Turkey Florentine Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash

I often try new recipes during the week, but rarely do I get so excited about a particular find.  Tonight was definitely an exception, I made Turkey Florentine Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash, from the Taste of Home magazine.

Turkey Florentine Meatballs

It was so amazing that I decided I had to share asap!

• 1 bag fresh spinach (recipe called for frozen spinach)
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 eggs beaten
• 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp dried minced onion
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 lb ground turkey (recipe called for ground chicken)
• 1 medium spaghetti squash

Sauce

• 1/2 lb sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 garlic clove minced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  While oven heats, saute spinach and garlic in olive oil until wilted.  Then combine with next 7 ingredients in large bowl.  Shape into 1.5 inch balls and place in shallow baking dish.  Cut spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds.  Place cut-side up in oven on baking sheet and cook 30-45 minutes or until soft.  Also add meatballs to top rack in oven and cook for 20-25 minutes until no longer pink.

For sauce, in a large skillet saute mushrooms in butter, without crowding.  Remove from pan and saute onions in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic and cook one more minute.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat , simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes or until slightly thickened.  Add cooked meatballs and cook through.

When squash is cool enough to handle, use fork to separate strands lengthwise.  Season with salt and pepper and serve with meatballs and sauce.

I made several changes to the recipe, I added an onion, used ground turkey instead of ground chicken and fresh spinach instead of frozen, but all in all it was great!

Not only is this tasty, but it’s also healthy!  I think I need to cook with spaghetti squash more often, any recommendations?!?

Cheers,

Steph