Keto Scrumptious Italian Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:

For the “Pasta”:

• 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Italian Sausage and Tomato Sauce:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, based on your preference)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily separates into “noodles” with a fork.
4. While the spaghetti squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through.
5. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce and add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Once the spaghetti squash is cooked and cooled slightly, use a fork to scrape the flesh into “noodles.”
8. Serve the roasted spaghetti squash as the base for your Italian sausage and tomato sauce. Spoon the sauce over the “noodles.”
9. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
10. Enjoy your Keto Scrumptious Italian Sausage Pasta!…