Spaghetti Squash With Red Sauce

Submitted by superblondieno2

"Spaghetti squash is my new favorite fun food. I never knew that there was a vegetable that was so much like pasta! This recipe won a Taste of Home competition and I can taste why! This simple vegetarian sauce is a great topper for the squash "This fabulous, meatless main dish is a great way to get the kids to eat lots of vegetables … and a great way for you to use some of the fresh harvest from your garden. — Kathryn Pehl, Prescott, Ariz.""

 

• Ready In: 26mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 4 lbs spaghetti squash (about 1 medium)
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup green pepper, diced
• 1⁄2 cup carrot, shredded
• 1⁄4 cup red onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• parmesan cheese, Grated (optional)

directions

1. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds.
2. Place squash, cut side down, on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 14-16 minutes or until tender.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sauté tomatoes, mushrooms, green pepper, carrot, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and pepper in oil for 6-8 minutes or until tender.
4. Add tomato sauce; heat through.
5. When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Place squash on a serving platter and top with sauce.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Reviews

[Compass34]

A great meal for two! I par boil the squash in the microwave in 10 min increments until semi-soft, then finish off by roasting at 375 for 15 or so minutes. I had some fresh ground sweet italian sausage & started this in the frying pan while adding 2 cloves garlic, small bag of pearl onions, 1/2 diced green onion, 4 oz sliced button mushrooms-- saute all med. heat & add a spash or two of dry red wine. I added fresh oregano, sage, thyme & dry marjoram & parsley, added ground white pepper to taste. Once the wine cooks off added 1 tbsp brown sugar with ~ 2cups seeded, skinned tomatoes and 1 can italian herb tomato paste. I added milk until getting the desired sauce consistency. I seved as suggested here. Freshly grated parmesan on top! What a great pasta alternative (I am putting my husband on a diet w/out his knowing:) Priceless.

 

[mliss29]

This was great! But unfortunately I didn't follow directions about cooking the squash. The squash itself came with a sticker suggesting that I just poke it with a fork and microwave it for 15 minutes. Uh oh! If you're going to try that? Use a *big* fork. LOL. Poof! What was that! Oooo! I get to clean the microwave again! The sauce was excellent and the spaghetti squash was really fun and tasty. Reviewed for the Veg*n Recipe Swap. Check the thread if you want to see the microwave mess! hee hee.

 

[Rita1652]

I enjoy this. I did puree the sauce. Because my son enjoys it smooth and some of the ingredients he doesn`t like so if not seen he will eat! Thanks!

 

[Sydney Mike]

Using a 2 1/2 lb squash, I halved this recipe for the most part, but used just 1/3 cup of sliced mushrooms, but other than that the recipe was followed! Easy to make & a nice side dish! Another time I might increase the garlic and/or add some lemon pepper! [Made & reviewed in the Family Picks part of Zaar World Tour 4]