Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a flavor packed, low-carb casserole recipe that even squash haters will devour!
We all know kids are famous for turning up their noses at healthy foods, but what about 60-something year old Dads?
A couple weeks ago my parents came over to babysit while my husband and I jetted out for a bit. While we were getting ready to leave, I mentioned there was Chicken Bacon Ranch Spaghetti Squash Casserole in the fridge to reheat for dinner, to which my Dad replied,
“UGH, SQUASH.”
Nice!
Anyway, I said, “It’s got bacon and ranch in it. Also you are not 10 years old. Eat the dang squash.” So he did. And guess what? He LOVED it!
As I was getting my shoes on in the mudroom I overheard him telling my Mom, “boy, I’m not kidding you, this is REALLY good.”
MUWAHAHAHAHA!
My point? Even if you think you don’t like spaghetti squash, give this healthy yet decadent-tasting, fall inspired casserole a try!
Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Spaghetti squash is roasted, shredded, then combined with cooked chicken, bacon, sauted spinach, eggs, and ranch dressing to create a super filling and cozy casserole that’s perfect for chilly nights.
It bears repeating that even my Dad, The Squash Hater, gave it two thumbs up.
This casserole recipe is made with fridge and pantry staples, is make ahead, and the leftovers are fabulous. Plus it’s a great way to get your family to eat spaghetti squash and spinach – there’s a whole 5oz clamshell of baby spinach in here!
Add a little bit of bacon and ranch dressing, and everyone’s happy. ;)
How to Roast Spaghetti Squash
Start by roasting a spaghetti squash. To save time, I recommend you do this a day or even a few days ahead of time. Slice 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash (about 2-1/2lbs) in half then scrape out the seeds and place cut-side-down on a silpat or foil-lined half sheet pan. Roast at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash shreds when you run a fork down the center.
You can also roast the spaghetti squash as rings, and then shred!
Be careful not to over bake, otherwise the squash can become mushy. Better to err on the side of al dente vs overdone as it will continue to bake inside the casserole. Once the squash has cooled slightly, shred the insides with a fork then add to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, add chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Once browned, scoop the bacon onto a plate then remove all but 2 Tablespoons bacon grease from the skillet.
Turn the heat up to medium-high then add chopped chicken breasts and chopped shallot or onion. Season with homemade seasoned salt and pepper then saute until cooked through.
Add minced garlic and baby spinach that’s been roughly chopped then saute until the spinach has wilted, about 1 minute.
Add the chicken and spinach mixture to the bowl with the spaghetti squash, along with half the cooked bacon, ranch dressing, whisked eggs, and more seasoned salt and pepper then stir to combine.
I love using my Homemade Ranch Dressing, or Marzetti Simply Ranch Dressing in this recipe!
Pour the mixture into an 8×8″ baking dish (or similar sized baking dish) then top with the remaining bacon and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the center has set and the sides are browned.
Let the casserole sit for 15 minutes or so before scooping out and plating. I hope you love this healthy, fall-ready casserole! Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash, ~2-1/2lbs
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 chicken breasts, ~1lb, cut into bite-sized pieces
- homemade seasoned salt and pepper, see notes
- 1 shallot or 1/2 onion, chopped
- 5 oz baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 scant cup prepared ranch dressing
- 3 eggs, whisked
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees then line a half sheet pan with a silat, parchment paper, or nonstick sprayed foil. Slice spaghetti squash in half using a large, sharp knife then scrape out the seeds with a spoon and place cut side down on the prepared sheet pan. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash shreds relatively easily with a fork (don’t overcook or the squash will become mushy.) Set aside to cool then turn heat down to 350 degrees. Once spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, shred squash with a fork then add to a large bowl. Can be done a day ahead of time.
- Meanwhile, add chopped bacon to a large, 12” skillet then place over medium heat. Saute until bacon has browned then transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
- Remove all but 2 Tablespoons bacon grease from skillet then turn heat up to medium-high. Add chicken and shallots or onion, season with seasoned salt and pepper, then saute until the chicken is cooked through. Add spinach and garlic then saute until spinach has wilted, 1 minute. Scrape mixture into the bowl with the spaghetti squash.
- Add ranch, eggs, and half the cooked bacon to the bowl, plus additional seasoned salt and pepper, then mix well to combine. Pour mixture into an 8x8” baking dish then top with remaining bacon. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes or until the center has completely set and sides are golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can also roast spaghetti squash in rings vs squash halves.
- Click here for my Homemade Seasoned Salt recipe.
- Adapted from Paleomg.com
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
YUMMMMMM!!
Can I reheat leftovers tomorrow??
Making this tonight with spicy Chipotle ranch and I’m adding some cheddar cheese to the dish! Can’t wait to try it!!
We really didn’t enjoy the spinach in this at all, despite loving spinach. It almost had a seaweed flavor that was very unpleasant. Will leave out next time.
I made this, substituting on hand ingredients, which for me meant acorn squash, and green peppers, onions and mushrooms instead of spinach….still super awesome!
This is really good. My hubby was so distracted by the spaghetti squash , the spinach, which he hates cooked, went completely unnoticed. It was a big hit on this first day of 2018!
Tried this for the first time this summer, and loved it so much, I went on a spaghetti squash-buying binge, picking up a couple every week or so at the local produce stand. This is SO good… it feels decadent, and yet is pretty low-cal, and healthy-ish. While it’s not *as* good frozen, I have frozen individual servings for lunches later in the week with moderate success. It’s a ‘bit’ watery, but doesn’t slow down the devouring. ;)
Any suggestions for swapping out the ranch dressing for some other dressing, I really am not a fan of it?
Another hot dish win! (Sorry, take the girl out of Minnesota…)
My anti-hot dish husband LOVED this one! (He also really loves your turkey sausage/rice/veggie one). I loved how easy it was to roast the squash and throw everything together. This was a great new way to use spaghetti squash, and will be on rotation through the fall. Keep the hot dish recipes coming! :D
AWESOME!! My husband isn’t crazy about hot dish either and he scarfed this meal down too. This dish defies all odds! ?
This was excellent. I used turkey bacon. However, the Hidden Valley Ranch, with bacon, more than made up for the bacon flavor. Thanks for the recipe!
Yum – great idea, Michelle. Thanks for your review!
I made this recipe for my husband and I and it quickly went to the top of our favourites list. It was delicious!
That is music to my ears, Elaine – thanks for your feedback!
WOW! This was so delicious. I prepped it over the weekend, popped it in the oven last night and it was perfect. Thank you for sharing. I love all your recipes!
Yah!!! So glad you loved it, Deirdre! Thanks for the great feedback!
This was delicious. I made it last night for my parents. My mom and I loved it. Very moist. I used a yogurt ranch from sprouts. Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed, Natalie! :)
Hi! I’m new to squash and was wondering what to do with the roasted squash if I wait to make the casserole. Do I cover it and refrigerate it? Do I shred it and put it in a bowl in the fridge? Any help is appreciated, I love all your recipes and can’t wait to try this one!
Great question, Sarah! Roast then shred when the squash is cool enough to handle, then you can just store the shreds in a pyrex or gladware container. Let me know if any other questions at all!