Are you craving a mind-blowing dinner that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy? Get ready to transform your weeknight meals with this game-changing Chicken Sausage Enchilada Spaghetti Squash! This recipe is not just another boring diet dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the comfort of Mexican-inspired enchiladas with the light, nutritious magic of spaghetti squash. Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of savory, cheesy goodness that's packed with protein and low in carbs – this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 2 chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Carefully cut the spaghetti squash lengthwise using a sharp knife, ensuring even halves.
- Scoop out the seeds from the squash halves using a spoon. Drizzle the interior with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the flesh is tender and easily separates into spaghetti-like strands.
- While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced chicken sausages to the skillet and cook until they're lightly browned and heated through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork to gently scrape the flesh, creating spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the strands to the skillet with sausages.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the squash and sausage mixture, stirring gently to combine and coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Squash Selection: Choose a firm, heavy spaghetti squash with a deep yellow color for the best texture and flavor.
- Knife Safety: When cutting the squash, stabilize it with a kitchen towel to prevent slipping and ensure a clean, even cut.
- Roasting Hack: For extra flavor, try rubbing the squash interior with garlic powder or your favorite Mexican-inspired spice blend before roasting.
- Cheese Melting Trick: For perfectly melted cheese, use a lid or briefly broil the skillet for that irresistible golden, bubbly top.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can roast the spaghetti squash and prepare the sausage mixture in advance, making this a quick weeknight dinner option.
- Customization: Feel free to swap chicken sausage with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.
- Garnish Galore: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 458kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
