Description
Hearty Italian meatballs nestled in tender spaghetti squash. A comforting, flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 medium spaghetti squashes
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 medium yellow or white onion (peeled and diced)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 Tbsp dried oregano leaves
- 1 (907 g) 32 oz can whole San Marzano tomatoes
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 oz (57 g) about 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cups (59 ml) flat-leaf Italian parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Slice spaghetti squashes in half and scoop out the seeds. Place face-down in a baking dish. Pour ½ cup water into the dish. Microwave on high 10-12 minutes, or bake at 400°F (204°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let slightly cool, then use a fork to loosen strands of squash. For serving, leave squash strands in the shell or remove and place in bowls.
To make tomato sauce
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven or high-sided pan to medium-low heat. Add onion and sauté 6-7 minutes or until soft. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Add tomatoes and fresh basil and bring to a simmer. Crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon, then let simmer 10-15 minutes. Stir in salt and black pepper. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until very smooth, or transfer mixture to a blender and puree until very smooth. Stir in sugar and cream cheese until cream cheese is melted. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
To make meatballs
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fit a baking sheet with a wire rack and coat with cooking spray. Place all ingredients into a large bowl and mix with your hands until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Form into 2-inch meatballs and place on the prepared rack. Bake 17-20 minutes or until meatballs are set and internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
- Serve spaghetti squash with meatballs and creamy tomato sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For easier scooping of spaghetti squash, let it cool completely after baking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball option.
- To make ahead, prepare the tomato sauce and meatballs separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 80