Just as delicious as spaghetti, only fewer carbs!
Spaghetti squash is a great substitute for pasta. It’s gluten free, low-carb, and high in fiber. The texture is similar to spaghetti, so you can use it in all your favorite pasta dishes. We especially love it in this spaghetti squash casserole. We combined spaghetti squash with turkey sausage, cheese, marinara sauce, and veggies to create an Italian-inspired treat. This casserole is just as cheesy and yummy as a traditional casserole, but it’s much healthier. The spaghetti squash cuts down on the calorie and carb count, and the turkey adds lean protein. We also used low-fat cheese, so you can feel good about indulging in this delicious dinner!
Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash medium
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey sausage
- 1 yellow onion small, diced small
- 1 green pepper small, diced small
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes can, no sugar added, drained
- 24 ounces marinara sauce jar, no sugar added
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese low-fat
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese low-fat, shredded
- 1/4 cup basil fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside. Set aside a second baking dish.
- Slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place cut side down in the second baking dish and pour the 1/2 cup water around the squash. Bake 40-45 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly and pull out the inside of the squash with a fork. The squash will resemble spaghetti noodles. Place in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Once hot add the turkey sausage, onion, and pepper. Cook, breaking the turkey into small pieces until the vegetables are soft and the turkey is cooked through. Drain off any excess liquid and add the tomatoes and marinara. Stir to combine and remove from heat. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese. Pour the mixture into the large bowl containing the spaghetti squash and combine well to coat the squash. Place in the prepared casserole dish in an even layer and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake 20-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh basil. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
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Love spaghetti squash? We do, too! Check out our Veggie Quiche with Spaghetti Squash Crust, Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash, and Sage Alfredo Sauce with Spaghetti Sauce!
If you’re cutting carbs, try these 13 Amazing Recipes for Your Low-Carb Diet and 7 High Protein & Low-Carb Dinner Recipes!
Absolutely delicious and filling. Very generous portion. Definitely will make it again. I didn’t have turkey sausage, used extra lean ground turkey and added fennel seeds, paprika, chili flakes, italian seasoning and garlic.
Krista, Thank so much for the feedback. I’m so happy you enjoyed the casserole. 🙂