Dinner: Sheet-Pan Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca

Recipe by Katherine Sacks Rather than pasta, serve the salty and spicy flavors of this classic Southern Italian dish with spaghetti squash "noodles" for a delicious, hearty vegetarian dinner.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Nuts, Basil

Health benefits of Sheet-Pan Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca

Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1 large spaghetti squash (3 1/2 –4 pounds)
Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
Nonstick vegetable cooking spray
1 oil-packed anchovy fillet, drained, finely chopped (optional)
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
12 ounces cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups)
1 pint shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, quartered (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup pitted oil-cured black olives, chopped
1 tablespoon drained capers
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil, divided
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley, divided
1/2 cup ricotta

Instructions

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375 °F. Halve squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Season inside of squash with salt and pepper. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray; lay halves cut side down on sheet and bake 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine anchovy (if using), garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, capers, red pepper flakes, and 2 Tbsp. oil in a large bowl. Remove baking sheet from oven and transfer tomato mixture to sheet alongside squash. Return to oven and cook until squash is tender and shell is easily pierced, about 15 minutes more.
Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a dry small skillet over medium-low heat, tossing often, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Immediately transfer to a plate; set aside.
Remove sheet from oven. Scrape squash crosswise to pull strands from shells into a medium bowl; discard shells. Using the back of a fork or spoon, gently push down on tomatoes on sheet to break them up and release their juices. Scrape tomato mixture and any accumulated juices into bowl with squash. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, then toss with half of basil, parsley, and reserved pine nuts. Divide among bowls and dollop with ricotta. Garnish with remaining basil, parsley, and pine nuts.