Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu Recipe

This lightened-up take on spaghetti and meatballs is the perfect healthy and delicious weeknight meal! Forget heavy pasta; we're using spaghetti squash for naturally sweet and satisfying “boats” filled with a flavorful sausage ragu. This recipe is kid-approved and perfect for those watching their carb intake without sacrificing taste. Get ready for a fun, family-friendly dish that's both impressive and easy to make!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Calories 618.9 kcal

Protein 64g

Rating Be the first

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu

Microwave a medium spaghetti squash for 10 minutes to soften.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
Place the squash halves cut-side down in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly tender.
While the squash is baking, brown 1 lb Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
Add 5 oz fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until wilted.
Stir in 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce and heat through. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese.
Remove the squash from the oven. Using a fork, scrape the spaghetti squash into strands, collecting them in a clean kitchen towel.
Squeeze out excess moisture from the squash. Add the squash to the sausage and spinach mixture; gently toss to combine.
Fill each spaghetti squash boat with the ragu mixture.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Combine with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the filled squash boats.
Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

71 g

Sugar

Fat

97g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner European Italian American Healthy Gluten Free Fall Recipes Baking 30 Minutes Or Less

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Preparation Sauces Main Dish Condiments Etc Dietary Ragu Recipe Contest

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu?

Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu takes about 40 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu?

Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu has approximately 618.9 calories per serving, with about 64 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates and 68 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu?

The key ingredients for Spaghetti Squash Boats Ragu are Spaghetti Squash, Italian Sausage, Baby Spinach, Rag Pasta Sauce, Goat Cheese, Breadcrumbs. See the full list with measurements above.