Ingredients
– 1 medium spaghetti squash
– 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, based on preference)
– 8 ounces of pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– 1 cup diced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and yellow)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Creating your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the squash is roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Combine Ingredients: Once the squash is done roasting, scrape the flesh into strands using a fork. Add the spaghetti squash and cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Toss everything together.
8. Season: Sprinkle in the dried herbs and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
By following these steps, you’ll create a colorful and flavorful dish that embodies all the warmth of autumn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g