Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin
A creamy and cheesy dish made with spaghetti squash and broccoli, providing a low-carb comfort food option that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash Cut in half and seeds scooped out.
- 1 cup broccoli florets Steamed until bright green.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For the cheese sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For added flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with milk or non-dairy alternative.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For flavoring the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika For seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For brushing the spaghetti squash.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Brush the inside with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until tender.
Cooking the Broccoli
- While the squash is baking, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat over medium flame until warm, but do not boil.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, let it cool slightly.
- Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the squash to create strands.
- In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti squash strands, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce.
- Mix until everything is well combined.
Final Baking
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with additional cheese if desired, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin warm!
Notes
Customize this dish by adding protein like cooked shredded chicken or crumbled sausage, swapping out broccoli for other vegetables, or spicing up the cheese sauce with hot sauce.