The Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Squash Recipe You Need to Try
Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s become an absolute staple in my life. What do you think of chicken spaghetti squash? I know spaghetti squash can be a bit…blah. But trust me on this one! What is a good, watery, flavorless spaghetti squash dish? Think of this as creamy, comforting chicken alfredo, but lightened up with the goodness of spaghetti. What is the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out? Is it that good? What is the best recipe for chicken spaghetti squash?
What is chicken spaghetti squash?
Alright, let’s break it down. Chicken Spaghetti Squash is a healthy and delicious take on classic comfort food. It’s essentially roasted spaghetti squash, where the flesh is pulled apart with a fork to resemble spaghetti. What is the best way to serve spaghetti with shredded chicken? What is a healthier alternative to spaghetti? This recipe uses a creamy sauce (but we skip the heavy cream, making it even better! ) and tender chicken for a really satisfying meal. What is the best way to enjoy spaghetti squash?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why I absolutely adore this Chicken Spaghetti Squash recipe, and I think you will too. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible! The creamy sauce, combined with the savory chicken and slightly sweet spaghetti squash, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. I always add a little squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten it all up – it’s a game-changer! What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s mostly hands-off cooking while the squash roasts. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Spaghetti squash is usually pretty affordable, and you can use leftover cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken to save even more time and money. This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the vegetables, spices, and even the protein to your liking. Add some spinach for extra greens, or swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage. It’s also super family-friendly! Even my pickiest eaters enjoy this dish because it’s so comforting and flavorful. I swear, this one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a quick, healthy, and delicious meal on the table.
How can I make chicken spaghetti squash?
Quick Overview
What are some of the easiest ways to make chicken spaghetti squash? First, you’ll roast spaghetti squash until it’s tender and easily shredded. While the squash is roasting, you’ll whip up a creamy, flavorful sauce on the stovetop. What is the best way to shred a chicken? ), combine everything together, and bake it all together until bubbly and heated through. Is it really that simple? The best part is that it’s mostly hands-off, which means you can get other things done while you’re at it. What is my favourite meal of all time?
Ingredients Notes
For the Spaghetti Squash:
One large spaghetti squash: Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a hard, smooth skin. A few blemishes are okay, but avoid ones with soft spots or cracks.
Olive oil: For roasting and sautéing. You can use avocado oil as well.
Salt and pepper: To season the squash and the sauce. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
What is the recipe for chicken and sauce?
Cooked chicken: About 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. I often use leftover chicken from dinner the night before or grab a rotisserie chicken.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce. I prefer unsalted so I can control the amount of salt in the dish.
Onion and garlic: These are the aromatic base of the sauce. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic for the best flavor.
All-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce. You can use a gluten-free all purpose blend as well.
Chicken broth: The base of the sauce. I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
I prefer whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but you can use 2% or even almond milk if you prefer. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Cream cheese: Adds a tanginess and creaminess to the sauce. Make sure it’s softened before adding it to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: For a cheesy, savory flavor. Grate it fresh for the best results.
Italian seasoning: Adds a delicious blend of herbs to the sauce. What are some good substitutes for dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary?
Lemon juice: To brighten up the sauce. This is optional, but I highly recommend it!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. How do you prevent squash from sticking? What is spaghetti squash? Cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. I always drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Place the squash cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to pierce the skin of the squash with a fork if you are using it for cooking. This will help steam escape. How do I prevent it from exploding in the oven? How did you learn that the hard way?
Step 2: Roast the Squash
How long should spaghetti squash be roasted? How long will it take to cook a squash? I always check it around the 45-minute mark. If it’s still firm, continue roasting for another 15 minutes or so. Once the squash is tender, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the squash is roasting, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. What is the best way to cook minced garlic? Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. How do you thicken a sauce?
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is thick. has thickened slightly. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is thick. Is it smooth and creamy? Season with salt and pepper. Where can I customize the flavor of a product?
Step 5: Shred the Squash
Once the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the flesh. What are spaghetti-like I like to start at one end and work my way to the other. Be careful not to burn yourself! Discard the skin.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the shredded spaghetti squash and cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine, making sure the squash and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. If you’re using any additional vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, add them at this point as a side dish. I love spinach! It’s a good source of protein. I have to add it to my diet.
Step 7: Bake (Optional)
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, pour the mixture into the greased bowl. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. This step is optional, but it really helps to meld the flavors together and create a comforting, delicious, and unique taste. What is a casserole If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and serve it straight from the skillet. Isn’t it delicious?
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Remove the chicken spaghetti squash from the oven and let it cool before serving. I like to garnish it with fresh parsley or lemon juice for a pop of color.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What is your favorite dish and why?
What should I serve it with?
What is a complete meal on its own? What is a good side dish? What are some of my favorite pairings?
For a light lunch:A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the vinaigrette helps to balance the richness of chicken spaghetti squash.
What are some hearty dinners? Garlic bread or crusty rolls. Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
What is a good cozy snack? Roasted vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. They add a healthy dose of nutrients and fiber to the meal.
For Entertaining: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The bright acidity and citrusy notes of these wines pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and savory chicken.
My family loves when I serve this with a side of garlic bread. It’s the perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Here are some of my top tips for making the perfect Chicken Spaghetti Squash, based on years of trial and error (and lots of delicious meals!):
Spaghetti Squash Prep: Don’t be afraid to experiment with roasting the spaghetti squash whole! Just pierce it several times with a fork and roast it for a longer period of time (about 1.5-2 hours). This method is easier than cutting it in half, but it does take longer. Moisture is the enemy. Make sure to pat the spaghetti squash dry with paper towels after shredding it. This will help prevent the dish from being watery.
Chicken Cooking Advice: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken before cooking it. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs will do wonders! Try and avoid overcooking the chicken or it can be dry. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin before shredding it.
Sauce Variations: Customize the sauce to your liking! Add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Want a richer sauce? Use heavy cream instead of milk. Just be aware that this will add more calories and fat to the dish.
Ingredient Swaps: Swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or tofu. You can also use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or provolone. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Dried thyme, rosemary, or sage would also be delicious in this dish.
Baking Tips: If you’re baking the dish, keep an eye on it to make sure the top doesn’t get too brown. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. You can even broil it at the end for a minute or two to get the top nice and bubbly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Chicken Spaghetti Squash to maintain its deliciousness:
Room Temperature: Do not leave the dish at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Chicken Spaghetti Squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from the fridge. I prefer using glass containers, but plastic works too. You can separate it into individual portions for easy lunches!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Chicken Spaghetti Squash. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. I like to use freezer bags and lay them flat to freeze, which saves space in the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was frozen.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the Chicken Spaghetti Squash in the refrigerator overnight. Then, you can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. In the microwave, heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. In the oven, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. On the stovetop, heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Chicken Spaghetti Squash recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite in your house too! It’s the perfect way to enjoy a healthier take on a comfort food classic, and it’s so easy to customize to your liking. I really hope you try it out and let me know what you think! And if you’re looking for more delicious and healthy recipes, be sure to check out some of my other posts. Happy cooking, friends! Let me know in the comments if you tried my The Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Squash Recipe You Need to Try !
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The Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti Squash Recipe You Need to Try
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash about 3-4 pounds
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush the inside with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes or until tender.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape out the strands. Mix the squash with the chicken and marinara mixture, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
