Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese

This recipe is straight from my daughter’s love of seafood pasta dishes. Even if you are not a low-carb or gluten-free gal, it’s fun to just try new dishes and ways of eating! If I can get a few more veggies into my diet it is a win!

Not a fan of shrimp? No problem, you can easily omit or substitute for another protein. You can even just serve as a side dish with some of your favorite grilled dinners.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cooked spaghetti squash (One LRG or Two SMALL)

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and devined

• 4 pieces of bacon

• 1 shallot fine diced

• 4 garlic cloves

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/4 cup rice flour

• 4 cups shredded cheese combo (cheddar, fontina, jack etc)

• 1 cup broth

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp pepper

Putting together:

STEP ONE: is to make the squash. Here is a quick REEL from Instagram showing the instant pot version.

STEP TWO: Pre-heat a skillet to medium. Add chopped bacon, cook till close to cooked. About 5-8 minutes.

STEP THREE: Add butter, shallots, and garlic to the bacon mixture. Cook for 3-5 minutes till onions are transparent and butter is completely melted.

STEP FOUR: Sprinkle flour over pan and whisk till completely combined. Cook for 2 minutes to make sure the flour is cooked. You might need to turn the heat down to Low/Medium. You don’t want to hot as it will curdle the milk and cheese. Keep whisking!

STEP FIVE: Begin pouring in the milk and whisk. Add broth and whisk. It will be thick but continue to whisk. If super thick you can add more broth or milk to get a gravy-type consistency. Also, add the salt and pepper at this point as well. Lots of whisking!

STEP SIX: Time for the CHEESE. Mix it in and stir till all combined then add to a 9x13 baking dish. Place in a 350 oven for 20 minutes.

LAST STEP: After twenty minutes take out the dish and add the uncooked, peeled shrimp to the top of the dish. Just lay right on top. Put back in the oven for additional 10 ish minutes. When the dish is bubbling on all sides and begins to look golden, shrimp is pink it is done. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes. SERVE!