Tag: spaghetti squash

Asian, Better Than Takeout, Dairy-Free, Entrée, Gluten-Free, Lightened Up, One Pot Dish, Vegetarian

Tastiest Sesame Tofu Asian-Inspired “Pasta”

Annie

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Happy Meatless Monday! (Or happy meatless Friday during Lent? That works too.) Here’s a combo I’ve been playing around with since the fall and I think I finely perfected it — Sesame Spaghetti Squash with Tofu. What really make it is the sesame tofu from Whole Foods. Yeah, it’s probably fried and high(ish) in sodium, but it’s so tasty and takes this veggie dish to the next level. Not a tofu fan? Just as good with chicken. Already tasted it for you and you still have the sesame flavors from tossing everything with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Also, another fun fact is the smaller the spaghetti squash, the more it’s like angel hair pasta versus spaghetti.

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Dairy-Free, Entrée

Mmmmm, I Love Fall Dinners

Annie

Kale Apple Sausage Fall "Pasta"

I’m not sure what I just created for dinner tonight, but it was delicious. I’m not even sure how to aptly describe all of the flavors involved in this masterpiece; I already know I will not come close to doing this justice. I’m leaving for a gerontological conference tomorrow. Needless to say, my fridge required a creative way to utilize all the produce I still had and not let it go to waste. My aunt and uncle grew the gorgeous kale I used to make the Spicy “Green” Miso Soup. The kale was extremely tender and sautéed so well.  The pumpkin ravioli and apple chicken sausage are findings from Whole Foods. Summon some chopped pecans, spinach and spaghetti squash to have the ultimate fall dish: Kale Apple Sausage Fall “Pasta.” Plus, this is a one pot kind of dish so you’re welcome in advanced for easy clean up. More time to savor the meal!
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Dairy-Free, Entrée, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Time for CPS: Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Annie

Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

This recipe is an oldie, but a goodie, and it’s too decadently delicious to not share again. Sometimes, we need a gentle reminder to resurrect the been-there-done-that recipes. This time, I substituted Whole Foods’ Unsweetened Almond Milk for half & half and I can honestly say that I hardly noticed the switch. Whole Foods’ version is much heavier, richer and less watered-down than its Silk or Almond Breeze counterparts. That’s just my take, but I’ve found Whole Foods’ almond milk to be a perfect substitute for cream or half & half. But back to the pumpkin sauce. The nutty, barely sweet and standalone flavor provided by the nutmeg is all you need — unless you’re like me and enjoy a kick, and the cayenne pepper does just that. This Creamy Pumpkin Sauce is rich, flavorful and the perfect fall dish.

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Entrée, Gluten-Free, Italian, Low Sugar

Modern Take on the Classic Caprese

Annie

Caprese Spaghetti Squash with Pesto Grilled Chicken

When I think of summer, I think of fresh garden vegetables and herbs. Growing up in Maine, we always had fresh basil growing which meant homemade pesto. Depending on the summer, we had tomatoes, peppers, green peppers, green beans, zucchini or maybe a combination of those. Fresh basil and tomatoes immediately makes me think of a caprese salad. Not sure about you, but raw tomatoes are very hit or miss for me. Cooked tomatoes I love. Raw? Ehhh. Depends on the day. Something about spaghetti squash as a pasta salad, fresh mozzarella, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes all tossed with homemade pesto and chicken sounded absolutely irresistible. Well, it is. I’ve had it for lunch or dinner four days in a row. Don’t believe me? Try the Caprese Spaghetti Squash with Pesto Grilled Chicken for yourself.

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Entrée

Pasta & “Pasta” Pairings for Pumpkin Sauce

Annie

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Ok, I promise — this is my last pumpkin recipe, but does it really count as new if I’ve previously posted this recipe? I love this Creamy Pumpkin Sauce; it’s quite easy to make and sure to impress. Maybe you’ve already exhausted that original spaghetti squash pairing idea or maybe you just have no idea what to do with the sauce in general or with its leftovers. Not a fan of spaghetti squash? Try these tortellini pairings below. Love spaghetti squash? Make the below recipes swapping tortellini for spaghetti squash. (Discover an easy way to cook spaghetti squash here.) Not a pasta fan? Just use sautéed kale and/or spinach as a substitute for anything pasta. No matter the way you choose to prepare this, you honestly can’t mess up because any combination is delicious. As a possible contender for holiday dishes or entertaining, here’s two options to transform any meal (pasta or not) using the creamy pumpkin sauce:

  • Creamy Pumpkin Sauce Tortellini with Tuscan Kale, Browned Chicken & Roasted Purple Cauliflower
  • Creamy Pumpkin Sauce Tortellini with Rosemary, Delicata Squash, Baby Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes

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Entrée, Italian, Lightened Up, Meal Prep, One Pot Dish

Tasty Turkey Meatballs

Annie

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It’s that time of year. If you’re like me and in the Northeast, you probably got some snow today. Toss in the time change with early darkness, and you’re in need of a hearty, cold-weather meal. I don’t think turkey is as flavorful as beef, but adding the fresh basil and red pepper brings the turkey meatballs to a whole new level. Make a large batch to freeze or plan meals ahead, place the meatballs over spaghetti squash, zoodles or whole-wheat pasta, and you have a lovely meal. I enjoyed my turkey meatballs over spaghetti squash, sautéed cherry tomatoes and zucchini, and a spicy marinara sauce. Top with fresh basil and parmesan and just how can you say no?
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Dairy-Free, Entrée, Gluten-Free, Italian, One Pot Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian

The Veggie Vision “Pasta”

Annie

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Spaghetti squash is my go-to cold weather meal. With the cool days moving in and socks and sweaters becoming abundant, a fall twist on your favorite and classic pasta dish is in order. To celebrate a “Meatless Monday,” I’ve added cannellini beans for protein, and butternut squash to utilize another fall favorite. Throw in your other favorite veggies, top with the marinara sauce of your choice and you have a light but hearty and savory meal! Thank you, rosemary, for this Fall Vegetable “Spaghetti.”

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Entrée, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Positively Pumpkin “Pasta”

Annie

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Mmmm, more pumpkin recipes. Sounds like fall to me. In honor of Meatless Monday, here’s a pumpkin recipe to satisfy your pumpkin cravings in a not-so-sweet, but savory way and tackles a meatless meal. This Creamy Pumpkin Sauce is originally served over ravioli, but I love spaghetti squash just as much (maybe even more, which is saying a lot!). This sauce would also deliciously pair with pasta, tortellini or just over sautéed vegetables for a meal or side. Next on the agenda: to try this with plain almond milk instead of half & half. Either way, this pumpkin sauce tastes savory and creamy — without being too rich — and is a refreshingly different fall dish.

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"How To" Guides, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Meal Prep, Side, Vegan, Vegetarian

Easy-Peasy Spaghetti Squash

Annie

IMG_4866 This is literally the easiest way to cook spaghetti squash. Cue a fork, a large plate, your microwave and you’re good to go. No oven. No pre-heating. None of this baking for an hour. I’ve been cooking spaghetti squash this way for a couple years and always have it on hand. You pop it in the microwave and 15-20 min later, you have perfectly cooked spaghetti squash. This is really simple to do ahead of time or whenever you have 20 min to hang out in (or near) your kitchen. Top with marinara sauce, pesto or olive oil and herbs, and you have fresh “pasta” ready to enjoy. Hope you love this easy-peasy way to cook your spaghetti squash just as much as I do. Continue reading “Easy-Peasy Spaghetti Squash” →