Creamy Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe

Spaghetti squash is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be used as a healthy substitute for pasta in various recipes. One such delicious and satisfying dish is Creamy Spaghetti Squash Boats. With a creamy and flavorful sauce, this recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a comforting meal without the guilt.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Brush the flesh of the spaghetti squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the spaghetti squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side down, and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender.
- While the spaghetti squash is roasting, prepare the creamy sauce. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and become tender.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the pan. Stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash to create spaghetti-like strands.
- Transfer the spaghetti squash strands to a baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over them.
- Mix the sauce and spaghetti squash together until well combined.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake the spaghetti squash boats for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut a medium-sized spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the flesh of the spaghetti squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the spaghetti squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side down, and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender.
While the spaghetti squash is roasting, prepare the creamy sauce. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and become tender. Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted.
Add shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the pan. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash to create spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the spaghetti squash strands to a baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over them. Mix the sauce and spaghetti squash together until well combined. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake the spaghetti squash boats for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this creamy spaghetti squash recipe is approximately 15 minutes. It takes about 45 minutes to roast the spaghetti squash, and another 20-25 minutes to bake the dish in the oven.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutritional information for Creamy Spaghetti Squash Boats per serving is as follows:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.
- You can also use different types of cheese for added flavor.
- Serve the creamy spaghetti squash boats with a side salad for a complete meal.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce and roast the spaghetti squash in advance. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze leftover creamy spaghetti squash boats?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Creamy Spaghetti Squash Boats are a delectable and nutritious meal that will satisfy your pasta cravings without the guilt. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner option!