To begin, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare your spaghetti squash by carefully slicing it in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center, much like you would with a pumpkin.
Once the squash is cleaned, brush the inside of each half with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
After roasting, remove the squash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Once it’s cool enough to handle, use a fork to gently scrape the flesh of the squash.
Set these “noodles” aside in a large bowl, but keep the squash shells if you want to serve the dish in the squash “boats” for a fun presentation.
While the squash cools, start preparing your Alfredo sauce. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter (or olive oil for a vegan version).
Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and stir. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. At this point, stir in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), along with the optional cream cheese if you prefer a thicker, richer sauce.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.
Gently toss the squash strands into the skillet, ensuring each “noodle” is coated with the delicious sauce. Use tongs to lift and fold the squash into the sauce for even coverage.
Add some extra parmesan and cheese on top, and put them back in the oven for extra 10 minutes of baking at 400°F, until the cheese is melty.