This recipe is a great alternative to one of my favorite dishes!  Instead of using pasta that is high in calories, carbs, and often wheat gluten, I have replaced it with squash products for layering.  The main focus of health benefits is in the vegetable components and eliminating pasta all together.

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Ingredients:

1 lb. Lean hot Italian Sausage (or ground turkey)

3 Yellow Squash

2 Zucchini Squash

1 cup Mushrooms (White or Baby Bella)

1/2 Onion

1 oz sliced Black Olives

2 Garlic Cloves

1/4 cup Basil

1/4 cup Parsley

1 tsp Fennel Seed

3 tbsp Oregano

1 tsp Thyme

1 tsp Ground Black Pepper

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 Fat Free Ricotta Cheese or (Cottage Cheese)

1 jar of sugar free marinara sauce or (6 oz tomatoe past)

1 cup Low-Fat Mozzerella

1/2 cup Chedder Cheese

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DIRECITONS:

In skillet drizzle in oil and prepare sausage according to instructions.  Add chopped parsley, onion, garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté.  Prepare the squashes by rinsing and skinning them.  Slice squash thin and evenly.  In a baking pan drizzle a little oil and sauce and spread evenly with a spatula covering the bottom.  Start layering first with a little of the meat mixture, then some mozerella cheese, squash, and then sauce.  On the next layer add the ricotta cheese, sauce, meat, squash, mozzarella...repeat each layer until you are left with one last layer of squash on top and a little sauce left.  Top with the cheddar, basil, and black olives.  Bake in preheated Oven at 350 for 30-45 minutes covered.  ​​​​

​Here are a few of the health benefits

​Basil:

Basil leaves are rich in antioxidants.

Sweet basil essential oil has potential to ward off certain cancers.

Basil helps manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Basil can improve blood sugar levels.

Basil has positive effects on mental health.

Basil treats skin conditions, respiratory problems, and acts as a natural insect repellent.

Garlic:

Stabilizes cholesterol

Boost heart health

Supports the immune system

Protects against the common cold

Has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties

Reduces markers of inflammation

Lowering chronic disease risk

Improving immunity

Stabilizes blood sugar levels

Supports heart and brain health

Yellow squash:

Low-carb and low-calorie.

Good source of beta-carotene (vitamin A).

High in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Aids in digestion due to its fiber content.

Supports immune function and skin health.

Helps maintain a healthy weight.

Zucchini squash:

Improving digestion

Slowing down aging

Supporting healthy blood sugar levels

Promoting healthy circulation and heart health

Improving eye health

Boosting energy

Aiding weight loss

Mushrooms:

​Low in calories and fat.

High in Protein

Good source of potassium.

High in selenium (an antioxidant).

May play a role in cancer prevention.

A source of Vitamin D

Improve gut and brain health.

Protect against obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and high blood pressure