Spaghetti Squash Nests with Vodka Sauce, Broccoli & Chicken Meatballs

These Spaghetti Squash Nests with Vodka Sauce, Broccoli & Chicken Meatballs are as cute as they are delicious. Protein-rich chicken meatballs, roasted broccoli and vodka sauce that’s been kicked up with a little heat from crushed red pepper sit in “nests” made of tender spaghetti squash. Bright, herby pesto is drizzled over the squash and broccoli, providing a whole other layer of flavor, while a dollop of mild ricotta cheese and a sprinkling of fresh basil add the finishing touch. Keep reading for our expert tips, including how to ensure the spaghetti squash is cooked to tender perfection. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• Roasting the broccoli with the squash is a great way to speed up the cooking process and reduce the number of dishes at the same time.
• Frozen meatballs and jarred sauce save a lot of time, but add sodium, so we don’t include additional salt in this recipe.
• Choose a spaghetti squash that has a golden yellow hue, firm skin and is heavier than it looks.

Nutrition Notes

• Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash. It offers plenty of nutrition, including antioxidants and fiber. This means it can help reduce inflammation and disease risk and keep things moving through your gut.
• Part of the Brassicaceae family of cruciferous veggies, broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. It adds antioxidants as well as vitamins C and K, folate and fiber. Regularly eating broccoli may reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease, strengthen your immune system and bones, and even support the health of your skin. 
• Vodka sauce is a kicked-up version of marinara. It typically contains tomato paste, canned tomatoes, garlic, onion and cream. And, of course, vodka. Tomatoes are loaded with vitamins C and A, as well as the antioxidant lycopene, and have been linked to reduced inflammation, heart disease and cancer. As with broccoli, regularly eating tomatoes may also protect your skin.
• Chicken meatballs are made with ground chicken. Depending on the brand, they may be made with the thighs, breasts or a combination. Chicken meatballs typically contain less fat than meatballs made with beef or pork. Chicken is a great source of protein and micronutrients like selenium, B vitamins and choline—all essential nutrients for overall good health.