How to Make an Easy, Inexpensive Low-Carb Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole in the Air Fryer (Diabetic Friendly)
- Leigh
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
This main dish is easy on the cook, the budget, and the waist. It's also incredibly nutritious with lots of vegetables and lean protein. The base of the casserole is a mixture of spaghetti squash and cheeses that you air fry before topping with a simple sauce that features ground chicken and tomato sauce. As long as you cook the spaghetti squash in advance, you can pull the dish together and cook it in about 30 minutes. The casserole is good! It has all the usual Italian/pizza flavors and plenty of cheesy taste. If you're on a diabetic diet or want to "eat healthy," the dish is a great option. We like the casserole with a side salad and a slice of whole-grain bread on the side. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Low-Carb Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole (Diabetic Friendly) -- Serves 4
Base Layer
2 -2 1/2 cups of cooked spaghetti squash strands
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
1 large egg
2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
1/2 cup of shredded Italian blend cheese
Spritz an 8-inch square pan or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray (I use a disposable aluminum foil pan). In a large bowl mix the squash well with all the other ingredients listed above and spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan, pressing it down a bit with a spatula. Air fry the base layer at 385 degrees for about 15 minutes or until the layer is firm and just a bit brown. While the base layer is cooking, prepare the sauce below.
Sauce
1-2 teaspoons of canola oil
1/2 pound of ground chicken
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
8-ounce can of tomato sauce
In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken, salt, and chopped onion. Sprinkle on the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Saute the mixture for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Add the tomato sauce and cook the mixture for another few minutes.
Assembly and Top Layer
1 cup of shredded Italian blend cheese
1 tablespoon of grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
When the base layer is done, pour the sauce on top of the base layer and smooth the sauce out evenly. Sprinkle on the cheese evenly and return the casserole to the air fryer. Air fry the casserole at 360 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and as brown as you like it. Let the casserole stand a few minutes to firm up and cool a little before serving it.
