Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This recipe is not only low carb and gluten-free but also creamy and full of flavor. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich sauce over spaghetti squash for a healthy twist on traditional pasta.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Spaghetti Squash
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
• Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Squash
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Step 4: Combine Ingredients
• Step 5: Serve with Spaghetti Squash
• How to Serve Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
• Pair with a Fresh Salad
• Add Some Bread
• Garnish for Extra Flavor
• Enhance with Wine
• How to Perfect Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
• Best Side Dishes for Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
• Reheating Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What Can I Serve With Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash?
• How Do I Know When Spaghetti Squash Is Done Cooking?
• Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
• Is Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Healthy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory sauce that elevates the dish.
• Healthy Alternative: Using spaghetti squash instead of pasta makes this meal lighter while still being satisfying.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this dish ready in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party.
• Gluten-Free Option: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or looking to reduce carbs.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the essential tools needed for this recipe. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large deep skillet
• Microwave-safe plate
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Large deep skillet: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing ample space for the sauce ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for easily piercing the spaghetti squash and chopping ingredients.
• Fork: Perfect for scraping out the strands of spaghetti squash once it’s cooked.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Squash

• 1 medium spaghetti squash

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken (cut into bite-size pieces)
• salt
• pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 shallot (minced)
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, julienne cut)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 3 ounces baby spinach
• fresh parsley (optional, garnish)

How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Squash

1. Carefully pierce the spaghetti squash into the center with a knife several times.
2. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for 8-12 minutes or until tender.
3. Let cool while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer pink in the center, about 7 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and place it on a plate tented with aluminum foil to keep warm.
2. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter along with minced garlic and shallot.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and cook an additional minute.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a hot bubbly state in about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Turn off heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until well combined.
2. Add back the chicken along with any juices that accumulated on the plate.

Step 5: Serve with Spaghetti Squash

1. Once cooled down enough to handle, cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
2. Remove seeds and scrape out strands using a fork.
3. Stir these strands into your creamy sauce until thoroughly coated.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash! This dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: A simple salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette complements the creaminess of the dish.
• Caesar Salad: The crunch of romaine and the tangy dressing contrast beautifully with the rich flavors.

Add Some Bread

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread makes an excellent side to soak up any leftover sauce.
• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of crusty baguette for a delightful crunch that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Garnish for Extra Flavor

• Parmesan Crumbles: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added richness.
• Crushed Red Pepper: For those who enjoy a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Enhance with Wine

• Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
• Pinot Grigio: A light, crisp option that balances the dish’s richness perfectly.

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How to Perfect Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

To achieve the best results when making Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and shallots enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure chicken pieces are cooked through to avoid any health risks; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
• Let Cream Sauce Simmer: Allowing the cream sauce to simmer helps blend all flavors together for a richer taste.
• Don’t Overcook Spinach: Add spinach at the end of cooking; it wilts quickly and retains its vibrant color and nutrients.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to try other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for different flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Complement your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash with delicious side dishes that bring out its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a savory depth that enhances your meal.
3. Zucchini Noodles: For an extra dose of veggies, zucchini noodles make a great low-carb alternative alongside spaghetti squash.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing side that contrasts nicely with the dish’s creaminess.
5. Crispy Asparagus: Roasting asparagus until crispy adds texture and balances out the richness of Tuscan chicken.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs offers protein and fiber while complementing flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash, it’s easy to make a few errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using Unripe Spaghetti Squash – Selecting a spaghetti squash that is too firm or unripe can result in a bland dish. Always choose a squash that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform color.

• Overcooking Chicken – Cooking chicken for too long can lead to dryness. Aim for the chicken to be just cooked through, about 7 minutes, so it remains juicy.

• Neglecting Seasoning – Forgetting to season your chicken and sauce can make the dish taste flat. Don’t skip on salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; they enhance the overall flavor.

• Not Resting the Squash – Cutting into the spaghetti squash immediately after cooking can cause it to be tough. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

• Skipping the Fresh Spinach – Omitting spinach removes a burst of color and nutrition. Incorporate fresh spinach for added flavor and health benefits.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

• To freeze, portion the dish in freezer-safe containers.
• The meal can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

• Microwave – Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes) on medium power until warm, stirring occasionally.

• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash:

What Can I Serve With Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash?

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How Do I Know When Spaghetti Squash Is Done Cooking?

Spaghetti squash is tender when pierced with a fork. It should easily yield strands when scraped with a fork after cooking.

Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Healthy?

Yes! This dish is low carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein from chicken, making it a healthy choice.

Final Thoughts

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is an appealing dish that combines creamy flavors with healthy ingredients. It’s versatile, allowing for various customization options like adding more veggies or adjusting spices. Try this recipe today for a comforting meal!