Cheesy Italian Sausage Spaghetti Squash Bake
Elevate your dinner routine with this delightful Cheesy Italian Sausage Spaghetti Squash Bake. This dish transforms traditional spaghetti into a healthier option by utilizing spaghetti squash as the base. The addition of savory Italian sausage pairs perfectly with the rich, robust Ragú® Pasta Sauce, while a sprinkle of melted mozzarella and buttery breadcrumbs adds a comforting finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this adaptable recipe allows you to get creative with ingredients while delivering heartwarming flavors that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
12 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Italian sausage
1 lb (sliced into ½-inch pieces)
spaghetti squash
1 (cut in half and seeds removed)
Ragú® Pasta Sauce
24 ounces
dry breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
3
Place the squash cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish, adding about ½ inch of water to the bottom.
4
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave the squash on high for about 8-10 minutes, or until soft when pierced with a fork.
5
While the squash is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the Italian sausage into ½-inch pieces and brown them in the skillet until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well and combine the pasta with the cooked sausage and the jar of Ragú® Pasta Sauce in a large mixing bowl.
7
Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape out the strands and add them to the pasta mixture, combining thoroughly.
8
Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
9
Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle that over the cheese.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concept of the Cheesy Italian Sausage Spaghetti Squash Bake?
This dish is a healthier alternative to traditional spaghetti that uses spaghetti squash as a base combined with Italian sausage, pasta sauce, and melted cheese.
What type of pasta sauce is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one 24-ounce jar of Ragú® Pasta Sauce.
How do I prepare the spaghetti squash before cooking?
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the assembly for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as having a gluten-free option, which would involve using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How do I cook the spaghetti squash quickly?
Place the halved squash cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish with half an inch of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes.
Do I need to cook the Italian sausage before adding it to the bake?
Yes, slice the sausage into half-inch pieces and brown them in a skillet for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
How do I remove the spaghetti-like strands from the squash?
Once the squash is cooked and soft, use a fork to scrape out the internal strands.
What goes into the buttery breadcrumb topping?
The topping is made by mixing 4 tablespoons of dry breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine.
Is margarine an acceptable substitute for butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine for the breadcrumb mixture.
How much spaghetti pasta is required?
You will need 12 ounces of spaghetti, cooked according to the package directions.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the 9x13-inch baking dish should be greased before transferring the mixture into it.
How do I know when the spaghetti squash is finished microwaving?
The squash is ready when it is soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the first step in the assembly process after cooking the components?
Combine the cooked pasta, cooked sausage, and pasta sauce in a large mixing bowl.
When should I add the spaghetti squash strands to the mixture?
Add the scraped squash strands to the pasta and sausage mixture after the squash has been microwaved and processed.
What is the total amount of Italian sausage needed?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of Italian sausage.
How should the sausage be sliced?
The sausage should be sliced into half-inch pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is designed to be a comforting meal everyone will love.
Can I get creative with the ingredients?
Yes, the description notes that this is an adaptable recipe that allows you to get creative with your favorite ingredients.
What texture should the final cheese topping have?
The cheese should be melted and golden brown.
How much breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of dry breadcrumbs.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories or fat?
No, the provided data does not currently list specific values for calories, fat, or other nutritional metrics.
What is the primary vegetable in this bake?
Spaghetti squash is the primary vegetable and acts as a healthy base for the dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients required for this dish.
Is this considered a healthy comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy comfort food because it incorporates squash into a traditional pasta bake.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include spaghetti squash, italian sausage, baked pasta, ragú, healthy comfort food, and easy recipe.
Should I serve the dish immediately after baking?
Yes, the instructions recommend serving the bake hot.