Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that bursts with flavor yet keeps things light and fresh, this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, silky cream sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and the natural, delicate strands of spaghetti squash, it delivers a hearty, comforting meal without weighing you down. Plus, it’s stunning on the plate and wonderfully satisfying, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple yet fantastic ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors, while also bringing vibrant color and satisfying textures to the dish.

• 1 medium spaghetti squash: The star veggie here, offering a low-carb, tender, noodle-like base for the sauce and chicken.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken (cut into bite size pieces): Provides lean protein that soaks up all the Tuscan-bright flavors beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances every ingredient, a must-have for balanced seasoning.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that wakes up the palate.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean notes.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Delivers richness and helps develop a silky sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings bold aromatic depth to the creamy base.
• 1 shallot (minced): Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, julienne cut): Concentrated tomato flavor that’s tangy and slightly sweet.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that ties everything together.
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish that enriches the sauce.
• 3 ounces baby spinach: A fresh green element that wilts into the sauce, enhancing both nutrition and color.
• Fresh parsley (optional, garnish): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Spaghetti Squash

Start by piercing the spaghetti squash several times with a knife in the center to allow steam to escape during cooking. Placing it on a microwave-safe plate, cook on high for about 8 to 12 minutes until it becomes tender. This quick method softens the squash perfectly, saving you time without sacrificing texture. Let it cool slightly before moving on to the next steps.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the squash is cooling, generously season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté for about 7 minutes until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. The Italian seasoning really perfumes the chicken, making each bite deliciously savory.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside, tented with foil to stay warm. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same pan along with minced garlic and shallot. Sauté slowly for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they begin to soften and release their aromas. Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, infusing the butter with their rich, tangy flavor.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine Everything

Pour in the heavy cream and let it heat until bubbly, which usually takes 1 or 2 minutes. Then turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. The heat from the sauce wilts the spinach gently, while the Parmesan melts in to create a silky texture. Return the cooked chicken and any juices that have gathered on the plate back into the pan, stirring everything until well combined.

Step 5: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash Noodles and Toss

Once cooled enough to handle, slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and use a fork to scrape out the strands. These natural “noodles” are then folded into the rich cream sauce and chicken mixture until they are evenly coated — that’s where the magic happens. Each strand clings to the sauce, soaking up those Tuscan flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the finished dish adds a pop of green and a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the richness of the cream sauce beautifully. A little extra Parmesan grated on top can also enhance that inviting aroma and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables. Consider serving it alongside garlic-roasted asparagus or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the creamy base with some brightness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the spaghetti squash half-shells filled with the creamy chicken mixture right from the baking dish for a rustic, elegant presentation. You can also plate portions in shallow bowls with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a few torn basil leaves for extra color and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully when it rests, making the next-day meal just as delicious as fresh.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce and spaghetti squash can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the squash if possible. Place them in airtight freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce feels too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered loosely, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of spaghetti squash?

Absolutely! While spaghetti squash keeps this recipe lighter, regular pasta like linguine or fettuccine would work beautifully if you prefer a more traditional noodle base.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour as a lower-fat alternative, but the sauce will be less rich and thick.

How do I know when the spaghetti squash is cooked?

The squash should feel tender when pierced with a fork or knife and the strands should come apart easily with a fork after cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese option or nutritional yeast to maintain flavor and creaminess.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, broth, or water to keep the sauce moist. Avoid high heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to dishes for a delicious, comforting meal that doesn’t feel heavy. It combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with rich, creamy flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and nourishing. I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with people you love!

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