Chicken and Spinach Spaghetti Squash (Print)
Tender chicken, spinach, and roasted spaghetti squash in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with garlic and nutmeg.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Spaghetti Squash
01 - 1 large spaghetti squash (about 3 lbs)
02 - 2 teaspoons olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Chicken
05 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
→ For the Alfredo Sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Vegetables and Add-ins
16 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach
17 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
18 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on the baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, until tender.
03 - While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
05 - Add baby spinach to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat.
06 - When the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the strands into a large bowl. Add the squash strands to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The rich Parmesan sauce coats every strand like a warm hug without the heavy pasta coma that follows regular Alfredo
- You get all the comfort food satisfaction while secretly eating something that's practically a vegetable
02 -
- Cutting raw spaghetti squash is tricky, so microwave it for 3-4 minutes first to soften the rind slightly
- Letting the squash cool for 10 minutes makes scraping those strands so much easier and prevents burned fingers
03 -
- Reserve a splash of pasta water if you're serving this over actual pasta for guests who aren't watching carbs
- The sauce thickens as it sits, so thin it with a splash of cream or chicken broth when reheating