spaghetti squash ricotta bake with sausage

Spaghetti squash never tasted SO DANG GOOD YA'LL! ​

Let's put aside the usual pasta noodles and switch to something else that has a similiar texture, and a whole lot of nutritional value.

OH HEY SPAGHETTI SQUASH, I'M LOOKIN' AT YOU! 

This is a hearty & simple casserole-ish meal that is flavored with spiced sausage, creamy ricotta and some fresh as hell basil!  Don't underestimate the power of fresh herbs my friend.

So get ready for a FUN spin on pasta night and enjoy a new way to sneak in the veggies! 

My 2-year old daughter loved this, so there's hope for your kiddos too :) 

spaghetti squash ricotta bake with Sausage
makes about 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Spaghetti Squash
• 1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 lbs. Ground Italian Sausage, removed from casings
• 2-3 cups of Kale, chopped
• 2 cups Marinara Sauce
• 1-12 oz. Ricotta Cheese, Full Fat
• Fresh Basil, for serving 
• Salt & Pepper, to taste 

1.  PREPARE SQUASH (could to this earlier in advance to save time): Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cut spaghetti squash length wise and scoop out the seeds. Light drizzle squash meat with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Lay squash cut-side down on a large baking pan covered with parchment paper.  Puncture squash skin with 4-5 fork holes on each half. Bake for 30-40 minutes.  Let cool.  Then using a fork scrap out the squash "noddles".  Put aside until later. 

2.  SAUSAGE MIXTURE: Cook Italian sausage on medium heat in a large skillet.  Break sausage into smaller chunks as it is cooking. Once sausage is cooked add in chopped kale and marinara sauce.  Turn heat on low and stir slowly to mix everything together. Let the kale and sauce sit for about 5-7 minutes. 

3.  BAKING DISH:  In a large baking dish, dump your spaghetti squash "noodles" and sausage mixture (see photo).  Mix everything together carefully.   Once mixed, spread ricotta cheese with a spoon all over the top.  Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper as well. Bake this for about 15 minutes. 

4.  BEFORE SERVING: Cut fresh basil into thin strips and sprinkle all over the spaghetti squash bake before serving. 


​
         Always craving simplicity,
                         Jillian 

p.s. Want more simple goodies to streamline HEALTHY cooking (+ PLUS A FREE MEAL PLANNER)?
Get new recipes, simplifying tips and tools in your inbox >> SIGN ME UP HERE!