Looking for a comforting, healthy meal that’s both easy to make and delicious? The Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is just what you need! This vibrant dish combines tender chicken with the unique texture of spaghetti squash, all immersed in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special gathering, you’ll find that this recipe not only pleases the eye but also satisfies your palate.
Why We Love This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe
This recipe is a hit for several reasons. First, it brings the rich flavors of Tuscany into your home kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes is simply irresistible. Second, spaghetti squash serves as a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, making this dish a favorite among health-conscious eaters. Additionally, it’s packed with nutrients from spinach and the essential goodness of homemade cooking. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Ingredients about Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking, and prepare yourself for a delightful culinary experience!
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and julienned
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 ounces baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe Directions
Creating the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to whip up this delightful dish.
- Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: Start by piercing the spaghetti squash with a knife. Place it in the microwave for 8-12 minutes until it is tender. Alternatively, you can roast it in the oven for a more traditional method. Once done, let it cool down enough for you to handle.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the seasoned chicken. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. After it’s fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, minced garlic, and minced shallot. Sauté them until they are softened and fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the julienned sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spinach: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Then, add the baby spinach and mix until it wilts.
- Combine with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, mixing it well with the creamy sauce.
- Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: Cut the cooled spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
- Combine Everything: Finally, add the spaghetti squash noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the squash is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash!
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Serving your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a breeze. You can dish it up in individual bowls or serve it family-style straight from the skillet. If you’re entertaining, consider offering some extra garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat. Pairing it with a simple side salad can enhance the meal without overwhelming your guests. This dish works wonderfully for lunch or dinner, and you can even enjoy the leftovers for a quick meal throughout the week.
Expert Tips: Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe
To ensure your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Choose the Right Spaghetti Squash: Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size with a firm skin to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the chicken to cook fully before removing it from the skillet. Undercooking can lead to rubbery texture.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute with a lighter option such as almond milk or half-and-half.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time up to the baking stage. Store in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Proper storage is important when it comes to leftovers. Store your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to freeze leftovers, ensure they are cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers. This will keep the flavors intact and allow you to enjoy this dish over the next few weeks. When reheating, make sure to use medium heat on a stovetop or microwave to keep everything deliciously creamy.
Variation of Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe
There are several variations you can try with this versatile recipe.
- Add More Veggies: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Sauté them alongside the garlic and shallots for a delicious combination.
- Different Protein Options: If you’re not a fan of chicken, shrimp or even a mix of your favorite proteins can work beautifully in this dish.
- Gluten-Free Twist: For those who need to avoid gluten, simply remove the Parmesan cheese or use a gluten-free alternative for a fabulous flavor.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan twist, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can also mimic that cheesy flavor without dairy.
FAQ
What is Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash?
Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a flavorful dish that combines sautéed chicken with spaghetti squash in a creamy sauce, enriched with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
How healthy is Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash?
This recipe is a healthy meal option as it uses spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta, providing lower carbs and higher fiber content. The inclusion of spinach also tends to boost its nutritional value.
Can I use regular pasta instead of spaghetti squash?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti squash with your favorite pasta if you prefer. However, keep in mind it will alter the dish’s nutritional profile.
How can I make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash spicier?
To add heat to your dish, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian seasoning when preparing the chicken.
Can I make the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it gently before serving for the best taste.
Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and julienned
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 ounces baby spinach
- to taste Fresh parsley, for garnish optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Pierce the spaghetti squash with a knife and microwave it for 8-12 minutes until tender. Alternatively, roast it in the oven. Let it cool slightly.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, garlic, and shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it thicken slightly for a couple of minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add spinach and mix until wilted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine with the sauce.
Final Touch
- Cut the cooled spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
- Add the spaghetti squash noodles to the skillet and toss everything until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!