I’m always looking for creative ways to eat veggies, so this Italian-inspired recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Sausage is a great find! The dish is tasty and quick enough for an easy weeknight meal. Plus, spaghetti squash is good for you and a great alternative to pasta.
The recipe calls for microwaving the halved squash but you can roast it if you prefer (roasting will take longer, though)
.I used hot Italian sausage as called for in the recipe but you could easily substitute mild Italian sausage instead…or make both kinds if you want. I don’t have a grill pan so I just cooked them in a skillet. Cooking them on a gas grill would work great, too.
Garnish each serving of squash/onion/pepper mixture with a drizzle of olive oil if you like and a healthy dose of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The meal is perfect as is or you could add a tossed green salad and some good bread. Enjoy!
Spaghetti Squash With Sausage
-Recipe from Food Network Magazine
1 small spaghetti squash (about 2 pounds)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
8 links hot Italian sausage (pork, chicken or turkey; 1 1/2 pounds)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for topping
Halve the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Put the squash, cut-side up, in a large microwave-safe bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave until tender, about 20 minutes. Scoop out the flesh into a colander (use a towel to hold the squash) and shred with 2 forks.
Meanwhile, heat a grill pan over medium heat. Grill the sausages, turning, until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, onion and 1 teaspoon salt and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until the vegetables begin to brown, about 4 more minutes. Toss in the squash and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Serve with the sausages and sprinkle with parmesan.