Description
Hearty chicken and broccoli stuffed spaghetti squash delivers a nutritious Mediterranean-inspired meal packed with protein and vegetables. Creamy cheese and herbs elevate this comforting dish that you will savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (large, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 spaghetti squash (large)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 shallots (minced)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tbsps olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsps Italian seasoning
- 4 tbsps cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for spaghetti squash roasting.
- Squash Preparation: Slice spaghetti squash lengthwise, carefully removing seeds. Coat interior with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on prepared sheet.
- Roasting Process: Bake squash for 45-60 minutes until tender, developing signature stringy texture. Extract flesh using a fork, creating delicate spaghetti-like strands.
- Protein and Vegetable Cooking: Sear chicken in a skillet until golden brown. Sauté shallots, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then add broccoli florets, briefly steaming to maintain color and crispness.
- Filling Creation: Combine cream cheese and Greek yogurt to form a smooth base. Incorporate cooked chicken, broccoli, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture.
- Squash Assembly: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Gently mix spaghetti squash strands with the prepared filling, ensuring even distribution. Fill squash halves, topping with remaining mozzarella.
- Final Baking: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Serving: Garnish with optional fresh parsley or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while warm and delectable.
Notes
- Prep Squash Safely: Use a sharp, sturdy knife and apply steady pressure when cutting spaghetti squash to prevent slipping and potential injury.
- Optimize Roasting Time: Check squash tenderness after 45 minutes by piercing with a fork; cooking time varies based on squash size and oven precision.
- Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess liquid from chicken and broccoli mixture to prevent soggy squash strands and maintain ideal texture.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent cheese from burning, then uncover to achieve perfect golden-brown melting surface.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg