Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey with this flavorful and hearty Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats recipe. This dish brings together the comforting warmth of lasagna with a healthy twist by using spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta. It's a perfect blend of savory Italian chicken sausage, tangy crushed tomatoes, and rich, creamy cheeses, all served up in a baked spaghetti squash boat. Not only is it visually appealing, but it's also packed with nutrition, making it a wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on taste.

Photos of Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats Recipe

The majority of the ingredients required for this recipe are likely available in your pantry, such as onions, garlic, and basic spices. However, pay special attention to the Italian chicken sausage and spaghetti squash. These are not always readily available in every supermarket. Italian chicken sausage is a leaner alternative to pork sausage, but it's packed with flavor. You can find it in the fresh or frozen meat section. As for the spaghetti squash, it's a type of winter squash that has a unique stringy flesh, resembling spaghetti when cooked. You can find it in the produce section.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats

Spaghetti squash: Adds a healthy, low-carb and gluten-free twist to the lasagna. It also gives the dish a unique presentation.

Italian chicken sausage: It's leaner than pork sausage but still provides a hearty texture and zesty flavor.

Ricotta cheese: Gives the lasagna a rich and creamy texture.

Parmesan cheese: Enhances the flavor with its salty and tangy taste.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to give the lasagna a gooey and cheesy finish.

Crushed tomatoes: Acts as the base for the sauce, providing a tangy and sweet flavor.

Garlic and Onion: Essential ingredients in the sauce that adds depth to the flavor.

Basil and Parsley: Fresh herbs that gives a fragrant and refreshing touch to the dish.

One reader, Jennette Goldman says:

This spaghetti squash sausage lasagna boats recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible and the presentation is so fun. It's a healthier twist on traditional lasagna, and the combination of the squash, sausage, and cheeses is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!

Jennette Goldman

Techniques Required for Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats Recipe

How to prepare spaghetti squash: Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and membrane, and season lightly with salt and black pepper before baking for about 1 hour at 400 degrees F.

How to make the ricotta cheese mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and parsley.

How to make the sauce: Heat oil in a large sauté pan, add onions and garlic, then sauté until soft. Add the sausage, cook until browned, then add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, and add fresh basil at the end.

How to assemble the lasagna boats: After the spaghetti squash is cooked and cooled, use a fork to remove the flesh, drain on a paper towel, and toss with half of the sauce. Place the spaghetti squash back into the shells, top with remaining sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese, then bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 400 degrees F.

How To Make Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats

Craving for pasta but not extra carbs? Then these lasagna boats are for you. Made with spaghetti squash, they’re still full of sausage, cheese, & cheeses.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 20 minutes

Rest Time:

Total: 1 hour 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

5cupsspaghetti squash,cooked
salt and fresh pepper,to taste
⅓cuppart skim ricotta cheese
2tbspparmesan cheese,grated
1tbspparsley,or basil, chopped
¾cupwhole milk mozzarella cheese,shredded

For Sauce:

1tspolive oil
½onion,finely chopped
3clovesgarlic,minced
14ozItalian chicken sausage
14ozcrushed tomatoes
salt and fresh pepper,to taste
2tbspbasil,chopped
1bay leaf

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membrane. Season lightly with salt and black pepper; bake about 1 hour, or longer if needed, on a baking sheet, cut side down.
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoon parmesan cheese and parsley.
In a large deep sauté pan, heat oil and add onions and garlic; sauté on medium-low for about 3 to 4 minutes, until soft.
Add the sausage and cook, breaking up into smaller pieces until browned and cooked through.
When cooked, add the crushed tomatoes and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add the bay leaf and cover, reducing heat to low.
Simmer 20 to 30 minutes, then add in fresh basil at the very end.
When spaghetti squash is cooked, let it cool for about 10 minutes keeping the oven on.
When the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to remove flesh, which will come out in spaghetti-looking strands, reserving the shells.
Drain the squash on a paper towel to soak up any excess liquid, then toss with half of the sauce. Place the spaghetti squash back into the 6 shells and place on a baking sheet.
Top each with remaining sauce, 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese mixture, and 2 tablespoon mozzarella cheese.Bake in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until everything is hot and the cheese is melted.

Nutrition

Calories: 352.18kcal
Fat: 22.81g
Saturated Fat: 9.52g
Trans Fat: 0.10g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.57g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.27g
Carbohydrates: 16.45g
Fiber: 3.48g
Sugar: 6.45g
Protein: 22.00g
Cholesterol: 101.55mg
Sodium: 923.71mg
Calcium: 358.62mg
Potassium: 510.23mg
Iron: 2.36mg
Vitamin A: 105.03µg
Vitamin C: 10.14mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats Recipe

When preparing the spaghetti squash, it's important to remember that the size of the squash can affect the cooking time. Larger squashes may take longer to become tender. To ensure even cooking, try to choose squashes that are uniform in size. Additionally, when scooping out the flesh of the cooked squash, be careful not to damage the shells as they will be used to hold the lasagna filling. Lastly, draining the cooked squash on a paper towel is a crucial step to avoid a watery lasagna. The squash contains a lot of water, and this step helps to remove the excess moisture, ensuring a more robust and flavorful dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats

Prep ahead: You can prepare the spaghetti squash and sauce in advance, even the day before, and assemble the boats when you're ready to bake.

Use pre-made sauce: To save time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch.

Multitask: While the spaghetti squash is baking, you can prepare the sauce to maximize your time in the kitchen.

Bake in bulk: Consider making a larger batch and freezing the extra portions for a quick and convenient meal in the future.

Invest in kitchen tools: Using a good quality vegetable peeler and a sharp knife can significantly speed up the prep process.

Substitute Ingredients For Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats Recipe

spaghetti squash - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be sliced lengthwise and used as a low-carb alternative to spaghetti squash. It has a similar texture and can be used as a boat for the lasagna filling.
part skim ricotta cheese - Substitute with low-fat cottage cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese can be used as a healthier alternative to part skim ricotta cheese. It provides a similar creamy texture and flavor to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
whole milk mozzarella cheese - Substitute with part-skim mozzarella cheese: Part-skim mozzarella cheese can be used as a lower-fat alternative to whole milk mozzarella while still providing the desired gooey, melty texture.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil in this recipe. It has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for sautéing and cooking the ingredients.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic. It provides a similar flavor and can be added to the sauce for convenience.
italian chicken sausage - Substitute with turkey sausage: Turkey sausage can be used as a leaner alternative to Italian chicken sausage, providing a similar flavor and texture in the dish.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for crushed tomatoes, providing a smoother consistency to the sauce.
basil - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for fresh basil, adding a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the dish.
bay leaf - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used as a substitute for bay leaf, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

Presenting Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats

Elevate the spaghetti squash: Gently fluff the spaghetti squash strands with a fork to create a visually appealing and inviting base for the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top of the lasagna boats to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Create a beautiful cheese crust: Carefully broil the mozzarella cheese topping until it forms a golden, bubbly crust, adding a touch of elegance to the dish.
Arrange the lasagna boats on a sleek platter: Present the spaghetti squash sausage lasagna boats on a sleek, white platter to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the lasagna boats to add a luxurious finish and enhance the flavors.
Use edible flowers as a delicate garnish: Place a few carefully chosen edible flowers on the platter to add a touch of sophistication and a hint of floral fragrance to the presentation.
Serve with a side of mixed greens: Accompany the spaghetti squash sausage lasagna boats with a small side salad of mixed greens, lightly dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper: Just before serving, add a delicate sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper over the top of the lasagna boats to enhance the aroma and add a hint of warmth to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats

Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal tray used for baking in the oven.
Sauté pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying foods.
Fork: A kitchen utensil with prongs, used for picking up and turning food while cooking.
Paper towel: An absorbent paper used for cleaning and drying food items.
Bowl: A round, deep dish used for mixing and serving food.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal tray used for baking in the oven.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal tray used for baking in the oven.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal tray used for baking in the oven.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal tray used for baking in the oven.

Storing and Freezing Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats

Here are the detailed instructions for storing and freezing spaghetti squash sausage lasagna boats:

To store leftovers in the fridge:
- Allow the spaghetti squash boats to cool completely to room temperature.
- Place them in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place the boats on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual boats on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warm.
For longer storage, freezing is a great option:
- Cool the spaghetti squash boats completely to room temperature.
- Wrap each boat tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Place the wrapped boats in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and place the frozen boats on a baking sheet.
- Cover the boats with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
- Note: Freezing may slightly alter the texture of the spaghetti squash, but the flavor should remain delicious.

How To Reheat Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats Leftovers

To reheat leftover spaghetti squash sausage lasagna boats, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the boats on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. The foil will help prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and the filling from drying out.
Another option is to reheat the boats in the microwave. Place one or two boats on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel will help keep the spaghetti squash moist and prevent it from drying out.
For a crispy top, after reheating the boats in the oven or microwave, remove the foil or paper towel and switch the oven to broil. Broil the boats for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
If you have leftover spaghetti squash and filling separately, you can reheat them together in a skillet. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the spaghetti squash and filling. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. You can add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten the mixture if needed.
For a quick and easy lunch, reheat individual portions of the filling in the microwave and serve over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula. The heat from the filling will slightly wilt the greens, creating a delicious and nutritious meal.

Interesting Fact About Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats

Spaghetti squash is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. It's a healthy and low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.

Is Making Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this spaghetti squash sausage lasagna boats recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of ingredients in your area. While spaghetti squash and ricotta cheese can be affordable, italian chicken sausage and mozzarella cheese may be pricier. However, the dish's hearty portions and flavorful ingredients make it a satisfying and cost-effective option for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people can range from $20 to $25, earning this recipe a solid 8/10 for its balance of taste and affordability.

Is This Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Healthy or Unhealthy?

This spaghetti squash sausage lasagna boat recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna. By using spaghetti squash instead of pasta, the dish is lower in carbohydrates and calories. The recipe also incorporates lean protein from the chicken sausage and ricotta cheese, which provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, the tomato-based sauce is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

However, the recipe could be further improved to increase its nutritional value:

Use low-fat ricotta cheese and mozzarella to reduce the overall fat content
Increase the amount of vegetables by adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce
Opt for a whole wheat or gluten-free alternative to the spaghetti squash, such as quinoa or brown rice, for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe and instead rely on herbs and spices for flavor

By making these simple modifications, the spaghetti squash sausage lasagna boats can become an even more nutritious and well-rounded meal that satisfies both taste buds and health goals. The dish is already a creative way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors while cutting back on refined carbohydrates, and with a few tweaks, it can be transformed into a truly wholesome and delicious culinary experience.

Editor's Opinion on This Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Recipe

This spaghetti squash sausage lasagna boats recipe is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. The use of spaghetti squash as the boat adds a unique and healthy touch, while the flavorful sausage and rich tomato sauce create a comforting and satisfying dish. The combination of cheeses adds a creamy and indulgent element, making each bite a delicious experience. The recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, allowing for a successful and impressive outcome. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a lighter, yet still hearty, Italian-inspired meal.

Enhance Your Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Savory garlic breadsticks with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and herbs, served warm and crispy.

Caesar Salad: Fresh romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, topped with crunchy croutons and shaved parmesan cheese.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of seasonal vegetables, roasted to perfection with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of juicy fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi, tossed in a light honey-lime dressing for a burst of sweetness.

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Peach Cobbler Crumble: Enjoy a classic peach cobbler with a twist by adding a buttery crumble topping for a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: These crispy zucchini fritters are a crowd-pleaser, with a golden brown exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Serve them with a side of tangy dipping sauce for a delicious start to any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and oats in a delightful apple crisp, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Why trust this Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, using nutrient-rich spaghetti squash as a healthier alternative to pasta. The flavorful combination of Italian chicken sausage and aromatic herbs creates a satisfying and savory dish. With a balance of creamy ricotta cheese and gooey mozzarella cheese, each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The meticulous steps and attention to detail in the instructions ensure a successful and delicious outcome. Trust in the quality and authenticity of the ingredients, and savor the delightful experience of preparing and enjoying this wholesome lasagna boat.

Have you tried this Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats recipe? Let us know how it turned out and share your own tweaks or tips in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti squash with other types of squash such as butternut squash or acorn squash, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the sausage and use a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms as a delicious vegetarian alternative.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the Italian chicken sausage and all other ingredients used are gluten-free. Additionally, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether.

Can I prepare the spaghetti squash in advance?

Yes, you can cook the spaghetti squash in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to use, simply reheat it before assembling the lasagna boats.

Can I freeze the spaghetti squash lasagna boats?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled spaghetti squash lasagna boats before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.