need

This recipe is all about flavor. Gather the following 9 ingredients, and let’s get started! 

• Spaghetti Squash: For two to three servings of delicious spaghetti squash, we will need  1 medium-sized squash. Choose one that’s golden or dark yellow and that feels nice and firm. 
• Olive Oil: We will use olive oil both to roast the squash and to saute some of the ingredients. 
• Mushrooms: Mushrooms are one of the main ingredients in this recipe, adding meaty substance and lots of savory flavor! We’ll be cooking them to crispy browned perfection on the stove.
• Marinade: We’ll marinate the mushrooms in soy sauce, liquid smoke, and maple syrup to replicate the flavor of bacon!
• Wine: We will use ¼ cup of wine during the cooking process to deglaze the pan (i.e. to incorporate all the flavor bits that are stuck to the pan after cooking the mushrooms). Feel free to use either red or white.
• Spinach: We’ll be sautéing 3 cups of fresh spinach to pair with the mushrooms. Don’t worry, it’ll cook down! 
• Goat Cheese: Finally, top with 2-4 oz of fresh goat cheese for the perfect finishing touch.

How to make goat cheese spaghetti squash

This recipe involves six simple steps. We’ll start by roasting the squash, and then we’ll move onto preparing the veggies and flavor ingredients. Finally, everything can be served on plates or in fancy shmancy squash bowls!  

Step 1: Prep the spaghetti squash
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half (width or lengthwise) and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the inside with olive oil and rub it to evenly coat. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and poke the outside a few times with a fork. This will allow heat to penetrate into the tough skin, while steaming the inside!

Step 2: Roast the squash
Roast for about 30 minutes, or until fork tender but still a little firm. When finished, flip the squash halves over and allow them to cool enough to touch.

Step 3: Prepare the mushrooms
While the squash is roasting, prepare the mushrooms. Clean and slice each into ¼ inch thick slices. Then, in a large bowl, stir the remaining oil with the soy, maple, and liquid smoke. Stir in the mushrooms, tossing to evenly coat. Transfer to a large sauté pan and cook over high until soft and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. You may need to drain the excess water while cooking to help them brown. 

Step 4: Add the wine and spinach
Next, with the heat still on, add the wine to the pan of mushrooms, stirring until it evaporates. Add the spinach and stir until it wilts down. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Spaghettify the squash
Use a fork to scrape strands from the inside of the spaghetti squash. If serving the final dish in the shells, leave about ¼ inch of flesh in the squash to support the bowls.

Step 6: Assemble the dish
Add the spaghetti squash noodles and goat cheese to the pan of mushrooms, stirring to evenly combine. Add salt and pepper as needed to suit your taste. Serve warm, topped with crushed red pepper flakes. 

Spaghetti squash recipe tips

Here are some helpful tips that should make your cooking experience that much easier! 

Cutting the squash
When it comes to cutting the squash, you have two options: horizontal or lengthwise. For longer spaghetti strands, slice the squash horizontally. Cut lengthwise for a prettier presentation when serving the meal in the squash shell!

Why we use wine
In this recipe, wine helps to deglaze the pan. When sautéing the mushrooms, it helps to get all of the flavorful bits that may be stuck on the pan to go back into the mushrooms! 

Storage
This meal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 4-5 days, so eat up! 

More dishes for goat cheese lovers

Do you love goat cheese as much as me? It’s tangy, creamy flavor is the perfect final touch for so many different types of recipes! If you liked it in this spaghetti squash dish, you’ll love these ideas too. The sweet potato recipe is a personal favorite! 

• Roasted Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates
• Goat Cheese Pizza with Mushrooms and White Sauce
• Smashed Sweet Potato with Roasted Grapes
• Berry Salad with Lavender Lemon Vinaigrette