Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Thanks to my sister-in-law for the inspiration behind this meal:)

I made this for a family member who is a vegetarian.  I used soy grilled strips that had the consistency of chicken, called "fake chicken."  Everyone enjoyed it, and it had the same texture as lasagna.  In my opinion, this was even easier than a conventional lasagna, and has less calories and more nutrients.

I think if you used sausage this would have even more flavor and serve those that want the meat.  If you make it with sausage you will need to brown the sausage before adding it to the rest of the mixture.  Also, I don't think cheese is necessary, but gave it that extra umph.

If you want "cleaner" lasagna, look no further


Recipe:

1 Spaghetti Squash
Olive oil
Garlic Salt
Olive oil
2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
 2 medium whole tomatoes, chopped
fresh spinach (about a handful or two)
salt
dried oregano
basil flakes
soy strips (vegetarian "chicken" strips), thawed
1 jar of Tomato, Basil pasta sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
Shredded Paremesan or Mozarella, or both

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Slice spaghetti squash in half and scoop the seeds out.  Brush with just a bit of olive oil, just to cover the open halves.  Sprinkle with garlic salt.  Lay upside down on a cookie sheet (grease or line the tray).  Cook for 1 hour.  Let cool for 10 minutes
3. While squash is cooking, chop veggies.  
4. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add garlic cloves for just a minute or two to the heated oil.
6. Add all the veggies except the spinach.  Sprinkle on spices to your liking - maybe a teaspoon of each.  Saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Then add the spinach and saute until wilted.
7. If you didn't thaw your fake chicken strips, microwave them for about a minute.
8. Chop fake chicken into bite sized pieces.
9. Take veggie mixture off of the heat.  Let sit till ready to add to the squash. 
10. Once the squash is finished baking an cooling, shred the sqaush with a fork into a large bowl.  Change heat on the oven to 350 degrees
11. Add the veggie mixture, fake chicken, and half of the pasta sauce (I used about 3/4's a 24 oz. jar of sauce)
12. Place into a 13x9 inch greased, glass pan.  spread evenly.
13. Sprinkle on the cheese ( I didn't use too much, maybe 1/2 to 3/4 a cup total)
14. bake @350 for 15-20 minutes or till heated through.

Serve while hot!
serve with a salad, or bread or fruit.