Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Squash:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Turkey Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
6. Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Set aside.

Prepare the Turkey Bolognese Sauce:

1. While the squash is roasting, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken or vegetable broth.
6. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
8. If using, stir in the fresh parsley at the end of cooking.

Serve:

1. Divide the spaghetti squash strands among plates.
2. Top with the turkey Bolognese sauce.
3. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Shopping List

For the Spaghetti Squash:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For the Turkey Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• Olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)