Easy Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti Squash Recipe | 35 Minutes
I never thought I’d find myself choosing spaghetti squash over regular pasta, but this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash recipe completely changed my perspective. The first time I made this dish, I was skeptical about whether a vegetable could truly satisfy my pasta cravings. But after one bite of those tender squash strands coated in creamy, garlicky sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken, I was completely sold.
This recipe has become my go-to comfort food that doesn’t leave me feeling heavy or guilty afterward. The combination of tender chicken pieces, earthy spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cream sauce creates a symphony of flavors that rivals any traditional pasta dish I’ve ever made.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy
Why This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe Works
It’s Incredibly Nutritious Without Sacrificing Flavor
I love that this dish packs in vegetables without feeling like I’m eating a “diet” meal. The spaghetti squash provides fiber and nutrients while keeping the carb count low – only about 10 net carbs per generous serving. The spinach adds iron and vitamins, while the chicken delivers lean protein to keep you satisfied for hours.
Quick and Family-Friendly
Despite its restaurant-quality appearance, this recipe comes together in about 35 minutes from start to finish. I’ve served this to picky eaters who had no idea they were eating squash instead of pasta. The creamy, cheesy sauce is so rich and flavorful that it converts even the most dedicated pasta lovers.
Perfect for Meal Prep
I often make the spaghetti squash ahead of time during my weekend meal prep. It reheats beautifully, which means I can have this satisfying dinner ready in just 15 minutes on busy weeknights. Pro tip: Store the cooked squash strands separately from the sauce to prevent them from getting mushy.
Versatile and Customizable
This recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and preferences. It’s naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly as written, but you can easily add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. I’ve also made it with turkey instead of chicken when that’s what I had on hand.
What Makes This Tuscan-Style?
The “Tuscan” designation comes from the classic Italian flavor combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients create that distinctive rich, savory profile that’s characteristic of Tuscan cuisine. The heavy cream adds luxurious richness that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Detailed Recipe Instructions
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti squash | 1 medium | About 3-4 lbs, look for firm, unblemished skin |
| Boneless, skinless chicken | 1 pound | Cut into bite-size pieces |
| Salt | To taste | Kosher salt preferred |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground for best flavor |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Dried blend of herbs |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Unsalted, divided |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Fresh, minced |
| Shallot | 1 medium | Minced (about 2 tablespoons) |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 2 tablespoons | Packed in oil, drained, julienne cut |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Full-fat for best results |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/3 cup | Freshly grated preferred |
| Baby spinach | 3 ounces | Fresh, washed |
| Fresh parsley | Optional | For garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
I start by carefully piercing the whole spaghetti squash with a sharp knife in several places. This prevents it from exploding in the microwave – learned that lesson the hard way! Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily pierce it with a fork.
While the squash cools, I prepare my other ingredients. Once it’s cool enough to handle, I cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and use a fork to scrape out those beautiful pasta-like strands. Set these aside – they’re the star of our show!
Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I like to use my hands to really work the seasoning into the meat. In a large, deep skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that the butter sizzles but doesn’t brown.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer – don’t overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of getting that nice golden color. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and has developed some lovely golden-brown spots.
Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Don’t worry about cleaning the pan – those browned bits are pure flavor gold!
Build the Sauce
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and shallot. This is where the magic starts happening – the aroma is absolutely incredible. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they just start to soften and become fragrant.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. These little gems add such a concentrated burst of flavor that really makes the dish special. Pour in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle bubble – this takes about 1-2 minutes.
Bring It All Together
Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt it perfectly without making the sauce grainy. Add the fresh spinach and watch it wilt beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan, then gently fold in the spaghetti squash strands. I use tongs to toss everything together, making sure every strand gets coated in that luscious sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re using it – it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that balances the rich sauce perfectly.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Squash: It should be tender but still have a slight bite, just like al dente pasta
- Save Time: Cook the spaghetti squash up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator
- Cheese Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-grated
- Heat Control: Keep the heat moderate when adding the cream to prevent curdling
Storage, Variations, and FAQs
Storage and Reheating
I always make extra of this dish because the leftovers are fantastic. Store any leftover Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, then warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months, though the texture of the squash will be slightly different after thawing. I prefer to freeze the components separately – the sauce freezes beautifully, and you can always make fresh spaghetti squash when you’re ready to serve.
Delicious Variations
Protein Swaps: Turkey, shrimp, or even Italian sausage work wonderfully in place of chicken. For a vegetarian version, try using grilled portobello mushrooms or extra vegetables.
Vegetable Additions: I love adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms to this dish. Broccoli florets or asparagus also work well – just sauté them with the garlic and shallots.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for more heat.
Lighter Version: You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Greek yogurt stirred in at the end also adds creaminess with fewer calories.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 380
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g (net carbs: 10g)
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular pasta instead of spaghetti squash?
Absolutely! This sauce is delicious over angel hair pasta, linguine, or penne. Use about 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions. The cooking time will be about the same.
What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with cherry tomatoes (halved), regular diced tomatoes (drained), or even roasted red peppers. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still be tasty.
How do I know when the spaghetti squash is done?
The squash should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the strands should separate easily when scraped with a fork. If it’s still firm, microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Can I roast the spaghetti squash instead of microwaving it?
Definitely! Cut it in half lengthwise, remove seeds, drizzle with olive oil, and roast cut-side down at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until tender. This method takes longer but gives a slightly nuttier flavor.
This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash recipe has become one of my most-requested dishes. It proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti squash creates a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
