Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/2 spaghetti squash and 6 meatballs (including cheese)

Calories: 271 • Total Fat: 8g • Total Carbohydrate: 21g (Fiber: 5g • Sugars: 6g) • Protein: 32g (Vitamin A: 17% • Vitamin C: 28% • Calcium: 14%)

Nutritional Highlights

Low Calorie • High Protein • High Fiber • Gluten Free • High in Vitamins A and C • Good Source of Calcium

This recipe is an excellent balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar stable.

Dysphagia Level 1 – Pureed – omit spaghetti squash, cook meatballs according to recipe. Puree meatballs in a blender, adding chicken stock until smooth. Serve on a plate or in a bowl. Top with smooth tomato sauce and melted cheese.

Dysphagia Level 2 – Ground/Mech Soft – cook according to recipe, but finely chop cooked spaghetti squash and meatballs and serve on a plate or in a bowl. Top with tomato sauce and melted cheese.

Dysphagia Level 3 – Soft – cook according to recipe and serve on a plate or a bowl instead of in the shell of the spaghetti squash

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“Spaghetti” with Basil-Garlic Turkey Meatballs

Servings: 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1 spaghetti squash (about 1 pound)
• 8 oz (1/2 pound) extra lean white ground turkey
• 2 tbsp onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 egg yolk,  beaten
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce, divided (choose low sugar/low sodium with about 50 calories/serving)
• 2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided (optional)

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and discard. Place spaghetti squash halves cut side down on baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, combine turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, egg, and ground pepper in a large bowl. Using a small cookie scoop, form mixture into 12 meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil sprayed with cooking spray.
3. Bake in oven for 10-12 minutes, flip meatballs, and bake an additional 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove squash from the oven and fluff the flesh with a fork. Top each squash half with 1/4 cup tomato sauce and 6 meatballs. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top, if desired.