ez spaghetti squash italiano

(2 ratings)
Recipe by
Arlene Samrick
Salinas, CA

This recipe is a variation I learned from my husband and his family. The kids loved this with pasta; plus it's a good change from meatballs. I have made this healthier. Perfect when served with a green salad,small dinner roll or sesame breadsticks. For a larger gathering, serve as a side dish (mixing the cheese right into the sauce while still on the stove)alongside Italian meatballs and Italian link sausages. But honestly for dinner, you won't miss the meat as this has so much protein. And if you know anyone with a dairy allergy, substitute soft tofu for the ricotta cheese.

(2 ratings)
yield 2 -4
prep time 5 Min
cook time 25 Min

Ingredients For ez spaghetti squash italiano

  • 1
    spaghetti squash
  • 1 jar
    spaghetti sauce, meatless
  • 1 c
    ricotta cheese, any kind
  • 2 Tbsp
    parmigiano-reggiano, grated
  • 1 clove
    fresh peeled garlic
  • 1 tsp
    italian seasoning
  • 2 Tbsp
    red wine (optional)
  • 1 sprig
    parsley, fresh for garnish

How To Make ez spaghetti squash italiano

  • 1
    Remove ricotta cheese from fridge, and scoop out approx 1 cup, separating into two equal parts. Return the balance of container to fridge. This is to allow the cheese to come to room temperature to make spreading easier and also so it won't cool the squash too much.
  • 2
    Cut squash in half legthwise and remove seeds and tough strings. Steam squash in the microwave by covering each cut half with plastic wrap and placing in a container (cut side up) with about an inch of water.
  • 3
    Cook about 15-20 minutes depending on wattage and size of squash. Remove and let sit a minute - don't get steam burns!
  • 4
    While squash is being nuked, I heat a jar of the storebought spaghetti sauce - mushrooms, garden veggie or plain. Place in a saucepan with a fresh minced garlic clove or sprinkle of garlic powder. Add the Italian seasoning, and finely chop some 1 tsp? parsley tops reserving most for garnish, and bring to a simmer (can add 2 Tbls red wine) as long as you have time for.
  • 5
    Handling squash carefully, I use a fork and run the tines lengthwise to get out all the strands. Plate squash as you would pasta, then spread 1/2 ricotta cheese over strands. Repeat with other squash half. Ladle sauce on top. Finish by sprinking parmesan cheese over all.
  • 6
    Perfect to serve garnished alongside a green salad and a roll.

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