Introduction

Spaghetti squash offers a light, nutritious alternative to traditional pasta, perfect for a comforting meal without the carbs. This recipe pairs roasted spaghetti squash strands with a savory Italian turkey sausage marinara sauce. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of cooked spaghetti squash strands that are pale yellow with a soft, stringy texture. On top, there is a thick layer of rich red tomato meat sauce mixed with small ground meat chunks giving a chunky and saucy appearance. The dish is finished with a sprinkling of finely grated white cheese, adding a light, powdery texture over the sauce. The bowl is set on a wooden board with a white marbled surface underneath and a white and blue cloth softly folded in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 whole spaghetti squash
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups marinara or other pasta sauce, jarred or homemade
3/4 pound hot Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a large, sharp knife, carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and membrane from the center of each half.
Step 2: Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with dried Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Line a rimmed baking sheet or a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil. Place the squash halves cut-side down in the dish and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the flesh is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4: While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks, until no pink remains.
Step 5: Stir in the marinara sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 5 minutes, up to 30 minutes, to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Remove the roasted squash from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
Step 7: Divide the spaghetti squash strands among four plates. Spoon the turkey sausage marinara sauce over the top and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey sausage with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based sausage.
Roast the squash cut-side down for tender strands; turning it cut-side up can dry the flesh out.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like extra heat.
Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti squash and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To maintain texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with two main layers; the bottom layer consists of yellow spaghetti squash strands that look soft and slightly shiny, while the top layer is a generous portion of rich, chunky red meat sauce with visible pieces of ground meat and tomato bits. The meat sauce has a coarse texture and is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese on top. The bowl is placed on a light wooden board, with a white and blue cloth in the background resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave instead of the oven?

Yes, you can microwave the squash by poking holes in the skin and heating it on high for 10–12 minutes, turning once halfway. However, roasting in the oven develops a richer flavor and better texture.

What if I can’t find hot Italian turkey sausage?

You can substitute with mild turkey sausage and add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick. Alternatively, use any Italian sausage of your choice, adjusting seasoning as needed.