Now that we have everything prepped and ready, let’s get started with the cooking process. Don’t worry if this feels like a lot of steps—everything is super easy, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.

1. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, carefully cut your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. This can be tricky since the squash is pretty tough, so use a sharp knife and be cautious. Once you’ve got your halves, scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

2. Roast the Squash
Place the squash halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and you can easily scrape the strands with a fork. The squash should be golden brown around the edges and slightly caramelized. While it’s roasting, your kitchen will fill with a delicious aroma—you’ll know it’s ready when the house smells heavenly!

3. Make the Sauce and Cheese Topping
While the squash is roasting, prepare the marinara sauce (if you’re using homemade) and get the cheese topping ready. Combine the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This crispy breadcrumb topping is going to add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender squash.

4. Scrape the Squash
Once the spaghetti squash is done roasting, let it cool for a few minutes until it’s cool enough to handle. Then, use a fork to scrape out the flesh. It will naturally separate into noodle-like strands! You’ll want to gently pull out the squash strands and place them into a large bowl. If some of the strands are too long, just give them a quick chop with a knife.

5. Assemble the Dish
Now comes the fun part—putting everything together! In a large baking dish (9×13-inch works great), layer the spaghetti squash strands at the bottom. Pour your marinara sauce over the squash, making sure it’s evenly spread. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.

6. Add the Breadcrumbs
Finally, top the dish with the seasoned breadcrumbs. This will give it that perfect crispy finish. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top if you’re a cheese lover like me.

7. Bake the Parmesan
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it—if the breadcrumbs start to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the cheese is melted.

8. Serve and Garnish
Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. This step is optional, but it really elevates the dish.