Turkey Meat Sauce Spaghetti Squash is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution: hearty, healthy, and made entirely in the Instant Pot. This low-carb twist on traditional spaghetti and meat sauce delivers rich, savory flavor with fewer carbs and more nutrients. Tender strands of spaghetti squash pair beautifully with a bold, garlicky turkey marinara that cooks together in one pot—no boiling, draining, or multiple pans needed. It’s a wholesome, one-pot meal you’ll turn to again and again.
Table of Contents
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Family-Friendly – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- One-Pot Meal – The squash and sauce cook together in the Instant Pot—easy cleanup!
- Low-Carb Comfort Food – All the flavor of spaghetti without the pasta.
- Great for Meal Prep – Keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable – Simple swaps for protein, sauce, or cheese.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Turkey Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 jar (22 oz) marinara sauce
For the Spaghetti Squash:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2 lbs)
For Serving:
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Sauté the Turkey
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add ground turkey, kosher salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink.
2. Add Aromatics
Move the turkey to the sides of the pot. Add minced garlic in the center and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in dried basil. Turn off the sauté mode and scrape the pot bottom to prevent burning.
3. Add Marinara & Squash
Pour marinara sauce over the turkey mixture. Cut spaghetti squash in half crosswise, remove seeds, and place both halves cut-side down on top of the sauce.
4. Pressure Cook
Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes. Once finished, carefully do a Quick Release.
5. Shred & Combine
Remove squash halves using tongs. Let cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape out the squash strands. Return squash to the pot. Add parmesan cheese and stir everything together until warm and well-mixed.
6. Serve
Top with fresh basil and extra parmesan, if desired. Serve hot!
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Appliance: Instant Pot
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Estimated)
- Calories: ~975 kcal
- Protein: 75–85 g
- Fat: 34–40 g
- Carbohydrates: 75–85 g
(Varies based on sauce and cheese used)
🔄 Tips & Substitutions
- Turkey Substitutes: Use ground beef, chicken, pork, or plant-based crumbles
- Cheese Swaps: Try asiago, Romano, or vegan parmesan
- Marinara Options: Use arrabbiata for spice, or make your own from scratch
- Spaghetti Squash Tip: Pierce skin before cooking to avoid pressure build-up
- Avoid Mushy Squash: Don’t overcook—squash should shred into strands, not mush
❓ FAQs
Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes. Bake the squash at 400°F for 35–40 minutes and cook the meat sauce on the stovetop. Combine before serving.
Can I use frozen ground turkey?
Thaw before cooking, or use the Instant Pot’s sauté mode to thaw and brown.
Does this freeze well?
Absolutely! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and stir well.
What if my squash is larger or smaller?
No problem! Pressure time remains the same—just check for doneness and shred when cool enough to handle.
🍽 What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- Roasted Zucchini or Broccoli
- Mixed Greens Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Optional: Top with chili flakes or extra basil for a flavor boost
Turkey Meat Sauce Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
- – Instant Pot
- Spatula
- – Tongs
- – Fork
Ingredients
- **For the Turkey Sauce:**
- – 1 lb ground turkey
- – 1 tsp kosher salt
- – 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- – 4 garlic cloves minced
- – 1 tsp dried basil
- – 1 jar 22 oz marinara sauce
- **For the Squash:**
- – 1 medium spaghetti squash about 2 lbs
- **For Serving:**
- – ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- – Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to sauté. Brown ground turkey with salt and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add garlic and basil. Sauté briefly, then deglaze the pot.
- Add marinara sauce. Halve squash and place cut-side down into sauce.
- Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Quick release.
- Remove squash, shred into strands, and return to pot.
- Stir in parmesan. Top with basil and serve hot.
Notes
– Freeze in portions for future meals
– Use a high-quality marinara for best flavor
🔚 Conclusion
This Turkey Meat Sauce Spaghetti Squash is everything you want in a fast, filling dinner—flavorful, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Thanks to the Instant Pot, it’s also incredibly easy to prepare with minimal mess. Whether you’re low-carb or just looking to eat more veggies, this recipe is a must-save for your meal plan.