Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash

Prep: 45 min. Bake: 20 min.

Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients:

1 medium spaghetti squash (4 pounds)

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 tablespoons prepared pesto

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 cup dry whole wheat panko bread crumbs

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided

1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms

1 medium onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

• Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 14-16 minutes or until tender.

• Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the tomatoes, pesto, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Cover and process until blended; set aside. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese; set aside

• In a large skillet, cook chicken in 1 tablespoon oil until no longer pink; remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, saute mushrooms and onion in remaining oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, chicken and reserved tomato mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

• When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. In a large ovenproof skillet, layer with half of the squash, chicken mixture and reserved crumb mixture. Repeat layers.

• Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 5-6 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Nutritional Facts 1-1/2 cups equals 348 calories, 14 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 63 mg cholesterol, 493 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 27 g protein.

This is an awesome recipe that I found from my friend, fellow coach Andrea! It is a great dinner that has complex carbs that will not sit in your belly all night and turn into fat!! It's fuel for your body!!!