Spaghetti Squash Parmesan Bake

We've all heard the saying "don't judge a book by its cover", weeeeeeellllllllll that would be tonight's dinner. It looked like crap, I am not going to lie, BUT it was sooo good and so easy. I found a recipe on Skinnytaste for some baked spaghetti squash boats. They looked amazing, only two things. They called for spaghetti squash on the smaller side (so that each half was a portion) and the grocery store only had HUGE ones and I've been eating a lot of chicken so I decided to try ground turkey instead. Which brought me to my adaptation: Spaghetti Squash Parmesan Bake.

Finished Product

Spaghetti Squash Parmesan Bake:

Ingredients:

• 1 20oz Package 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey
• 1 Large Spaghetti Squash
• 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 2c Marinara Sauce
• 1c Shredded Reduced Fat Mozzarella
• 1/8c Shredded Parmesan
• Salt and Pepper
• Parsley or Basil (optional garnish)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out "guts" i.e. seeds and membrane with a grapefruit spoon. Season the squash with salt and pepper and place guts side up in a shallow dish. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. (Spaghetti squash can be cooked in microwave by piercing with a knife several times and cooking 8-9 minutes)

   

   Uncooked, prepared Squash

2. Meanwhile, cook ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked through add italian seasoning and 1/4c water. Cook until water is evaporated.
3. Once spaghetti squash is cooked, scrape the guts out with a fork. It will come out in strands.
4. In a Baking dish, layer the squash, turkey, marinara (make sure to use a thicker sauce, I used my mom's homemade sauce which tastes great but made the dish a little runny) and top with the shredded cheeses.

   

   Layers before the cheese

5. Bake at 400 for approximately 20-30 minutes until cheese is golden brown. Garnish with minced or sliced parsley or basil and serve.

Nutrition Facts: Serves 6; Calories per Serving 271; Fat 15g; Carbs 9; Protein 25 g; Sodium 442mg; Sugars 4g

Enjoy!