Description
Mediterranean-inspired spaghetti squash boats deliver a delightful blend of Mediterranean herbs and melted cheese. Wholesome ingredients create a satisfying meal with rich flavors that make you crave another forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium spaghetti squash
- 16 ounces (454 grams) spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 10 ounces (283 grams) broccoli florets (about 4 or 5 cups)
- 6 ounces (170 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
Cooking Fats and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick roasting.
- Slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise using a sharp knife, carefully separating the two halves and removing the inner seeds with a spoon.
- Soften the squash by microwaving for 5-10 minutes, which will make cutting and roasting easier and reduce overall cooking time.
- Brush the squash halves with extra virgin olive oil, then generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
- Place the squash cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the flesh becomes tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the squash roasts, prepare the broccoli by blanching in rapidly boiling water for 4 minutes, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until it turns golden brown and develops a rich, crispy texture.
- Combine the blanched broccoli with the cooked sausage, mixing gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Remove the roasted squash from the oven and carefully flip the halves cut-side up, then generously fill each half with the sausage and broccoli mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filled squash boats, ensuring even coverage for maximum melting potential.
- Return the squash boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely, becomes bubbly, and develops a golden-brown color.
Notes
- Meal prep wizards love this recipe for its simplicity and make-ahead potential.
- Squash halves transform into edible boats that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Broccoli brings a vibrant green crunch and nutritional punch to this hearty dish.
- Sausage adds rich, savory protein that perfectly complements the mild squash base.
- Melted cheese creates a golden, irresistible topping that takes this meal from good to phenomenal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg