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.

- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve the sauce and meatballs over the squash, sprinkled with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.