This recipe was sponsored by Jones Dairy Farm and all opinions are my own as usual.
These Spaghetti Squash Boats are loaded with all the yummy things! Sugar free turkey sausage, onions, peppers, garlic, spinach and marinara make this a healthy, filling dinner that’s paleo, Whole30 compliant and low in carbs too!
Spaghetti Squash is always one of those things I’ve been on/off with, mainly because I tend to over-cook it in the oven and get frustrated! To be honest, there have been recipes where I literally roasted squash 3 times before getting the texture right. Not so fun!
I decided to try this recipe in the Instant Pot because I’d heard/read good things about perfectly-cooked Instant Pot spaghetti squash. I have to say, I was definitely skeptical, and bought 2 spaghetti squashes just in case I ruined the first one!
But, I was pleasantly surprised with how it came out – the “al dente” texture I’m always going for and without burnt spots! Plus, it cooked nice and evenly which is a major plus.
You have the option of making just the spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot, or the filling as well. I decided to cook the filling on the stovetop so I could get it done while the squash pressure cooked.
However, if you’re really just wanting to make it all in one pot, you can cook the filling in the Instant Pot while the squash is cooling – it’s up to you. I provide the full instructions in the recipe box.
But let’s move onto the filling now – because I’m obsessed with how yummy it turned out! We start with antibiotic free, sugar free turkey sausage from Jones Dairy Farm. The flavor is so good – it’s the perfect base for the filling!
Jones Dairy Farm also makes amazing sugar-free pork sausage (used in my sausage leek & spinach quiche) and chicken sausage to throw into quick meals, plus the BEST sugar free bacon! Get the recipe for my savory sweet potato bacon waffles here.
Since Jones Dairy Farm’s line of Antibiotic Free, Paleo Certified products contain NO sugar or preservatives, they’re perfect for paleo and Whole30 recipes. Definitely check out their website to browse their amazing products and find out where you can purchase!
So, I sautéed the turkey sausage in a little olive oil, followed by onion, peppers, garlic, seasonings, spinach, and marinara. Some nutritional yeast (for Whole30) or parmesan (for keto) adds a subtly cheesy flavor to the filling, too.
After the squash and filling are made – the rest is simple – just stuff the squash and devour! I was so excited to eat these spaghetti squash boats after taking the photos that I dug right into the squash with a fork.
You can totally do that – or you can (of course) serve on plates to be civilized. Either way, you’re going to love how tasty these are – and how delicious the leftovers are the next day too!
I hope you’re ready for easy, Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash boats that just happen to be good for you. Let’s grab that squash and our favorite Jones Dairy Farm Turkey Sausage and GO!
Turkey Sausage Spaghetti Squash Boats {Paleo, Whole30}
Spaghetti Squash Boats with Turkey Sausage and Veggies {Instant Pot, Whole30}
These Spaghetti Squash Boats are loaded with all the yummy things! Sugar free turkey sausage, onions, peppers, garlic, spinach and marinara make this a healthy, filling dinner that’s paleo, Whole30 compliant and low in carbs too!
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash med/large
- 1 cup water
- 2 Tbsp olive oil avocado oil or coconut oil
- 2 7 oz packages Jones Dairy Farm Antibiotic Free Turkey Sausage cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper optional
- 5 oz fresh baby spinach chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce sugar free, for Whole30
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast for Whole30 OR 3 Tbsp parmesan cheese, if dairy is okay (or for keto)
Instructions
Make the Spaghetti Squash:
For Instant Pot Method:
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Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and strings. Place the steamer basket or trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add 1 cup water.
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Place squash in the pot and cover, cook on high pressure for 6-8 minutes. 6 minutes for a smaller squash, 8 for large and 7 for a medium/large squash. I cooked mine 7 minutes exactly for an al dente texture. Quick release the pressure and transfer squash to a plate or cutting board to cool.
For Oven Method:
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Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Cut squash as described above, and place face down on a foil lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the top of squash is tender when pressed gently.
Make the Stuffing:
For Instant Pot or Stovetop:
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If you are using the Instant Pot, you’ll need to wait for the squash to finish cooking. If using the stovetop, you can make the stuffing while the squash cooks. For both methods, heat the pot or skillet over medium heat (sauté on high for Instant Pot.). Add oil, then add sausage and sauté until browned, stirring as needed.
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Add in the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the peppers and garlic, stir, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper and Italian seasoning. Cook and stir until softened, then add the spinach and stir until wilted. Add in the marinara and nutritional yeast or parmesan and continue to cook about 3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors, then remove from heat.
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Scrape spaghetti squash vertically to create the spaghetti, then fill with the turkey sausage mixture. Depending on the size of your squash you might have a little extra stuffing. Scoop out onto plates to serve or dig right into the squash! Enjoy!
Nutrition
VISIT JONES DAIRY FARMS WEBSITE TO CHECK OUT THEIR ALL NATURAL, SUGAR FREE SAUSAGE, BACON, HAM AND MORE!
Check out more recipes made in partnership with Jones Dairy Farm:
Zucchini Bacon Fritters {Paleo, Whole30, Keto}
Savory Sweet Potato Bacon Waffles {Paleo, Whole30}
Sausage, Leek, and Spinach Quiche {Paleo, Whole30}
Butternut, Apple, and Chicken Sausage Hash {Paleo, Whole30}
Chipotle Lime Potato Salad with Bacon {Paleo, Whole30}
Addison says
I love spaghetti squash and I love my Instant Pot so you can bet I’ll be trying this recipe!
Norma says
This was so good!! I’m not sure I can stop myself from eating it all in one sitting. Yum!
Addy says
Made this tonight and it was wonderful! My 12 year old commented that she didn’t want any of “THAT!” (spaghetti squash) for dinner, but then ended up eating 3 helpings. Thanks for a great recipe!
Michele says
Love hearing that, wow!
Tara says
So delicious! Easy to make – it’s a must try!
Z says
I made this tonight. Delicious and a keeper for sure. Thank you!Z
Jayne says
Can you sub ground turkey for this? If so would you add any spices? Thanks!
Michele says
Yes, I’d add in sea salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and some garlic and onion powder.
Luci says
Made this for my Cajun meat loving husband and me. We both loved it and will make again! We used mild Italian chicken sausage.
Natalia Wilkinson says
This has become a family favorite. Do you think this would be a recipe that would freeze well? Asking specifically if the sauce would freeze well.