Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera

Being Italian, I LOVE pasta! But pasta doesn't always love me. With all of those pesky carbs and calories (and of course, gluten), pasta isn't something you should eat everyday. Well, I don't know about you, but I could eat it all day, every day! Spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, mac and cheese, pesto, the list goes on and on!!

That's when I discovered spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash can be used as a replacement in just about any pasta or noodle dish. Now you can enjoy all of your favorite recipes without ruining your diet. It's quick, easy, and of course, delicious. Oh, and did I mention healthy? Read on to learn how to make one of my all time favorite "pasta" dishes: Pasta Primavera.

If you love veggies and delicious, healthy dinners, this is the recipe for you!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
• 1 medium-sized onion
• 1 can quartered artichoke hearts
• 1/2 cup whole grape tomatoes
• 2 cups mushrooms (about 2 handfuls)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbps olive oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to add more or less of any of these ingredients. I

Using a large chef knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half (long ways).

Take a large spoon and scrape out all all of the squash seeds and "guts" (just like when you're getting ready to carve a pumpkin).

Place one half of the squash in microwave-safe bowl or plate. Microwave for about 5-7 minutes (depending on the size of the squash). Repeat this step with second half.

Before moving on, make sure you allow the squash to cool off so that it can be handled. I like to cook the rest of the veggies while I wait.

Once the squash has cooled, firmly grasp the squash with one hand and use the other to scrape the squash in a downward motion using a fork. The squash should easily come off in the shape of spaghetti. If your squash seems hard or isn't coming off easily, you may need to microwave it for a little longer.

Set squash to the side. You'll add it to your veggies later.

Prep all of the veggies:

• Dice the onion
• Chop the mushrooms
• Open and drain can of artichokes
• Slice the tomatoes

Turn stove on to medium heat

In medium to large pan, pour 2 tbsp of olive oil in large skillet over medium heat

Add onions

Saute onion until translucent in color (about 2-3 minutes)

Stir in mushrooms (cook for about 4 minutes)

Add 1 TBSP garlic

Pour in can of artichokes (cook for about 1 minute)

Add tomatoes (cook for about 1 minute)

Add spaghetti squash and mix well.

Mix in the following:

• 1/2 TSP of Italian seasoning
• 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Lower stove temperature and allow everything to simmer for about 3-5 minutes

Remove pan from heat and serve yourself up a delicious and healthy "pasta" dish!

Don't forget, you can substitute just about any pasta or noodle with spaghetti squash, so have fun with it!!