Rather than pasta, serve the salty and spicy flavors of this classic Southern Italian dish with spaghetti squash "noodles" for a delicious, hearty vegetarian dinner.
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Halve squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Season inside of squash with salt and pepper. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray; lay halves cut side down on sheet and bake 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine anchovy (if using), garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, capers, red pepper flakes, and 2 Tbsp. oil in a large bowl. Remove baking sheet from oven and transfer tomato mixture to sheet alongside squash. Return to oven and cook until squash is tender and shell is easily pierced, about 15 minutes more.
Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a dry small skillet over medium-low heat, tossing often, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Immediately transfer to a plate; set aside.
Remove sheet from oven. Scrape squash crosswise to pull strands from shells into a medium bowl; discard shells. Using the back of a fork or spoon, gently push down on tomatoes on sheet to break them up and release their juices. Scrape tomato mixture and any accumulated juices into bowl with squash. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, then toss with half of basil, parsley, and reserved pine nuts. Divide among bowls and dollop with ricotta. Garnish with remaining basil, parsley, and pine nuts.
To me, this was a 2 1/2 fork recipe. This dish was satisfying and flavorful, but not great. It was a good idea to try to combine this sauce with the vegetable but in reality I think it didn't work out that well. I like puttanesca sauces a lot and I like spaghetti squash. I think puttanesca sauces are best paired with regular pasta or and grilled fish, and spaghetti squash with more traditional ingredients for the vegetable.
