Spaghetti Squash Sausage Lasagna Boats

Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.

• 3 each small to medium spaghetti squash (about 5 cups cooked)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 3 small to medium spaghetti squash (about 5 cups cooked)
• As Needed + As Needed salt
  Ingredient note

  Source seasoning: salt and fresh pepper (to taste); Source seasoning: salt and fresh pepper (to taste)
• As Needed + As Needed Black pepper
  Ingredient note

  Source seasoning: salt and fresh pepper (to taste); Source seasoning: salt and fresh pepper (to taste)
• 1/3 cup part skim ricotta cheese
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/3 cup part skim ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (or basil)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 tbsp chopped parsley (or basil)
• 3/4 cup whole milk shredded mozzarella cheese
  Ingredient note

  Source: 3/4 cup whole milk shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp olive oil
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 each onion (finely chopped)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 14 oz Italian chicken sausage
  Ingredient note

  Source: 14 oz Italian chicken sausage
• 14 oz 1/2 can crushed tomatoes (I prefer Tuttorosso)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 14 oz 1/2 can crushed tomatoes (I prefer Tuttorosso)
• 2 tbsp chopped basil
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 tbsp chopped basil
• 1 each bay leaf
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 bay leaf

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF.
2. 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.
3. If you prefer the microwave, cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and fibers and place on a microwave safe dish and cover. Microwave 8-9 minutes or until soft. This method is faster but it will be more watery.
4. While the spaghetti squash cooks, in a small bowl combine the ricotta cheese, 2 tbsp parmesan cheese and parsley.
5. 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.
6. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up into smaller pieces until browned and cooked through.
7. 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.
8. When spaghetti squash is cooked, let it cool for about 10 minutes keeping the oven on. If you microwaved this, preheat the oven to 400°F.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Top each with remaining sauce, 1 tbsp ricotta cheese mixture, and 2 tbsp mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes or until everything is hot and the cheese is melted.