This stuffed spaghetti squash is filled with lean turkey, fresh spinach, and seasonal cauliflower, then topped with a touch of balsamic glaze and crunchy pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor. It’s a high-protein, blood sugar-friendly winter meal with balanced nutrients and seasonal flair.
Prep Time:15 minutesmins
Cook Time:45 minutesmins
Total Time:1 hourhr
Equipment
baking sheet
skillet
large spoon
mixing bowl
cutting board
knife
Ingredients
2medium spaghetti squashes
1lblean ground turkey
1tbspolive oil
1cupcauliflowerfinely chopped
2cupsfresh spinachchopped
1/2cupmarinara sauceno added sugar
1/4cupgrated Parmesan cheeseoptional
1tspItalian seasoning
1/2tspgarlic powder
Salt and pepperto taste
2tbsppumpkin seeds
2tbspbalsamic glaze
Fresh parsleychopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare and Roast the Spaghetti Squash: Cut each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over each half, and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Cook the Turkey and Cauliflower Filling: While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Add Cauliflower and Spinach: Stir the chopped cauliflower into the turkey mixture and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is slightly softened. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Stuff the Squash: Once the squash halves are done, use a fork to gently shred the inside to create spaghetti-like strands, leaving them in the shell. Divide the turkey-cauliflower mixture among the squash halves, spooning it over the shredded squash.
Top with Cheese (optional): Sprinkle a little Parmesan over each squash half if desired.
Broil and Garnish: Place the stuffed squash back in the oven under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese (if using) and lightly toast the edges.
Finish with Balsamic Glaze and Pumpkin Seeds: Drizzle balsamic glaze over each stuffed squash and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Information per serving:Calories: 365Fat: 9.5gCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 32g