Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a creamy, flavorful low-carb dish featuring tender chicken cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, combined with the delicate strands of spaghetti squash for a hearty and wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot (minced)
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (julienne cut)
- 3 ounces baby spinach
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken (cut into bite-size pieces)
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste (used on chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare Spaghetti Squash: Pierce the spaghetti squash several times with a fork or knife. Microwave on high for 8-12 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Allow it to cool before handling.
- Cook Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, and minced shallot to the same skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the julienned sun-dried tomatoes followed by the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for another 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spinach: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts and incorporates fully into the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Spaghetti Squash: Carefully cut the cooled spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out and discard the seeds. Use a fork to scrape the strands from the flesh of the squash. Combine the strands with the creamy chicken sauce in the skillet, mixing well to coat evenly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the microwave method for roasting the spaghetti squash in the oven at 400°F for 40-50 minutes if preferred.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially since Parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley as garnish enhances the Tuscan flavor profile.
Keywords: Tuscan Chicken, Spaghetti Squash, Creamy Chicken, Low Carb Dinner, Italian Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Meal
