Tasty Italian Meal (Printable Version)

A wholesome dinner starring roasted squash and garlicky marinara. Comes together fast and tastes amazing!

# Ingredients:

→ Squash Prep

01 - 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - A dash of salt and pepper

→ Sauce Ingredients

04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
07 - 1 tsp oregano, dried
08 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
09 - A sprinkle of salt and pepper
10 - A pinch of chili flakes (optional for spice lovers)

→ Toppings

11 - Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves
12 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (skip for no dairy)

# Steps:

01 - Get your oven going at 400°F (200°C). Lay some parchment paper on a baking tray so the squash won't stick.
02 - Slice your squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy parts (it's just like prepping a pumpkin). Brush the cut sides with a bit of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
03 - Put the squash flat-side down on the parchment paper. Bake it for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin gets tender when you poke it with a fork.
04 - While the squash is roasting, heat up the olive oil in a pot on medium. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds until it smells incredible. Add in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you're using them. Let everything simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Take the squash out of the oven and give it a few minutes to cool down. Use a fork to scrape the insides, turning it into noodle-like strands (that's the magic part). Toss the strands into a bowl.
06 - Pour the savory tomato sauce over the squash strands. Top it off with some fresh herbs and Parmesan if you'd like. Enjoy with a fork right away!

# Notes:

01 - Want an extra boost of flavor? Throw in some garlic cloves or Italian seasoning when you roast the squash.
02 - Need something heartier? Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked Italian sausage.
03 - Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days. It reheats great for lunch!