Cheesy Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe

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🧀 Cheesy Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe

đź“ť Introduction

Cheesy Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Boats are a mouthwatering, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes. They’re filled with a hearty blend of spaghetti squash strands, sautĂ©ed vegetables, shredded chicken, cheese, and herbs. Baked to golden perfection, these boats are both satisfying and wholesome. They’re perfect for meal preps, family dinners, or anyone craving comfort food without the guilt.

🍽️ Ingredients

For the Squash:

  • 2 medium spaghetti squash
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Sauce:

  • 1 cup ricotta or cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For Topping:

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (to drizzle)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions & Methods

🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Slice each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Brush the insides with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Place face-down on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast for 35–45 minutes, until tender.
  5. Let cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape and fluff the inside strands (leave them in the shell).

🍳 Step 2: Cook the Filling

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add garlic and bell peppers, cook for another 2–3 minutes.
  4. Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, and shredded chicken.
  5. Add chili flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook for 3–4 minutes until everything is soft and combined. Set aside.

🧀 Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Sauce

  1. In a large bowl, mix ricotta (or cream cheese), sour cream (or yogurt), mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh herbs until smooth.

🥄 Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked filling and fluffed spaghetti squash strands to the cheesy sauce mixture.
  2. Mix everything well until evenly coated and creamy.

🍽️ Step 5: Stuff & Bake

  1. Spoon the cheesy filling mixture back into the squash shells.
  2. Top each half with additional shredded mozzarella.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

đź“ś History

Spaghetti squash became popular in the 1980s and 1990s as a healthy, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta. It’s native to Asia but has spread globally thanks to its unique texture, mild flavor, and the growing demand for low-carb diets. This modern variation, stuffed with cheesy fillings, brings together comfort food vibes and health-conscious eating.

🌱 Benefits

  • Low in calories & carbs: Ideal for weight management and keto diets.
  • Rich in vitamins A, C, and B6: Supports immune function and energy.
  • High fiber: Aids digestion and promotes satiety.
  • Protein-packed: Thanks to the chicken, cheese, and Greek yogurt.
  • Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free and grain-free.

🏗️ Formation

  • The structure is simple: roasted squash halves act as edible “boats.”
  • The squash strands mimic spaghetti noodles.
  • A rich filling combines vegetables, protein, and cheesy sauce.
  • Finished with a golden, bubbly topping from baking.

🧡 Lovers of This Dish

  • Fitness lovers appreciate the low-carb and high-protein content.
  • Vegetarians (just skip the chicken!) love the hearty, cheesy satisfaction.
  • Busy parents enjoy how it’s a fun, wholesome, and complete meal in one.
  • Cheese lovers adore its gooey, rich, indulgent flavors.

🍽️ Nutrition (Per Half Boat – Approximate)

  • Calories: 320–400 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Vitamin C: 35% DV
  • Calcium: 30% DV

(Nutrition may vary depending on ingredient substitutions)

âś… Conclusion

Cheesy Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Boats are more than just a healthy meal—they’re a celebration of texture, taste, and nourishment. They’re ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a cheesy, pasta-like meal without the guilt. Customizable, satisfying, and packed with nutrients, they’re a hit with the whole family.

❤️ Lovers Again

  • Kids who hate veggies—won’t even notice them in the cheesy goodness.
  • Meal-prep fans—these boats store and reheat beautifully.
  • Cheese fanatics—this is your ultimate veggie comfort fix.

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