Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Spaghetti Squash – Rich Flavor, 5-Star Favorite

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Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is the kind of dish that brings comfort with every bite. It combines tender roasted squash, earthy sautéed mushrooms, and velvety spinach swirled into a rich, cheesy sauce — all served in nature’s own golden bowl. This vegetarian main is satisfying, simple, and beautiful enough to serve guests.

With naturally gluten-free ingredients and a budget-friendly shopping list, this cozy meal checks all the boxes for a nourishing weeknight dinner. Whether you’re trying to eat more veggies or just love a good stuffed squash moment, you’ll be making this again and again.

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Why This Recipe Is Special

There’s a timeless charm to oven-roasted vegetables, and spaghetti squash is no exception. When roasted, it takes on a slightly nutty flavor and effortlessly pulls into delicate strands — nature’s own pasta.

But the real magic happens in the filling. Mushrooms are pan-seared until golden, onions and garlic deepen the flavor, and a swirl of cream cheese turns everything irresistibly rich. Then comes the spinach — cooked just enough to wilt, adding color, nutrients, and a soft bitterness that balances the richness. A touch of Parmesan rounds it out with a salty, nutty punch.

It’s creamy but not too heavy, satisfying without being overbearing. Plus, it’s a terrific way to enjoy a vegetarian main dish that doesn’t feel like a side. This pairs beautifully with similarly roasted meals like these Stuffed Zucchini Boats or the lighter Roasted Zucchini and Squash — both staples in my seasonal meal prep lineup.

Whether you’re serving this on a weeknight or bringing it to your next family dinner, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to pull together a dish this remarkable.

Ingredients & Preparation

A Fresh, Simple Ingredient Lineup

This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe keeps things easy and accessible, using pantry staples and seasonal produce to create something truly satisfying. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need for this dish:

 Ingredient Table

Ingredient Amount Notes
Spaghetti squash 1 large Halved lengthwise and seeds removed
Olive oil 2 tablespoons, divided For roasting and sautéing
Salt & Pepper To taste Adjust to your preference
Onion 1, chopped Yellow or white works best
Garlic 3 cloves, minced Fresh garlic adds the most flavor
Mushrooms 8 oz, sliced Baby bella or white button work well
Fresh spinach 4 cups, chopped Can use frozen (thawed) in a pinch
Cream cheese ½ cup Brings luscious creaminess
Grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup Adds salty depth
Red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon (optional) For gentle heat
Fresh parsley To taste Chopped, for garnish

This wholesome mix of vegetables, dairy, and aromatics is rich in flavor yet simple to prepare. I often keep a stash of mushrooms and spinach in the fridge, which means this meal is never far from reach.

Need a little extra crunch or color on your plate? Pair it with these Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, which offer similar cozy flavors with a touch of sweetness. Or prep it alongside the Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche for a brunch-style spread.

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Spaghetti Squash served in a roasted squash boat
Creamy, cheesy spinach and mushroom filling served in tender roasted squash

Tools You’ll Need & Smart Swaps

This recipe doesn’t demand much equipment — and that’s one of its strengths. If you’ve got a sharp knife, a sturdy baking sheet, and a large skillet, you’re already halfway there.

 Essential Tools:

  • Baking Sheet (for roasting the squash)

  • Sharp Chef’s Knife

  • Spoon (for scooping out seeds)

  • Large Skillet (nonstick or stainless steel)

  • Mixing Spoon or Spatula

  • Fork (to shred the squash)

 Substitutions:

  • Mushrooms: Try chopped zucchini, eggplant, or even crumbled tofu if you’re not a mushroom fan.

  • Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can hold up well, especially if pre-wilted.

  • Cream cheese: Substitute with mascarpone or full-fat Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier touch.

  • Parmesan: A hard aged cheese like Pecorino Romano works beautifully too.

Want to go dairy-free? Use plant-based cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The result is still decadently creamy with a lovely depth of flavor.

Cooking Instructions & Tips

How to Make Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Spaghetti Squash – Step by Step

This dish might look fancy, but I promise — it’s straightforward and oh-so-worth-it. Here’s exactly how I do it every time for that creamy, golden perfection.

Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a sturdy spoon.

Brush each half with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season well with salt and pepper. Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40–45 minutes, until the flesh is tender and strands easily with a fork.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.

Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 7–8 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and any liquid has evaporated.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Make It Creamy

Toss in the chopped spinach and stir until wilted — about 2–3 minutes. Lower the heat and mix in the cream cheese until melted into a thick, creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Squash

Once the squash is done roasting, let it cool slightly. Use a fork to gently scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands, leaving it in the shell.

Divide the creamy spinach and mushroom filling between the squash halves. Spread evenly, then return them to the oven for 10–15 minutes, until hot and lightly golden on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Remove the squash boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. The presentation is rustic, warm, and deeply satisfying.

For more crowd-pleasing squash recipes, you’ll love my Spinach Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms, which pair beautifully on a party table with these stuffed squash boats. Or try the comforting Spaghetti and Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Cream Sauce for a creamy pasta alternative.

Pro Tips to Get It Just Right

 Don’t skip the roast: The longer you roast the squash (without overbaking), the deeper its flavor.
 Salt after the cream cheese: Since both Parmesan and cream cheese contain salt, it’s better to adjust seasoning at the end.
Avoid soggy filling: Let mushrooms release all their liquid before adding spinach — it keeps the texture rich, not runny.
Double it for meal prep: These boats reheat beautifully for up to 3 days.

Stuffed spaghetti squash on plate with soup and zucchini sides
A full vegetarian meal with seasonal sides

Serving, Storing & Pairing

What to Serve with Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

The best part about this dish? It’s incredibly versatile. It can star as the main course or play a delicious supporting role at a holiday table.

When I serve this as dinner, I like to balance its richness with something fresh and light. A simple salad or a bright vegetable side makes all the difference. Try it with this Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup — the acidity and warmth of the soup perfectly cut through the creamy filling of the squash. It also makes for a wonderfully cozy lunch combo.

Craving something crunchy and savory on the side? I highly recommend pairing it with Garlic Parmesan Roasted Zucchini. The flavors mirror the roasted elements of the squash but add a crispy texture that balances everything beautifully.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

These stuffed squash halves reheat like a dream, making them ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Here’s how I do it:

 Storage

  • Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container or wrap the squash halves tightly in foil. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

  • Freezer: While not ideal due to the creamy filling, you can freeze them. Scoop the filling into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

 Reheating

  • Oven (Preferred): Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, until warmed through.

  • Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

To refresh the creaminess after reheating, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk before serving.

This recipe isn’t just a one-time dinner — it’s a meal prep favorite, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, and even a great brunch centerpiece. It’s the kind of meal that tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, which is always a win in my kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes — roast the squash and prep the filling up to 1 day in advance. Store separately, then assemble and bake when ready.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Definitely. Just thaw and squeeze out the liquid before adding it to the skillet to avoid a watery filling.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check that your cheese brands are certified GF if needed.

What other cheeses work?

Mascarpone, ricotta, or shredded mozzarella all work well — each adds a unique flavor and creamy texture.

Can I add protein?

Yes! Add in cooked chicken, turkey, or white beans for a protein boost without changing the flavor.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal that feels both comforting and nourishing. This Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is exactly that — warm, creamy, and filled with flavor, yet light enough to leave you feeling great.

It’s a dish I come back to again and again, especially when I want something vegetarian that doesn’t sacrifice richness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or planning a cozy fall gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

If you loved this one, you might also enjoy the vibrant flavors in my Stuffed Zucchini Boats or the ever-comforting Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Both offer that same blend of wholesomeness and flavor that keeps recipes like this in constant rotation.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you!

Rate it, leave a comment, and let me know how it turned out.
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Your support helps me share more delicious, comforting meals like this every week!

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Spaghetti squash stuffed with creamy spinach and mushrooms topped with melted cheese

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Spaghetti Squash


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  • Author: Sylvia
  • Total Time: 65
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a cozy, gluten-free vegetarian dinner with roasted squash boats filled with a savory, cheesy spinach and mushroom mixture.


Ingredients

• 1 large spaghetti squash

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• Salt, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1/2 cup cream cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice squash lengthwise and remove seeds.

2. Brush squash halves with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on baking sheet.

3. Roast for 40–45 minutes until flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

4. In a skillet, heat remaining olive oil over medium. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.

5. Add garlic and mushrooms; cook 7–8 minutes until browned and liquid evaporates.

6. Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

7. Lower heat, stir in cream cheese until melted. Add Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes. Season to taste.

8. Remove squash from oven, cool slightly. Use fork to scrape into strands inside shell.

9. Fill each squash half with spinach-mushroom mixture and bake 10–15 minutes more until golden and hot.

10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

– Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

– Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave until warmed through.

– Frozen spinach can be used — just thaw and squeeze dry.

– Sub cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for variation.

– Add cooked chicken or white beans for extra protein.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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