Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Savory Stuffed Spaghetti Squash


  • Author: Sally Roberts
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Savory Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a cozy easy dinner packed with roasted spaghetti squash, Italian sausage, spinach, tomatoes, marinara, and melted cheese. This healthy dinner idea gives you the comfort of a baked pasta-style meal with a lighter vegetable base, making it perfect for weeknight food ideas, meal prep, low carb dinner ideas, and a satisfying family-friendly recipe.


Ingredients

2 medium spaghetti squash

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cups fresh spinach

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, brush the cut sides with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.

3. Place the squash halves cut-side down on the baking sheet and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until tender.

4. While the squash roasts, cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles.

5. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.

6. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, then cook for 30 seconds.

7. Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach, then cook until the tomatoes soften slightly and the spinach wilts.

8. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.

9. Scrape most of the roasted spaghetti squash strands with a fork and mix them into the sausage filling, keeping the shells intact.

10. Spoon the filling back into the squash shells and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

11. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot.

12. Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.

Notes

Roast the squash cut-side down for tender strands and lightly caramelized edges.

Do not overpack the shells after stuffing; a looser filling heats more evenly.

For a lighter version, use chicken sausage or ground turkey and add extra Italian seasoning.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting and Baking
  • Cuisine: American Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed squash half
  • Calories: 455
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 1040mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 78mg

Keywords: savory stuffed spaghetti squash, stuffed spaghetti squash, spaghetti squash dinner, easy dinner, healthy dinner idea, low carb dinner, weeknight dinner, sausage and spinach squash