Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace from the Italian countryside, this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe is calling your name. It beautifully combines tender chicken with the delicate, noodle-like strands of spaghetti squash, all tossed in a decadent creamy sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The richness of Parmesan and the aromatic garlic and shallot create layers of flavor that make every bite unforgettable. Best of all, it’s a lighter twist on a comforting classic without sacrificing any of the indulgence you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, with a handful of fresh and pantry staples that work together in perfect harmony. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the hearty spaghetti squash providing a tender base to the chicken delivering satisfying protein, while the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan elevate the dish with bold flavor and creamy depth.

• 1 medium spaghetti squash: The star vegetable that shreds into noodle-like strands, offering a low-carb alternative to pasta.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect tenderness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of both chicken and squash.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds that signature Tuscan herb flavor.
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided: Used to sauté chicken and aromatics, adding richness and depth.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a bold and savory backbone to the creamy sauce.
• 1 shallot, minced: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity when softened in butter.
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil: Drained and julienned to infuse a tangy, slightly sweet taste.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For salty, nutty richness that enhances the cream sauce.
• 3 ounces baby spinach: Tossed in at the end to add color, freshness, and nutrition.
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Brightens and freshens up the dish before serving.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Step 1: Cook Spaghetti Squash

Start by piercing the spaghetti squash with a knife to allow steam to escape, then microwave it until tender—usually about 8 to 12 minutes depending on your microwave’s power. If you prefer, roasting in the oven works just as well and adds a slight caramelized flavor. Once cooked, let it cool enough to handle comfortably before moving on. This squash will be the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

While the squash is cooking, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and that Italian seasoning. Melt one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the chicken until it’s no longer pink and cooked just right—juicy and tender. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside; you’ll bring it back to the pan later to unite all flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter followed by the minced garlic and shallot. Cook them gently until fragrant and softened, which only takes a few minutes but transforms the dish’s aroma into something irresistible. Stir in your sun-dried tomatoes, letting their vibrant tang mingle with the buttery garlic base—they add a wonderful pop of color and flavor that is classic in Tuscan cooking.

Step 4: Make Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle bubble. Once bubbling, turn off the heat and quickly stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. The spinach wilts delicately from the residual heat, and the cheese melts to create a thick, velvety sauce destined to coat every strand of squash and morsel of chicken.

Step 5: Shred Squash

With the squash cooled, slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Then gently use a fork to shred the flesh—it will separate into beautiful thin strands resembling spaghetti. This fun step transforms the squash into a perfect pasta-like texture, ready to absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir the shredded spaghetti squash into the sauce until everything is well coated and blissfully combined. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if you like, for a dish that’s as gorgeous as it is satisfying.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches are what make meals truly special. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a lovely burst of green but also offers a subtle freshness that balances the richness of the cream sauce. You could also add a few shavings of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil for an elegant shine.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but if you want a little something extra, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements it beautifully by cutting through the creaminess. Roasted asparagus or garlic bread also make lovely companions, rounding out the meal with texture and flavor contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, consider serving the creamy chicken and spaghetti squash directly inside the hollowed-out spaghetti squash halves. It’s a rustic yet elegant way to showcase the dish and makes an eye-catching centerpiece for your table. Alternatively, layer it in shallow bowls topped with fresh herbs and a few toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce helps keep the chicken and squash tender and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Just cool completely, place in a suitable freezer container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. You can add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating and creamy perfection.

FAQs

Can I use other types of squash instead of spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash is unique for its stringy texture, but if you can’t find it, you could try zucchini noodles for a similar low-carb alternative. However, other squash varieties won’t have the same noodle-like strands, so the texture will change.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Since spaghetti squash replaces traditional pasta, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for anyone avoiding gluten without compromising flavor.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Yes, feel free to swap the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked and tender.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe is mild and comforting with no added heat, making it perfect for all palates. If you love spice, you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics.

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like home in every bite—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends with your culinary skills, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try and let it become a delicious new favorite in your kitchen collection!

Print