Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin Recipe

If you have been searching for a comforting yet healthy dish that bursts with flavor and creamy goodness, then your search ends here with this irresistible Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin. This dish takes the naturally tender and subtly sweet strands of spaghetti squash and transforms them into a rich, cheesy, and satisfying gratin that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Combining succulent chicken, caramelized onions, tangy Greek yogurt, and sharp cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers a delightful twist on classic au gratin that’s easy to prepare but impressively delicious. Whether you’re a longtime squash lover or new to this vegetable, the Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is going to become your new favorite comfort food must-make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin recipe plays a special role, making the dish both flavorful and well-balanced. From the mild sweetness of the squash to the creamy tang of Greek yogurt and the golden crust from the cheddar cheese, each component contributes to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.

• 1 medium spaghetti squash: This is the star ingredient, its flesh separating into spaghetti-like strands when cooked, creating a unique noodle substitute.
• 1 pound chicken breast: Adds hearty protein and a mild flavor, making the dish more filling and nutritious.
• 1 medium onion (diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and softness when caramelized, enhancing depth of flavor.
• 2 tbsp butter: Used to gently cook the onions, adding richness and a silky texture.
• 2 cloves garlic (grated): Offers a fragrant, savory undertone that lifts the entire dish.
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Brings creaminess and a touch of tang that balances the cheese beautifully.
• 1 1/3 cup cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it contributes both gooey texture inside and a golden crust when broiled.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential to enhance and harmonize all the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Spaghetti Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the medium spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon; this makes room for all that cheesy goodness later on. Lightly drizzle the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for basic flavor. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. This positioning allows the squash to steam as it roasts, softening the flesh perfectly to create those signature noodle-like strands.

Step 2: Prepare and Roast the Chicken

While the squash roasts, cut your chicken breast into four pieces for even cooking. Place these alongside the squash on the same baking sheet, seasoning them simply with salt and pepper. Baking them together for about 45 minutes ensures the chicken stays juicy while you focus on preparing the other components. The combined roasting step makes cleanup easier and syncs the flavors of the chicken and squash beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Onions and Garlic

While your squash and chicken bake, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become very soft and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness. Next, stir in the grated garlic cloves and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, so that their bright flavor infuses the onions without becoming overpowering. This soft mixture will layer a subtle richness and aroma into your Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin.

Step 4: Combine and Mix the Filling

When the squash is tender (a fork should pierce easily), use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands, creating the “spaghetti.” Dice the roasted chicken into small bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti squash strands, diced chicken, caramelized onions and garlic, Greek yogurt, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, plus salt and black pepper to taste. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures each bite is a creamy, cheesy delight with balanced seasoning.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil the Au Gratin

Spoon the mixture back into the empty spaghetti squash shells, creating cute, edible serving vessels. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, which will melt and turn beautifully golden under the broiler. Place the stuffed squash under the broiler for a few minutes—watch it closely—until the cheese is bubbly and perfectly browned, adding a lovely crust and extra cheesy appeal to your Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin.

How to Serve Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Garnishes

Finish your Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a fresh brightness that contrasts the creamy richness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a few cracked red pepper flakes can also bring a gentle warmth and an inviting look to the dish, inviting everyone to dive right in.

Side Dishes

This gratin pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp side salads like arugula or mixed greens dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, roasted or steamed green vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add great color and texture contrast. You can also serve some warm crusty bread for those who want to soak up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate the presentation by serving individual portions in the spaghetti squash shells, making each plate look rustic and charming. For a more casual gathering, serve it in a deep baking dish and let guests scoop out their servings. You can even stuff smaller yellow squash or zucchini halves with the mixture for a fun veggie twist on the classic Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, you can freeze the Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin. Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to retain the dish’s creamy consistency and melt any firmed-up cheese back to gooey perfection. Microwave reheating works too for convenience, but watch carefully to avoid drying out the squash and chicken.

FAQs

Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?

Absolutely! Sour cream is a perfect substitute for Greek yogurt in this Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin recipe, offering similar creaminess and tang, though with a slightly richer flavor.

Is spaghetti squash good for low-carb diets?

Yes, spaghetti squash is an excellent low-carb, nutrient-rich vegetable that adds volume and texture to meals without the carbs and calories of pasta, making it ideal for low-carb and gluten-free diets.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding other protein sources like cooked lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.

What cheese works best for au gratin dishes?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice because it melts well and adds a sharp, tangy flavor. You can also mix in Gruyere or Parmesan for a more complex flavor profile.

How do I tell when the spaghetti squash is fully cooked?

The best test is to pierce the flesh with a fork; it should be tender and separate easily into strands without resistance. Typically, it takes around 40 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s the perfect melding of wholesome veggies, tender chicken, tangy yogurt, and melted cheese that will delight your taste buds and become a beloved staple at your table. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try, whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Once you do, I’m sure it will hold a special place in your recipe box just like it does in mine.

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