I was in the grocery store and spotted a perfectly ripe spaghetti squash. I knew I had to try it, so I cooked it according to the label. I topped it with my favorite vegetables for pasta, and it was an instant family favorite. —Veronica McCann, Columbus, Ohio
Ingredients
1 medium spaghetti squash (about 4 pounds)
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped leek (white portion only)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup V8 juice
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1/4 cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend
Instructions
1Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan; add 1/2 in. hot water. Bake, uncovered, at 375° until squash is easily pierced with a fork, 30-40 minutes. Drain water from pan; turn squash cut side up. Bake 5 minutes longer or until squash is tender.
2Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, saute red pepper, onion, zucchini, mushrooms, leek and carrots in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, V8 juice, pepper and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in spinach and herbs; heat through.
3When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Serve with sauce; sprinkle with cheese.
