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Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Squash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews

This Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Squash recipe is a comforting and nutritious dish featuring roasted spaghetti squash strands smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, combined with tender steamed broccoli florets. Finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top, this meal delivers a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy flavors and fresh vegetables. It’s a delightful low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes, ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash and Vegetables

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2 1/2 lb.)
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
  • 6 oz broccoli, cut into 1″ florets (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1 tbsp plus 1/4 cup water, divided

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1 cup)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Squash: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Rub the inside of each squash half with the neutral oil and season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast Squash: Roast the squash for 35 to 45 minutes until it is tender and browned. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to handle.
  3. Steam Broccoli: While the squash roasts, place broccoli florets in a medium heatproof bowl. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and add 1 tablespoon water to the bottom of the bowl. Cover and microwave for 1 minute. Stir and continue microwaving in 30-second increments until the broccoli is bright green and fork-tender, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute longer. Let the broccoli cool slightly after microwaving.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce Base: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped onion and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes tender and sweet, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Create Roux and Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring continuously until a bubbling paste forms on the bottom of the skillet, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and the remaining 1/4 cup water. Increase the heat to medium-high, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in 3 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  6. Prepare Spaghetti Squash Strands: Using two forks, carefully shred the roasted spaghetti squash strands from the shells. Measure out 3 cups of the strands and add them to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Reserve any remaining squash for another use. Add the steamed broccoli florets to the skillet and gently toss to coat everything evenly with the cheesy sauce.
  7. Stuff and Top Squash: Return the cheesy spaghetti squash and broccoli mixture back into the original squash shells. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ounce of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Broil to Finish: Set the oven broiler on high and place the stuffed squash halves under the broiler. Watch closely and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly blistered. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a lower-fat version, use a reduced-fat cheese and milk.
  • You can substitute other vegetables like cauliflower or kale if desired.
  • Microwaving broccoli is a quick steaming alternative to stovetop steaming and helps retain color and nutrients.
  • Leftover cheesy spaghetti squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust the salt in the cheese sauce according to the saltiness of your cheddar cheese.

Keywords: spaghetti squash, broccoli cheddar, cheesy spaghetti squash, roasted spaghetti squash, vegetable casserole, vegetarian dinner, low carb pasta alternative

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/cheesy-broccoli-cheddar-spaghetti-squash-recipe/