Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

One of my favorite healthy replacements is spaghetti squash.  I enjoy eating it a variety of ways, but one of my favorite ways, as the name suggests, is eating it as spaghetti.  I'll typically make regular spaghetti noodles for Mike, and a spaghetti squash for myself.  When compared nutritionally to pasta, spaghetti squash is the clear choice.  1 cup of spaghetti squash has just 42 calories and a variety of vitamins and minerals. (Source)  In comparison, spaghetti noodles contain 174 calories in a cup.  (Source)  Spaghetti squash is the clear choice if you are counting calories.  Even if you're not, I challenge you to give spaghetti squash a chance.  I think you'll enjoy it!

Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

Serves 2

You will need:

1 spaghetti squash
1 Tablespoon butter
salt
1 cup spaghetti sauce
12 turkey meatballs, cooked
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

1. Using a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and discard.

2. Place both halves of the squash on a cookie sheet. Put 1/2 Tablespoon of butter in the center of each piece of squash.

3. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, until squash is softened.

4. Using a fork, scrape the inside of the squash to form spaghetti-like strands. 

 

5.  Pour 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce onto each half of the squash.

 

6.  Top with meatballs and mozzarella. 

 

7.  Return to the oven for 3-5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted.

 

Serve hot in the squash shells.