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Turkey 'n' Squash Lasagna (12)

Source of Recipe

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Turkey 'n' Squash Lasagna (12)

Taste of Home June/July 2008
7 reviews rate this recipe 4.5 of 5 stars.
Exchanges
Prep: 70 min. Bake: 50 min. + standing
Yield: 12 servings.

I came up with this lasagna recipe when spaghetti squash was on sale at the supermarket, and it was a hit with all my friends. I used ground turkey because I'm trying to cook healthier. —Nancy Beall, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ingredients:
• 1 medium spaghetti squash (2 to 2-1/2 pounds)
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Salt to taste
•
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 6 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

Directions:
1. With a sharp knife, pierce spaghetti squash 10 times. Place on a microwave-safe plate; microwave on high for 5-6 minutes. Turn; cook 4-5 minutes longer or until fork-tender. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Scoop out squash, separating strands with a fork; set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, cook turkey and onion in 1-1/2 teaspoons oil over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, sugar and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

3. In a small bowl, combine the egg, ricotta and 3/4 cup Parmesan until blended. In a small skillet, saute zucchini in remaining oil until crisp-tender.

4. Spread 1-1/2 cups meat sauce into a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with three noodles and half of the zucchini, spaghetti squash and ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with 1-1/2 cups mozzarella and half of remaining sauce. Top with the remaining noodles, zucchini, spaghetti squash, ricotta mixture and sauce (dish will be full).

5. Place dish on a baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until edges are bubbly. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Editor's Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

1 serving equals 311 calories, 12 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 72 mg cholesterol, 452 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 22 g protein. ++++ Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat 1 fat.