Roasted Garlic Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna? Look no further than roasted garlic spaghetti squash lasagna boats! These delicious and nutritious boats are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them the perfect meal for anyone who wants to eat healthy without sacrificing taste.
What is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash that, when cooked, produces long, thin strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. It is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, potassium, and manganese. Spaghetti squash is also a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
Roasting Garlic
Roasting garlic is a simple and delicious way to add flavor to your meals. To roast garlic, preheat your oven to 400F. Cut the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Once the garlic is cool, you can squeeze the cloves out of their skins and use them in your recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Roasted garlic cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and pulp. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
- While the squash is baking, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent and the turkey is cooked through.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, egg, and parsley.
- Once the squash is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash into spaghetti-like strands.
- Divide the spaghetti squash strands evenly between the two squash halves, creating a "boat" shape. Top the spaghetti squash with the turkey and tomato sauce mixture, followed by the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Place the squash boats back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with roasted garlic cloves and shredded mozzarella cheese before serving.
Health Benefits
Not only are roasted garlic spaghetti squash lasagna boats delicious, but they are also packed with health benefits. Spaghetti squash is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, potassium, and manganese. Lean ground turkey is a great source of protein, while the ricotta cheese provides calcium and vitamin D. The roasted garlic not only adds flavor, but it also contains antioxidants that can help to boost the immune system and fight off disease.
