Recipe
Spaghetti Squash & Chicken Au Gratin
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 1 hr
Serves: 8
Spaghetti squash is a low carb alternative to traditional spaghetti. When cooked till tender it shreds with a fork into spaghetti-like strands. This deliciously interesting casserole is layered similar to lasagna and the fresh herbs and feta cheese really kick it up a notch and contains only 270 calories per serving.
Contributed By: Developed for CFC by Nancy Guppy, RD, MHSc
Ingredients
6-8 cups (1.5 L)
spaghetti squash, cooked, separated into strands
2 tsp (10 mL)
olive oil
2
cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (250 mL)
onions, diced
1 lb (0.5 kg)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
3 cups (750 mL)
low-sodium mushroom & garlic pasta sauce
1/2 tsp (2.5 mL)
black pepper, freshly ground
2 cups (500 mL)
mozzarella cheese, part skim, 16.5% MF, shredded
1/2 cup (125 mL)
feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup (125 mL)
basil, fresh, sliced
2 tbsp (30 mL)
rosemary, fresh, minced
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 12 x 12 inch (30 x 30 cm) baking dish with non-stick vegetable spray.
2
Prepare the spaghetti squash by splitting in half lengthwise, removing seeds and discarding. Use a fork to pierce the outer skin in several places. Place squash, cut side down, on a baking dish and pour in ½ cup (125 mL) water. Bake for 45 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork and you can pull the flesh away into spaghetti-like strands. Alternately, follow the tips above and microwave on HIGH power for 15 minutes. Check for tenderness after 8 minutes. Turn and continue to microwave for 7 minutes or until tender.
3
Prepare the sauce while the squash is cooking. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until softened, about 4 minutes.
4
Cut chicken into ½ inch (1.25 cm) cubes. Add to pan and sauté further until cooked through.
5
Stir in pasta sauce and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
6
Mix shredded mozzarella and feta cheese. Slice the basil leaves and mince the rosemary. Mix with the two cheeses.
7
Spread half of spaghetti squash strands on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the chicken & sauce followed by half the grated cheese and herbs. Repeat layers.
8
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is lightly browned.