Slow-Cooked Basil Pesto and Mozzarella Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients

- 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini), diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup green chile sauce
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon.

2. Mix Stuffing Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the white beans, mixed vegetables, 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup basil pesto. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix until evenly combined.

3. Fill the Squash:
Stuff each half of the squash with the prepared filling, packing it in gently.

4. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Pour the vegetable broth and green chile sauce into the bottom of the Crock Pot. This will help steam and infuse flavor into the squash.

5. Place Squash in Crock Pot:
Carefully place each stuffed squash half into the Crock Pot, ensuring they are stable and the filling is facing upwards.

6. Cook on Low:
Set the Crock Pot to low and cook for approximately PT6H (6 hours) or until the squash is tender and easily pulled into strands with a fork.

7. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the squash halves from the Crock Pot. Top each with the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Cover for about 5 minutes to let the cheese melt from the residual heat.

8. Garnish and Serve:
Top the prepared squash with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy as a standalone dish or alongside a simple salad.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT20M
20 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT6H
6 hours

Total Time

- PT6H20M
6 hours and 20 minutes

Type of Dish

- Dinner

Keywords

- Slow cooker
- Crock Pot
- Spaghetti squash
- Basil pesto
- Family dinner
- Stuffed squash
- Vegetarian
- Comfort food
- Mozzarella
- Gluten-free

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- Total Calories: 1200

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