Spaghetti Squash, Mushrooms and Spinach #SundaySupper #ChooseDreams

Spaghetti Squash, Mushrooms and Spinach close up

I know that it can be a challenge trying to cook healthier meals for your family. There’s times when I really want that extra flavor from chopped bacon in my pasta. I know, that’s okay. Part of eating healthier is knowing how to curb the urge to add more fat than I really need. Acquiring skills to change family favorites and go-to meals into more healthful dinners is a learning process.
A few years ago I participated in a program to teach low-income families how to shop for healthier alternatives like brown rice, properly store fresh fruits and veggies and prepare meals within their budget.

Here are some pointers I gave to them that can be applied towards creating healthier meals.

  • A general rule to keeping food fresh is buy what only what you need or store bulk purchases properly. Break larger portions of packaged meat into individual meals and freeze separately.
  • Try to buy local produce when possible. Wash fresh produce when you are ready to use it. Storing wet produce may promote bacterial growth and spoilage.
  • Choose leaner cuts of meat and ground beef whenever possible. Trim away some of the excess fat from pork roasts and chops.
  • Oven bake family favorites instead of frying. A light coating of oil on chicken or potatoes gives the flavor of fried without all the calories.
  • Introduce your family to one new food at a time. Try making an old favorite dish like spaghetti and meatballs with ground chicken or a fresh tomato sauce instead.
  • Sneak healthy greens like spinach and kale into soups, stews and casseroles.

I’ve found that the bottom line is if tastes good, my family will eat it!


As an added bonus, this Spaghetti Squash, Mushrooms and Spinach entree for today’s Sunday Supper is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan too. Quick and easy!

Spaghetti Squash, Mushrooms and Spinach

Spaghetti Squash, Mushrooms and Spinach #SundaySupper #ChooseDreams
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Ingredients
  • 2 cups shredded cooked spaghetti squash
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • ¼ cup diced green onions
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ½ cup white wine, gluten-free*
  • 1 cup vegetable broth, gluten-free*
  • ¼ cup chopped blanched or toasted almonds
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste, optional
Instructions
  1. Sauté mushrooms, onion and garlic in oil until tender.
  2. Add broth, wine, spinach and squash. Cook until thoroughly heated and most of the liquid evaporates.
  3. Add red pepper flakes,nuts and salt if needed.
Notes
*Some wines are processed in oak barrels where gluten is added as a binding agent. Vegetable broth can contain gluten as a thickener. Read labels carefully if you are intolerant.

American Family Insurance understands the importance of serving healthier meals to our families.

AmFam Choose Dreams Logo
Visit the Family Favorites Recipes Pinterest board for more more healthful meal ideas.
Follow the Family Favorites Turned Healthy #ChooseDreams Pinterest board for great ideas on turning classic dishes and family favorites into healthier meals for your family!
http://www.pinterest.com/amfaminsurance/family-favorite-recipes/

Stay connected with American Family Insurance for the latest news and happenings.

Website: http://www.amfam.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/american-family-insurance
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/amfam/custom
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+amfam/posts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amfam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amfam
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/amfaminsurance/

Special thanks to Katie of Ruffles & Truffles for hosting this healthy meals event with American Family Insurance!

Sunday Supper Movement

Enjoy more great tasting healthy meal choices from the Sunday Supper Group!

Savory

Angel Hair & Zucchini Noodles with Fresh Tomato Sauce by Ruffles & Truffles

Baked Vegetable Egg Rolls by Curious Cuisiniere

Beef Stroganoff by Country Girl in the Village

Buffalo Cauli-Tots by Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Corn and Crab Chowder by The Dinner-Mom

Crab Cake Salad by Family Foodie

Grilled Portabella Mushrooms On Red Pepper Slaw with Cucumber Dressing by Seduction In The Kitchen

Healthy Chicken Salad by Run DMT

Lighter Beef Tacos by Alida’s Kitchen

Meatballs with Vegetable Noodles and Fresh Tomato Sauce by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen

Roasted Cauliflower Mac & Cheese by The Messy Baker

Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Spinach by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

Superfood Pancakes by girlichef

Tex Mex Enchilada Skillet Lasagna by Neighborfood

Zucchini Meat Lasagna by Peanut Butter and Peppers

Sweet

Chewy Coconut Granola Bars by Savvy Eats

Enlightened Southern Banana Puddings by The Weekend Gourmet

Mom’s Fruit Salad by Magnolia Days

Strawberry Vanilla Canapés by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen

Zucchini Carrot Snack Cake by The Foodie Army Wife

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own.

This entry was posted in #ChooseDreams, #SundaySupper, casserole, healthy, squash, What's For Dinner? and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.