FOOD FRIDAYS: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna ⁠
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If the weather has you craving all the comfort food but you want to keep your nutrition on track, this recipe is the perfect weeknight meal that’s delicious, cozy, and super easy to make! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, and can be adaptable to be vegan, vegetarian and keto-friendly!⁠
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Why is spaghetti squash a great alternative to your traditional pasta noodles? The taste of spaghetti squash is mild and even slightly sweet, so it soaks up any flavour you add to it and is a great choice for picky eaters. In addition, spaghetti squash holds a firm yet soft texture once cooked, resembling classic spaghetti noodles! Keeping the skin on the squash for cooking and serving makes this recipe fun for kids too – everyone gets their own “boat” of spaghetti!⁠
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Unlike traditional lasagna which is often made with ground beef – this recipe is lightened up by using lean ground turkey. Spinach, ricotta and parmesan are still used to keep that authentic lasagna flavour.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium spaghetti squash
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar of good-quality tomato pasta sauce (I like roasted garlic or tomato basil)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions:

  1. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Roast the spaghetti squash according to this recipe for Roasted Spaghetti Squash.
  2. While the squash is baking, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the turkey, 1 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook, breaking apart the meat into small pieces, until it is fully cooked through and browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the pasta sauce and red wine vinegar. Let simmer for 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
  3. Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to separate any large clumps. Add the ricotta, 1/2 cup fontina, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir with the fork to combine. When the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to fluff the insides into strands and add the strands to the bowl. With the same fork, stir to combine, evenly distributing the ingredients as best you can. Return the squash halves to the baking sheet, and cut sides up.
  4. Fill the squash: Pile the ricotta/squash filling evenly into each of the four halves. Top with tomato sauce, remaining shredded cheese, and Parmesan. Return to the oven and bake until the filling is fully heated through and the cheese is melty about 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Brown the top (optional): Turn the oven to broil. Broil the squash until the cheese is extra bubbly and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Watch it carefully, and do not walk away so that it doesn’t burn. Sprinkle with parsley and enjoy!

Notes: 

  • TO STORE: Place cooked and cooled spaghetti squash lasagna in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through. You can also reheat leftovers on a microwave-safe plate in the microwave until warm.
  • Depending upon how much sauce you like, you may have extra. You can freeze the leftovers or use them later in the week over pasta or on spiralized noodles.

Recipe from Well Plated by Erin.