Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Baked Spaghetti Squash
This Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Baked Spaghetti Squash is a wholesome and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners. The spaghetti squash offers a nutritious alternative to pasta, while the tender chicken and vibrant vegetables coated in a rich tomato sauce bring delicious flavors into every bite. This recipe is not only guilt-free but also incredibly filling, making it an ideal option for those seeking a healthy yet indulgent meal. Pair it with a fresh salad and a crusty roll for a complete dining experience that everyone will enjoy!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti squash
1 (halved and seeded)
chicken breast
1 lb (cubed)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
red onion
1/4 cup (diced)
garlic clove
1 (chopped)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
sharp cheddar cheese
2 1/4 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Halve the spaghetti squash lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
3
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
4
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
5
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the diced green and red bell peppers, red onion, and chopped garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
7
Stir in the shredded spaghetti squash, drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Cook and stir for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
8
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in 2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts and combines well with the chicken and veggies.
9
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concept of the Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Baked Spaghetti Squash?
It is a wholesome and satisfying dish that uses spaghetti squash as a nutritious alternative to pasta, combined with chicken, vegetables, and cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 225 calories per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving contains 22.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 10g of fat per serving.
How much fiber does this meal provide?
This meal provides 2.5g of fiber per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking the squash?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for the initial squash baking.
How long does the spaghetti squash need to bake?
The squash needs to bake for about 40 minutes or until it is tender when pierced with a fork.
What is the oven temperature for the final casserole baking step?
The oven temperature should be lowered to 350°F (175°C) for the casserole.
How do you prepare the spaghetti squash for baking?
Halve the squash lengthwise and remove the seeds before placing it cut-side down on a baking sheet.
How do you create the spaghetti-like strands from the squash?
After baking and cooling slightly, use a fork to shred the flesh into strands.
What size casserole dish is required for this recipe?
A 9x13-inch casserole dish is needed.
How much chicken breast is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cubed chicken breast.
How long should the chicken be cooked in the skillet?
Cook the cubed chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
What vegetables are sautéed with the chicken?
Diced green and red bell peppers, red onion, and chopped garlic are sautéed with the chicken.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the vegetables for an additional 3-5 minutes until they are tender.
What kind of canned tomatoes should be used?
One 14 1/2 ounce can of Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained, should be used.
What dried herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil.
How much salt is used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is used.
How much total cheese is needed for the recipe?
A total of 2 1/4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese is needed.
When is the first portion of cheese added?
Mix in 2 cups of shredded cheese after removing the skillet from heat and before transferring to the casserole dish.
When is the final 1/4 cup of cheese added?
The remaining 1/4 cup of cheese is sprinkled on top after the casserole has baked for 25 minutes.
How long does the casserole bake in total?
The casserole bakes for 25 minutes initially, plus an additional 5 minutes once the extra cheese is added.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, guilt-free, and healthy alternative to pasta.
Can this recipe be considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as an indulgent yet healthy meal.
What color onions are used in this dish?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of diced red onion.
What should I serve with this baked spaghetti squash?
It is recommended to pair it with a fresh salad and a crusty roll.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 1 chopped garlic clove.
What is the first step in the skillet after heating the oil?
The first step is to add the cubed chicken breast and cook until browned.