Cook up a warm, comforting dish with this Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Squash Casserole—a cozy, veggie-packed meal that brings together the creamy richness of cheddar, the tender bite of broccoli, and the subtle sweetness of spaghetti squash. It’s like broccoli cheddar soup, but baked into a filling, nutritious casserole perfect for feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Comfort Food Made Healthy: All the flavor of a cheesy casserole, packed with vegetables and protein.
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Great for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully and makes a large batch.
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Low-Carb Alternative: Spaghetti squash replaces pasta for a lighter, lower-carb option.
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Family Friendly: Kid-approved flavors and a creamy, cheesy texture everyone will love.
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Flexible Ingredients: Easily adaptable with or without meat, or made vegetarian.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 spaghetti squash (2 – 2.5 lb, cooked and shredded) – about 4 cups
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4 cups cooked chicken, diced or pulled rotisserie
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2 tbsp avocado oil
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½ large yellow onion, diced
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5 cups roughly chopped broccoli
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1½ cups cheddar cheese, divided
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2 tsp salt
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½ tsp pepper
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2 tsp garlic powder
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2 tsp onion powder
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2 eggs, whisked
Directions
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Prep the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Cook the Spaghetti Squash:
Cook the squash using your preferred method (oven-roasted or microwaved). Once cool enough to handle, shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands and measure out about 4 cups. -
Sauté Veggies:
Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté onions for 1 minute, then add broccoli and cook for 6–7 minutes. Add garlic for the final minute, then remove from heat. -
Mix the Casserole Base:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded squash, cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, Greek yogurt, 1 cup of cheddar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine. -
Add the Eggs:
Stir in the whisked eggs until everything is evenly coated. -
Bake:
Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish and top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the casserole is set and bubbling. -
Cool and Serve:
Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the casserole firm up for clean cuts.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10
Prep time: 60 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Variations
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Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken or replace it with white beans or sautéed mushrooms.
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Spicier Option: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and vegan cheese to keep the dish creamy and flavorful without dairy.
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More Veggies: Add in cauliflower rice, spinach, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
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No Eggs: Substitute with a flax egg or egg replacer to make it egg-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more veggies or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your cheese and yogurt labels to be sure.
How do I cook the spaghetti squash?
Slice in half, scoop out seeds, roast cut-side down at 400°F for 40–45 minutes, or microwave for 10–12 minutes until tender.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, thaw it first and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
What kind of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is easy and flavorful, but any cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat will work.
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, sour cream is a great substitute and will give a slightly richer flavor.
Is it possible to make this ahead?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two 9×13 pans or one very large casserole dish and adjust baking time as needed.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for variety.
Why are my ingredients watery?
Be sure to drain excess moisture from the squash and broccoli before mixing to prevent a soggy casserole.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Cheddar Spaghetti Squash Casserole is everything you want in a comforting, cheesy bake—but with a healthy twist. It’s hearty, loaded with protein and vegetables, and makes a satisfying meal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for something cozy and wholesome, this casserole delivers.
