Spaghetti Squash with Sausage and Greens

I love winter squash in every form! This spaghetti squash recipe is a creative way of using this humble and mildly flavored variety of winter squash. It’s simple, quick and a great way to get a good dose of your green and yellow vegetables.

For the squash, I scooped the seeds out before cooking. I used a large baking pan that held both squash halves and cooked them both at the same time in the microwave (about 15 minutes). Once it was cooked, I scooped out the flesh and tossed it with pepper, Parmesan cheese, and a little salt (not too much, though, because the Italian sausage mixture will be salty).

I used a nonstick pan so I didn’t need to use oil to brown the Italian sausage. After the sausage browned, I added about 4 handfuls of baby spinach leaves to the pan. After you add the spinach, let it wilt then taste the mixture before adding any salt. You may find that the sausage is salty enough as is. Spoon Italian sausage mixture over the shredded squash. Enjoy!

Spaghetti Squash with Sausage and Greens

-recipe from Every Day with Rachael Ray Magazine

Makes 4 servings.

 

1 spaghetti squash (about 3 1/2 pounds), halved lengthwise

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

12 ounces sweet Italian sausage

1 bunch spinach, stems discarded and leaves coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Place a squash half, cut side down, in a large, microwavable dish. Add 1/2 cup water and microwave until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat with the remaining squash half. Discard the seeds. Using a fork, comb the squash into strands into a bowl. Toss with the Parmesan and season with salt and black pepper.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Add the spinach and crushed red pepper and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes; season with salt and black pepper. Serve on top of the squash.