Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Marinara

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 55 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish — Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Marinara! This recipe combines the hearty, comforting flavors of marinara sauce with the lightness of spaghetti squash, making it a perfect meal for those cozy nights in.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Marinara

Spaghetti squash is the star of this dish, offering a low-carb pasta alternative with a mild sweetness. Olive oil helps roast the squash, adding a touch of richness. Ground turkey is a lean protein that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Onion and garlic provide the aromatic base, essential for any good marinara. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create the sauce's body, while oregano and basil bring Italian flair. A dash of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes balance the flavors, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish. Finally, fresh basil leaves provide a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For easier cutting, microwave the whole squash for 3-4 minutes to soften it slightly.
  • If you like your sauce thicker, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce further.
  • Use a fork to fluff the squash strands for a more spaghetti-like texture.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad dressed with vinaigrette. For an extra special touch, warm some crusty bread on the side to mop up that delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground turkey with your favorite meat substitute or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, the turkey marinara sauce freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Marinara Recipe Walkthrough

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives your spaghetti squash the perfect environment to roast and soften. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds — a sturdy spoon works best here. Brush the cut sides with olive oil, then place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 40 minutes until they're tender when pierced with a fork.

While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty sauce.

Once your squash is ready, use a fork to scrape it into spaghetti-like strands. This is the fun part! Pile the squash strands onto plates and top with the turkey marinara. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Low-carb alternative to traditional pasta without sacrificing flavor.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with protein from lean turkey, keeping it healthy and satisfying.
  • Rich in flavor with a balance of spices and herbs.

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush the inside with olive oil and place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 40 minutes or until tender.
5. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned.
6. Add diced onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
7. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
8. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Use a fork to scrape the roasted spaghetti squash into strands.
10. Serve the squash topped with turkey marinara, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

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