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Spaghetti Squash Marinara Boats – Cozy & Nourishing

May 7, 2020

50 minutes

medium

serves 2-4

A Splash of Vodka, a Twist of Comfort – Spaghetti Squash Marinara Boats– Cozy & Nourishing

Spaghetti Squash Marinara Boats are the kind of cozy comfort food that feels indulgent but leaves you light. The roasted squash caramelizes at the edges, soaking up a dreamy vodka marinara sauce while the cheesy top bubbles golden. Add a swirl of homemade basil pesto, and every bite delivers a blend of creamy, bright, and herby perfection.

Why You’ll Love These
Spaghetti Squash Marinara Boats

There’s something magical about spaghetti squash marinara boats — the way the roasted squash caramelizes ever so slightly, adding a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the rich, herb-kissed marinara. Each tender strand soaks up the velvety sauce, making every bite warm, gooey, satisfying, and full of flavor.

But this isn’t your average marinara. There’s a little twist tucked into the sauce — a splash of creamy vodka sauce for richness and depth, and a swirl of homemade basil pesto to finish. It’s cozy meets elevated… the kind of flavor that makes people pause after the first bite and ask, “Wait, what is this?!”
And yes — it’s secretly so simple.

✨ Want to make your own? Try my Easy Homemade Basil Pesto — it only takes a few minutes and makes everything taste a little brighter.

These spaghetti squash marinara boats are pasta-night comfort without the heaviness — gluten-free, low-carb, and bursting with flavor. Top them with toasted nuts, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan (or nutritional yeast) for an extra layer of richness.

Looking for the perfect cozy meal? Pair these spaghetti squash boats with our Tomato Soup For The Soul Recipe and let the flavors glow. 🍲✨

Why You’ll Love & Benefit from These Ingredients 🍂✨

🎃 Spaghetti Squash – A low-carb, fiber-rich alternative to pasta that keeps you feeling light and satisfied.
🧄 Garlic – Bold, aromatic, and packed with immune-boosting properties.
🍅 Tomatoes – Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and natural umami depth.
🥥 Olive Oil – Heart-healthy fats that enhance flavor and aid nutrient absorption.
🌿 Basil & Parsley – Fresh, detoxifying, and bursting with earthy goodness.
🧂 Seasonings – A mindful blend of spices that brings warmth and depth to every bite.
🧀 Parmesan (Optional) – A touch of umami-rich indulgence that ties it all together.

Wooden bowl filled with fresh tomatoes, squash, basil, and garlic, with a MacKenzie knife resting beside it — cozy and rustic mise en place for cooking.
Shredded cheese, black pepper, and a garlic bulb arranged on a wooden board — cozy and rustic ingredients for a savory homemade comfort meal.
Top-down view of a basil plant in focus with vodka, tomatoes, olive oil, and onion blurred behind — cozy, rustic ingredients for homemade vodka sauce.
Wooden table scene with spaghetti squash halves, tomato paste, olive oil in a glass container, and a bowl of tomatoes and onion — cozy, nourishing ingredients ready for sauce-making.
Spaghetti squash halves stuffed with marinara and cheese, served with a small bowl of basil pesto — a cozy, gluten-free comfort dish full of color and flavor.
Small can of tomato paste, homemade basil pesto, and fresh cooking ingredients on a wooden table — a rustic, real-life prep scene before simmering sauce.
Close-up of fresh garlic pressed through a garlic press, next to marinara sauce and spaghetti squash strands on a black board — a flavorful and rustic prep moment.
Cheesy spaghetti squash boats with vodka marinara oozing out, a sauce-drenched fork resting nearby — cozy, flavorful, and deliciously messy.
Overhead shot of shredded cheese, garlic, and a kitchen towel arranged on a wooden board — a rustic, cozy cooking prep moment.
Half-eaten spaghetti squash marinara boat with a garlic press and messy wooden board — a cozy, rustic comfort food moment that feels real and satisfying.
Small Buddha sitting next to basil on a wooden board — a serene, earthy kitchen scene full of mindfulness and cozy prep energy.
Roasted garlic with herbs on a black board with visible oil stains — a rustic, flavorful kitchen prep moment full of warmth and texture.

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Looking for more comforting, flavor-packed meals? Check out our [other recipes here]!

🧄 Ingredients for Spaghetti Squash Marinara Boats with a Vodka Twist

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Ingredients

Adjust Servings
2 small spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed buy fresh
2 tbsp olive oil
1 whole head of garlic, top sliced off
For the Vodka Sauce
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
1/4 cup vodka (or water for non-alcoholic)
1/2 cup pesto
3/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated I swapped for Gouda, so creamy
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
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Nutritional Information

400-450 Calories
30-35g Carbs
7-9g Sugars
6-8g Fiber
30-35g Carbs
12-15g Protein

Directions

1.

🧀 Afterglow Cheese Tip

I used a little gouda instead of parmesan, and it added the most velvety, smoky richness. You could also try: Fontina – melts beautifully, ultra creamy Mozzarella – classic, stretchy, cozy vibes Grana Padano – a milder alternative to parm with a nutty bite Provolone – adds that gooey, golden top Vegan parmesan or cashew cheese – for a plant-based glow-up! Use what you love — the squash boats are super forgiving and delicious with whatever cheese feels right 💛
Overhead shot of shredded cheese, garlic, and a kitchen towel arranged on a wooden board — a rustic, cozy cooking prep moment.
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2.

Roast the Spaghetti Squash & Garlic:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle squash halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Wrap the garlic head in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and salt, then place it on the baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until squash is tender and garlic is caramelized.
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3.

Make the Vodka Sauce:

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté shallot in olive oil until soft. Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cooking for 2 minutes. Pour in vodka (or water), stirring until absorbed. Add pesto, heavy cream, and roasted garlic (squeeze from skins and mash). Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season to taste.
Top-down view of a basil plant in focus with vodka, tomatoes, olive oil, and onion blurred behind — cozy, rustic ingredients for homemade vodka sauce.
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4.

Assemble & Bake:

Flip squash halves cut-side up and fluff strands with a fork. Divide the vodka sauce between the halves and mix gently. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 10 minutes, until bubbly.
Spaghetti squash halves stuffed with marinara and cheese, served with a small bowl of basil pesto — a cozy, gluten-free comfort dish full of color and flavor.
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5.

Serve & Enjoy:

Garnish with fresh sage and extra Parmesan. Serve warm!
Cheesy spaghetti squash boats with vodka marinara oozing out, a sauce-drenched fork resting nearby — cozy, flavorful, and deliciously messy.
Mark as complete

Notes

From the sweet aroma of roasting squash to the rich, herb-infused sauce simmering on the stove, this dish is a celebration of flavors and mindful eating. The moment you take a bite, the tender strands of squash soak up the luscious sauce, creating a perfect harmony of warmth and nourishment. And let’s be honest—shredding your own squash boat is just plain fun! Watching the sauce ooze into every crevice adds to the joy of the meal. Served as a refreshing alternative to pasta, this dish is sure to glow from the inside out. 🌿✨
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