SQUASH SPAGHETTI NOODLES RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Cut the squash in half widthwise with a serrated knife and remove the seeds with a spoon. Brush the flesh of each half with 1 teaspoon of the oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Put the halves flesh-side down on a baking sheet and bake until the flesh can easily be flaked with a fork and the edges just turn brown, about 45 minutes.  
• Separate the strands of squash by scraping the flesh with a fork. Transfer the scraped strands to a large bowl. Cover with foil and keep warm. Reserve the scraped squash shells. 
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in the skillet. Add the shrimp and cook until golden pink, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to the bowl with the squash strands.  
• Return the skillet to medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of the butter. When melted, add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the wine and lemon juice. Increase the heat to high and boil until the liquid thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and the parsley.  
• Pour the sauce over the shrimp and squash strands and toss to combine. Transfer the mixture back into the squash shells and top with grated Parmesan, more parsley and red pepper flakes.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400ºF.
• 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.
• 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.
• While the spaghetti squash cooks, in a small bowl combine the ricotta cheese, 2 tbsp parmesan cheese and parsley.
• 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.
• Add the sausage and cook, breaking up into smaller pieces until browned and cooked through.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.