If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing, this 4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how it combines that creamy, cheesy alfredo magic with the natural sweetness of roasted spaghetti squash, creating this incredible blend of flavors and textures that you can’t help but savor bite after bite. It’s perfect for when you want something special but not too fussy, and trust me, it’s easier to pull off than you might think.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the roasted garlic adds this deep, mellow sweetness that elevates the entire dish without overpowering it. Plus, since it’s stuffed inside the squash itself, it makes for a great show-stopping centerpiece for family dinners or casual get-togethers. You’ll find that once you make this 4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe a couple of times, it quickly becomes a go-to comfort meal on rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy, Comforting Flavor: The blend of four cheeses and roasted garlic creates a rich and luscious filling that never disappoints.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free: Using spaghetti squash instead of pasta makes this dish lighter but still satisfying.
  • Impressive Yet Easy: It looks fancy but comes together with straightforward steps you can master even on a busy evening.
  • Versatile Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe depends on a harmony of cheeses and fresh herbs that build layers of flavor, plus the humble spaghetti squash which acts as a natural vessel holding all that cheesy goodness.

  • Whole milk or heavy cream: Choose heavy cream if you want an extra rich sauce, or whole milk for a lighter touch.
  • Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and squeezed dry, it adds a subtle earthiness plus nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
  • Fresh sage: This herb pairs beautifully with cheese and roasted garlic, adding a fragrant depth.
  • Fresh thyme leaves: Thyme’s gentle citrusy notes brighten the creamy filling.
  • Fontina cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth creamy and nutty, perfect for alfredo style dishes.
  • Mozzarella or creamy gouda: I often use mozzarella for that stretch factor; gouda works fabulously if you want a smoky undertone.
  • Provolone cheese: Adds a mild sharpness—half goes inside the squash, half tops it for a golden crust.
  • Spaghetti squash: The star! Make sure to pick medium-sized, firm squash with no soft spots.
  • Parmesan: Grated for a punch of savory umami on top.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning that lets all the ingredients shine.
  • Garlic head: Roasted whole for sweet, mellow roasted garlic flavor.
  • Olive oil: Used for drizzling over garlic to roast perfectly.
  • Salted butter: Room temperature, mixed with roasted garlic for an indulgent finish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this 4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe serves as a blank canvas—you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Make it your own and feel free to experiment with different cheese combos or add-ins!

  • Vegetarian Version: Stick to the recipe as is—no need for meat since the cheese and herbs create a hearty, filling dish on their own. My family goes crazy for this without any meat.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes directly into the cheese mixture for a subtle heat; I discovered this trick when I wanted to liven up leftovers.
  • Herb Swap: Try rosemary or basil instead of sage and thyme, depending on what you have on hand for a fresh twist.
  • Protein Boost: Stir in some cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits if you want a more substantial meal.

How to Make 4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Spaghetti Squash

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. Slice your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds—don’t toss them, you can roast those later for a crunchy snack if you like. Place the squash cut-side up in a baking dish and sprinkle both halves generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This seasoning really brings out the squash’s natural sweetness when it roasts.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Spinach Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the whole milk (or cream), squeezed dry chopped spinach, chopped fresh sage, fresh thyme leaves, fontina, and mozzarella. Season with a pinch of red pepper flakes, plus salt and pepper to taste. This combo forms the creamy, cheesy filling that melts beautifully while the squash cooks.

Step 3: Stuff, Top, and Cover the Squash

Start by sprinkling half of the shredded provolone cheese into the bottom cavity of each squash half. Then divide your prepared milk and cheese mixture evenly between the two halves, spooning it right into those cavities. Top each one off with the remaining provolone and a healthy dusting of grated parmesan. Cover the whole thing tightly with foil to keep it nice and moist during baking.

Step 4: Roast the Garlic

Slice off the top portion of your garlic head so the tops of the cloves are exposed, then set it on a square of foil. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap it up into a little bundle. This method ensures your garlic roasts slowly into a soft, caramelized treasure you’ll mash right into the butter later.

Step 5: Bake Everything Together

Pop both the foil-covered squash and the foil-wrapped garlic into the preheated oven. Roast for 30 minutes, then carefully remove the foil from both. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the squash strands are tender and the cheese on top turns golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily scrape the squash flesh into strands with a fork.

Step 6: Mash Roasted Garlic and Finish the Dish

Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out into a small bowl. Add your room temperature butter and a tablespoon of fresh sage (if you want an extra herbal lift). Mash everything together with a fork until it forms a fragrant, creamy spread. Then slather this buttery garlic mixture over your stuffed squash halves before using a fork to shred the squash flesh, mixing the cheesy filling with the strands. Dig in and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making 4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Garlic Roast: It transforms raw garlic’s harshness into sweet creaminess that melts into the butter perfectly.
  • Use Room Temperature Butter: It blends far easier with the roasted garlic for a smooth, rich spread.
  • Season in Layers: Salt and pepper your squash, filling, and roasted garlic butter to build balanced flavor throughout.
  • Watch Your Bake Time: Overbaking can make the squash shrink too much or dry out—test tenderness early with a fork.

How to Serve 4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

The image shows four halves of baked squash on a dark baking tray atop a white marbled surface, each half filled with a golden melted cheese layer mixed with herbs and small green leafy pieces on top, the squash skin is a rich yellow-orange color, and some sprigs of fresh green herbs are placed on top of each half for garnish, the texture of the cheese is bubbly and browned in some spots, indicating it was baked well, with the skin crisp around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra sage leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper on top right before serving really makes the flavors pop too. If you like, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a surprisingly nice bright contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is quite rich and hearty, I like to pair it with something light and crisp—think a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread also pairs beautifully if you want to lean into the indulgence for a cozy weekend meal.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve served this recipe is right in the spaghetti squash shells, topped with extra melted cheese and fresh herbs—great for impressing guests at casual dinner parties. You could also scoop the mixture into mini bell peppers or small ramekins for individual servings. It makes a stunning vegetarian entree for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a special elevated meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The texture holds up surprisingly well thanks to the richness of the cheese, and the squash strands stay tender without getting mushy. Just give it a quick stir before reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is totally doable if you want to prep ahead, though I recommend scooping the cheesy squash mixture out of the shells and into freezer-safe containers. It freezes best without the roasted garlic butter added—you can mix that in freshly after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first to keep the cheese from becoming grainy. Adding a small splash of milk or cream helps restore creaminess.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this recipe?

    Absolutely! If you use fresh spinach, you’ll want to sauté it first to wilt it down and remove excess moisture, then cool and squeeze out any water before mixing it into the cheese sauce. Frozen spinach is convenient because it’s already prepped and drained, but fresh works just as well.

  2. Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

    Great question! For a dairy-free version, you can substitute with vegan cheese alternatives that melt well and use coconut cream or almond milk instead of dairy milk or cream. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift a bit, but the roasted garlic and herbs will still shine beautifully.

  3. How do I know when the spaghetti squash is done?

    The squash is perfectly cooked when you can easily scrape the flesh into strands with a fork and it feels tender but not mushy. Make sure the cheese on top is golden and bubbly — that’s a good sign it’s ready!

  4. Can I prepare the stuffed squash ahead of time?

    You can prep everything up to the point of baking and keep the stuffed squash covered in the fridge for a few hours. Then bake fresh right before serving to keep the squash tender and cheese bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This 4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a luxurious treat but is surprisingly straightforward to make. Every time I serve it, people are amazed by how deliciously cheesy and comforting it is without the heaviness of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I encourage you to give it a try—it’s a game changer for anyone who loves cozy, cheesy meals with a light, wholesome twist. Happy cooking!

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4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This 4 Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a decadent and comforting vegetarian dish that combines tender roasted spaghetti squash with a creamy blend of fontina, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses. Enhanced with aromatic herbs like sage and thyme, and finished with roasted garlic butter, this recipe transforms a healthy vegetable into a rich, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Dairy and Cheese

  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or creamy gouda
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 6 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (+ 1 tablespoon for garlic butter)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed
  • 1 head garlic

Seasonings and Oils

  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Olive oil, for roasting garlic

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425° F to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting the squash and garlic.
  2. Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the milk or cream, thawed and squeezed spinach, chopped fresh sage, thyme leaves, shredded fontina, and shredded mozzarella. Season the mixture with red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper, mixing well to integrate all flavors.
  3. Prepare the spaghetti squash: Place the halved and seeded spaghetti squash cut-side up in a baking dish. Season the cut sides with salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the shredded provolone cheese into the bottom of each squash cavity, then evenly divide the prepared milk and cheese mixture between the squash halves. Top each with the remaining provolone cheese and sprinkle parmesan on top. Cover the whole baking dish tightly with foil to retain moisture during the initial roasting phase.
  4. Roast the garlic: Slice off the top portion of the garlic head to expose some cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves, then wrap the whole garlic head tightly in foil to create a pouch for roasting.
  5. Bake the squash and garlic: Place both the covered baking dish with the squash and the foil-wrapped garlic head in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil from both. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the squash is tender and the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Make roasted garlic butter and combine: Remove the garlic from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves into a bowl, add the room temperature salted butter and 1 tablespoon of chopped sage, then mash together using a fork until combined into a creamy butter. Spread this flavorful roasted garlic butter over the hot squash. Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash into strands, mixing the cheese and garlic butter throughout for a rich, cohesive dish. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • To make the dish vegetarian, ensure all cheeses used are free of animal rennet.
  • For a richer dish, use heavy cream instead of whole milk.
  • Can be prepared ahead of time by roasting the squash and garlic ahead and combining right before serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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