All aboard the comfort food express! This recipe is so simple and a boatload of fun, so you can skip delivery and dive into this wholesome dish. If you haven’t tried spaghetti squash yet, allow me to introduce you to one of my fave veggie vehicles for an eeeaasy dinner. It’s a special squash that, once cooked, creates yummy noodle-like strands you can add to a bowl or enjoy directly from the shell (aka “boat”). This special squash also brings a whole host of nutrition (hello, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!) to your supper table.

I typically serve each person half a squash, which makes this recipe a breeze to scale up for larger groups. One squash will make two servings; two squashes will make four servings; and so on. You can also personalize the toppings to your tastebuds and eating style—skip the sausage and add leftover veggies to take it in a veggie pizza direction, or go for sweet and salty scrumptiousness with classic Hawaiian pizza flavors. Whatever floats your spaghetti squash boat!

RECIPE NOTES
•  You’ll find squash comes in a variety of sizes. You can choose whatever size you’d like, but I recommend trying to opt for the same sizes so they all cook at the same time. Smaller squash require less time in the oven; larger ones will require more time. If you find smaller squashes, check them closer to the 20-25 minute mark as you don’t want to overcook your squash—you’re looking for the perfect al dente “noodles.” If you use my microwave softening trick below, it’s important to reduce your cooking time by about 10 minutes in the oven. That’s because your squash has already been slightly cooked in the microwave, and sticking to the standard oven cooking time can result in overcooked, mushy squash.

• Cutting squash can be a little intimidating at first, but once you know a trick to simplify, you’ll become a slicing savant. All you have to do is microwave for about 3 minutes to soften it up, then cut, and it’s ready for the oven. 

• The sausage is optional, but it adds great heartiness and of course, increases the protein content and thus, the satisfaction of the meal. I usually go for poultry sausage because it’s healthier. And I usually go for pre-cooked varieties because it’s more convenient. I like to take a few minutes to sear the sausage (even though it’s already cooked) because it intensifies the delicious flavor. I know it’s an extra step, but trust me, it is so worth it!