Enjoy delicious (and filling) Spaghetti Squash Italiano, with Italian sausage links, roasted spaghetti squash, tomatoes, garlic and basil.
Preheat oven to 375°F . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper OR silpat.
Prepare Squash: Rinse squash; pierce its skin (on all sides) a total of 8-10 times using sharp knife. Put squash on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour at 375°F, or until it can easily be pierced with a sharp knife. Baking time may vary depending on the size squash. and oven temperature variations. Remove from oven; let cool 30 minutes.
Cook Sausages While Squash Bakes: Cook Italian sausages in ½ T. olive oil on Medium-Low heat in a large skillet, turning to cook all sides until fully cooked. Remove sausages, let cool; cut into thin round slices. Set aside.
Make Sauce (15 minutes before squash is done cooling): Heat 2 T. olive oil in a large skillet on Medium-Low heat. When oil is hot, add minced garlic. Stir and cook garlic for 30 seconds, then add tomatoes. oregano, red chili flakes, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, on Medium-Low heat for 10 minutes. Stir basil leaves and sausage slices into the sauce, until combined. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and basil leaves wilt.
Shred Squash: After squash has cooled 30-40 minutes, cut slice off of both ends; slice squash lengthwise. Use large spoon to remove seeds and pulp from each half (discard). Use a fork to gently scrape squash lengthwise into strands of spaghetti squash. Remove squash strands from both halves, without breaking through outer skin.
To Serve: Divide squash strands onto individual plates (recipe serves 4). Top each portion with hot tomato sauce and sausage mixture. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot, Enjoy!
NOTE: I have used both Chicken and Pork Italian sausages at times, for this recipe. The caloric calculation indicated for this recipe was made using Italian CHICKEN sausage links. If PORK Italian sausage links are used, the caloric calculation would be approx. 550 calories per serving.
Spaghetti Squash Italiano https://www.thegratefulgirlcooks.com/spaghetti-squash-italiano/