Chicken–Spaghetti Squash Casserole
 
 
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large spaghetti squash, halved and seeded
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 slices center-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
  • 1½ cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 4 cups cubed cornbread, divided
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°.
  2. Drizzle oil onto cut sides of squash; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Place squash cut side down in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
  3. Bake until tender, about 35 minutes. Let squash cool, cut side up, enough to handle. Wipe skillet clean. Reduce oven temperature to 350°.
  4. Using a fork, scrape squash into strands, and place in a large fine-mesh sieve. Let squash drain while preparing filling.
  5. In same skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon using a slotted spoon, and let drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet.
  6. Add flour and garlic to drippings; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook, whisking frequently, until thickened, about5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with chiles, 1 cup Cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
  7. Stir in chicken, cherry tomatoes, three-fourths of green onion, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt until combined. Gently stir in 3 cups cornbread and spaghetti squash. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cornbread, remaining ½ cup Cheddar, and bacon.
  8. Bake until heated through and top is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Top with remaining green onion. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe by Southern Cast Iron at https://southerncastiron.com/chicken-spaghetti-squash-casserole/