I made a major etiquette faux pas at a wedding we were filming on Saturday. It is still haunting me!
It was right before the wedding, and the brides aunt came up to me to let me know that if I needed help tracking anyone down, to let her know since she knows everyone in the family. I told her that is so nice of her, and we started chit chatting for a bit. Then, the following horrible conversation took place.
Me: “It is such a nice day out, I’m so happy the weather is nice today. You never know with a November wedding.”
Her: “Yes, it is wonderful out.”
**An adorable 3 year old boy walks up the aunt and hugs her legs.**
Me: “Well isn’t he just the cutest in his little tux?!”
Her: “I know, and he’s keeping it so clean.”
Me: “Is he your grandson?” (Please note that the aunt is in her late 50’s)
Her: (Awkward pause) “No, it’s my son.”
Me: (PANICKED!) “That’s great! He is so cute!” (wanting to die inside)
Her: (she then picked up her son and walked away.)
I felt just awful! Why did I have to ask that question? That’s almost as bad as asking a woman when she’s due, and she says she’s not even pregnant. From now on, I’m keeping my mouth shut!
If I knew how to reach her, I would definitely apologize by sending her a dish of these warm spaghetti squash lasagna boats. They make such an amazing dinner, I know she would forgive me right away. Even her cute son would love them!
I’ve recently discovered a new found love of spaghetti squash after finally figuring out how to roast them properly. In the past, I followed a very misinformed recipe that told me to roast them cut side down in an inch of water. That left me with spaghetti squash noodles that were wet, squishy, and just bad bad bad. I knew there had to be a better way, so I tried roasting them a couple different ways until I found a winner.
For perfect spaghetti squash noodles, you must roast them cut side UP so all the moisture can evaporate, and roast them completely dry. No oil, no water, no salt, no pepper. Easy as that! After roasting the spaghetti squash, let them cool for about 15 minutes until you can handle them by hand. Then you can easily scrape all the noodles out with a fork. What your left with are spaghetti squash noodles that are crunchy yet tender, which is much better than dripping wet and soggy.
One of my favorite ways to eat spaghetti squash is by making these spaghetti squash lasagna boats. Everything you love about lasagna, but without the carbs and it’s gluten free! I add some Italian sausage and spinach to my lasagna boats for even more flavor. And I scrape out all the noodles and layer the lasagna right in the squash. Makes for a great presentation. Plus, easy clean up.
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Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
Prep Time: 1 hour- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Yield: 2 generous servings 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 2.5-3 pound spaghetti squash
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 sweet italian sausages
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- 2–1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped frozen spinach, thawed and all moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, and scrape out all the seeds and seed membrane. Put the spaghetti squash cut side up in a 9×13 baking dish. Roast uncovered for about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti squash is cooling, make the sausage marinara sauce. Heat a medium size skillet over medium high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Then snip the casing of the italian sausage and squeeze the meat into the pan. Break it up with a spoon, and cook for about 5 minutes. Then add the onion to the sausage, and cook another 5 minutes. Then add the minced or grated garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Then add the marinara sauce, and turn the heat to low.
- In a small bowl, make the spinach ricotta mixture by combining the ricotta cheese and spinach. Stir to combine, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the spaghetti squash are cool enough to touch, scrape the noodles out with a fork, and transfer the noodles to a medium size mixing bowl.
- Turn oven up to 425 degrees.
- To make the lasagna in the squash, layer the empty squash as follows: marina sauce, 1/4 of spaghetti squash noodles, marina sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/4 of the spaghetti squash noodles, marina sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the second spaghetti squash. Bake them uncovered in the same baking dish for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before eating.
If you like these spaghetti squash lasagna boats, be sure to check out my:
Sausage Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Healthier Spaghetti and Sausage Meatballs
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Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
November 13, 2014 at 4:50 am*covers heads with hands* Oh, noooo! That must have been so awkward! LOL. At least you hopefully never have to see that person again!
And these boats sound so delicious! I absolutely love spaghetti squash, but somehow I haven’t gotten around to making it yet this fall! I’m so starting with this recipe—love all that cheesy lasagna goodness! Pinned.
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
November 13, 2014 at 7:46 amLOL, that’s actually funny, but i bet it was awkward. I once asked a lady when she was due and she wasnt pregnant. Hahaha
I’ve made spaghetti squash once before, it wasn’t love at first bite but maybe this dish will convince me otherwise. It looks delicious.
★★★★★
marcie says
November 13, 2014 at 9:09 amI’ve definitely learned the hard way to keep quiet…I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth one too many times! I love spaghetti squash, and there’s so much goodness stuffed in these — I want to eat one right now and it’s only 9AM! Pinning. :)
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
November 13, 2014 at 9:21 amhonestly Nat, I applaud you for being so honest about that foot-in-mouth moment, we ALL have them and they are the worst!!! silver lining: women are having babies older, and that rocks lol.
but anyhoo – THIS SQUASH!!! clicked through from facebook the second I saw it bc it looks incredible girrrrl, I am drooling right now!! pinning doll!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
November 13, 2014 at 9:29 amAww that’s funny but not-so-funny at the same time! That’s something I totally would’ve done too, though. And I’m sure that lady gets that a lot! These lasagna boats look amazing, Natalie! Spaghetti squash seems to be popping up a lot this fall, so I’m eager to test it out! Love the flavors in here, so definitely trying this out!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
November 13, 2014 at 9:56 amYikes!! Moments like that are the worst – but what can you really do?! Happens to the best of us :) These lasagna boats look amazing, and to be honest, I never have tried make spaghetti squash because it seemed like it would be annoying. It’s so easy though! I need to try these for sure. Pinned!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
November 13, 2014 at 10:49 amOh no! We’ve all had those moments, and at the time it’s just awful, but kind of funny to look back on later. :)
These spaghetti squash lasagna boats look incredible! I love that you took lasagna, major comfort food, and turned it into a healthy dish!
Karen @ The Food Charlatan says
November 13, 2014 at 10:59 amomg Natalie that is the WORST!! I was at my mom’s retirement party at the school where she taught, it was a party for all the people retiring. i was chatting with a lady and asked what she was going to do next and she was like, ‘I’m not retiring. Do I look that old?’ It was SO BAD. I wanted to die. One of those comments that you just can’t take back. oh well at least we never have to see these people again right?? Please tell me…
Annie @Maebells says
November 13, 2014 at 12:04 pmOh hahaha! Don’t feel bad! I used to work in a boutique and this twenty something walked in with a man full of grey hair (at least mid-late 50s) and he followed her around while she shopped and then bought her like $500 worth of clothes. When I was ringing them up we started chit chatting and she was talking about how glad she was to go shopping and I said “Oh, it is so nice that your Dad is treating you!” and she said “…..he is my boyfriend….” hahahaha I wanted to die!
Sometimes you just never know!! :)
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
November 13, 2014 at 1:01 pmI think we’ve all been there Natalie in those awkward moments when you want to put your foot in your mouth!
As for these squash boats they look amazing. What a fun & healthy twist on regular spaghetti. Looks great!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
November 13, 2014 at 2:38 pmOh no! I hate those kind of awkward moments! So uncomfortable! This spaghetti squash lasagna looks so good, and I had no idea how to roast them the right way! Thanks for sharing.
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
November 13, 2014 at 2:47 pmOH. MY. GOSH. Your faux pas gave me chills and made me squirm in my seat. I am SO that girl – I always choose just the wrong thing to say.
These lasagna boats sound really tasty and I love that they don’t seem like too much work! Also – I just realized that you live in the Bay Area too! What part do you live in??? (I’m in the East Bay!) We should grab coffee sometime.
Karen Anderson says
November 13, 2014 at 5:12 pmNext time just ask, “Is he your son? He’s so cute.” A grandma would be happy; as would a mom.
★★★★★
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
November 13, 2014 at 6:03 pmOMG!! Ah! I would have totally done the same thing! Aw, you poor thing. I’m giving you a virtual hug right now, and then I’m going to cozy up on my couch and stuff my face with this spaghetti squash. UH YUM!
http://www./ says
December 23, 2016 at 6:38 pmStellar work there everyone. I’ll keep on reading.
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
November 13, 2014 at 6:26 pmThat is so awkward! But everyone has a story (or 2 or 3 or 10…) like that, so what can you do? Love these lasagna boats — they look amazing!
Isadora @ she likes food says
November 13, 2014 at 7:29 pmAhhh, that is the worst! I once told someone they had something on their lip and they replied that it was coldsore medicine. I will never ever tell someone they have something on their face again! How awkward! On a happier note, these lasagna boats look amazing and I just love spaghetti squash!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
November 13, 2014 at 8:14 pmAww you shouldn’t feel too badly, she does sound a little old to have such a young son, I would probably have said the same thing ;) Can you believe I’ve never had spaghetti squash before? I need to get onto that, huh? These look delicious, and your photos are gorgeous (as always)!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
November 13, 2014 at 8:53 pmAhhh!! That’s such an honest mistake I feel like in that situation. I probably would have thought the same thing! My grandma was in her mid-40s when she had my dad (back in the 1950s, no less!), so I can only imagine how many times she was asked about her ‘grandson’. These spaghetti squash lasagna boats look like the PER-FECT dish to smooth everything over with, though! Love it!
Caitlin @ teaspoon says
November 14, 2014 at 7:02 amGod, I’m glad I’m not the only one that has foot-in-mouth moments! And I loveee spaghetti squash but i have to make pasta separately for my not-so-into vegetables husband. Maybe if I layered it in more cheese like this he would like it :)
Ashley @ My Midwest Table says
November 14, 2014 at 11:35 amOops! If it were me, I’d still feel haunted, too. But like Alyssa said, it’s such an honest mistake. There have been plenty of times that I wished I would’ve kept my mouth shut, so know you’re in good company! Now…these squash boats. LOVE! I have waiting to be used. Talk about the perfect solution! I don’t think you can over go wrong with layers of sauce, meat, and cheese either. :)
Leah | So, How's It Taste? says
November 14, 2014 at 4:52 pmDon’t be too hard on yourself! We’ve all had those moments we wish we could melt into the floor. She’s probably forgotten about it by now. And I’m sure she’d completely forgive you over these lasagna boats! ;) Love this idea and I’ve never roasted spaghetti squash, so I’ll have to give this a try!
Kelly says
November 16, 2014 at 2:01 amAaw, don’t feel bad Natalie, that is such an honest mistake. I’ve definitely said something similar and I’m sure she’s totally forgiven you – especially if you shared these spaghetti squash lasagna boats with her :) I love spaghetti squash – these look so amazing!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
November 18, 2014 at 10:06 amThese look SO yummy! My hubs is obsessed with spaghetti squash, so I am always looking for new ways to prepare it. I was so scared to make it for him the first time, thinking he would think it was too weird… but he absolutely loved it and now always requests it!
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
November 20, 2014 at 7:26 pmWOW! This is like my dream meal!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
November 23, 2014 at 8:43 amHi…let me insert foot in mouth. ;) Ugh, I hate those awkward moments but we all have them. I love love love this dish! Looks super delish. :)
Alyssa says
November 25, 2014 at 12:15 pmThis sounds delicious and is gorgeous! I just wanted to let you know that I have a food blog, Simply Creative Recipes, where people are able to share their photos, and I am linking to this post if you don’t mind. You are welcome to share your photo with a link back to your site if you’d like. Alyssa
Natalie says
November 25, 2014 at 1:08 pmThank you so much for linking to my spaghetti squash lasagna boats Alyssa! You’re the best!
Kelly - LEFT SIDE OF THE TABLE says
January 18, 2015 at 10:50 amIsn’t spaghetti squash the best?! I’m in love with it! I’m really not a pasta person, so it’s the perfect guiltless substitute. Umm, sorry for your awkward moment lol it’s quite hilarious. But to make you feel better, I think we all run into this kind of situation in one way or another. Asking someone a question that someone gets slightly offended. I’m sure she didn’t take it to heart ;) Anywho, love catching up on your recipes right now! I’m on a roll! hehe
Cindy Litchfield says
March 1, 2015 at 3:55 pmThank you for making your recipe(s) printable. Pinterest is beyond me (I’m old…grew up in precomputer days.)
The lasagna boats look awesome. I can’t wait to make them.
Natalie says
March 2, 2015 at 10:53 amYou’re welcome Cindy! I hope you love this recipe when you try it! It’s one of my favorites : )
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Shannon says
November 18, 2015 at 3:51 pmThis lasagna boat sounded and looked very yummy, however, after following instructions step by step, I found this recipe a waste of my time, I like flavors I like to taste my food, this was to bland for me and my family.
Natalie says
November 25, 2015 at 12:01 pmSorry you didn’t like it! It’s always a huge hit in my house. But different families, different taste. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
laura says
January 4, 2016 at 12:16 pmOops, after 2 trips to 2 different stores, I finally scored spaghetti squash :), but forgot the spinach. I hope I can use chopped fresh spinach instead since I’d just as soon not go to the store again.
Natalie says
January 6, 2016 at 2:24 pmFresh spinach would work just fine! Just sautee it down, and then squeeze out any extra water. Hope you loved the recipe! It’s a big favorite in our house. And perfect for sticking to a healthier diet.
Caitlin says
February 18, 2016 at 7:39 amMade this last night! So good! I also had plenty leftover. I have never successfully made spaghetti squash but this time I finally liked it. I am currently doing paleo and I was able to make this work for it. I just switched the mozzarella for dairy free mozzarella cheese and found some dairy free ricotta and used a little of that with the spinach! It came out great. Will definitely print this and add it to my recipe list, thank you!!
★★★★★
Natalie says
February 18, 2016 at 10:40 amI’m so glad you liked it Caitlin! I botched spaghetti squash so many times before figuring out how to cook it correctly. Never steam it if you read a recipe that tells you to cook it in 3 inches of water! Unless you like goopy, soggy “noodles”. Ick! I have a *ton* more tasty paleo recipes if you need more dinner inspiration! https://www.tasteslovely.com/category/recipes/paleo/
Thanks for taking the time to let me know you liked my recipe! You made my day!
Erika says
February 18, 2016 at 10:57 pmMy husband and I made these this week, subbing out meatballs for the sausage. They were excellent!!! And by that, I mean we went back to the store to get another squash and had them again the next day, too. You would never miss real lasagna with this dish, and certainly not the calories of it! Day 2 we cooked the squash in the microwave to save time to equally good results. With both meals, we had leftovers for lunch, too. This will certainly become a staple meal in our household. Thanks!
★★★★★
Natalie says
February 20, 2016 at 9:17 amI love that! Back to back dinners! What a huge compliment! These are a great low carb, or gluten free, swap for lasagna. I’ve never tried cooking spaghetti squash in the microwave. I’m going to have to try that! Thanks for the tip. And thanks for letting me know you liked my recipe Erika. Have a great weekend!
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