Skip to content

Recipe Library

Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs

Tender strands of spaghetti squash cradle juicy turkey meatballs simmered in a bright tomato sauce. Fresh parsley and Parmesan lend herbal brightness and savory depth to every bite.

Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs
Total
1 hr 3 min
Prep
20 min
Cook
43 min
Serves
4

Nutrition per Serving

Calories
408
Protein
31g
Carbs
32g
Fat
18g
Fiber
8g
Sugar
14g
Sodium
608mg

Ingredients

  • 1 3-pound spaghetti squash
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 28-ounce can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 -1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Instructions

  1. Halve squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place facedown in a microwave-safe dish; add water. Microwave, uncovered, on High until the flesh can be easily scraped with a fork, 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scrape the squash flesh into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the moisture is evaporated and the squash is beginning to brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup parsley. Remove from heat, cover and let stand.
  3. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/4 cup parsley, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add turkey; gently mix to combine (do not overmix). Using about 2 tablespoons each, form into 12 meatballs.
  4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, reduce heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 4 to 6 minutes. Push the meatballs to the side of the pan, add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, crushed red pepper to taste, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon salt; stir to coat the meatballs. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes more.
  5. Serve the sauce and meatballs over the squash, sprinkled with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.