Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Craving comfort food but want to keep it light? This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is the answer! Tender chicken is smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach, all served over roasted spaghetti squash strands. It’s one of those healthy dinner recipes that tastes indulgent but fits perfectly into your clean eating goals. Plus, it’s low-carb and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

  • Low Carb Comfort: You get the feeling of a creamy pasta dish without the heavy carbs, making it perfect for healthy dinner recipes for weight losing. It’s satisfying without the sluggish feeling!
  • Flavor Bomb: Sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach give it that classic Tuscan flavor profile. Every bite is packed with rich, savory goodness.
  • One Veggie Bowl: The squash acts as the bowl itself, reducing cleanup! Serve it right in the roasted squash halves for a beautiful presentation.

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this incredible Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash:

  • Spaghetti Squash: A large squash cut in half lengthwise. This is your low-carb “pasta” base!
  • Chicken Breast: Cubed into bite-sized pieces and sautéed until golden. You can also use chicken thighs for extra flavor.
  • Creamy Sauce: Heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free), freshly grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chicken broth create the luscious sauce.
  • Veggie Add-ins: Fresh baby spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes are essential. They bring color, nutrition, and authentic Tuscan flavor.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash steps

Follow these easy steps to create your perfect Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash:

  1. Roast Squash: Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 40 minutes until tender. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
  2. Cook Chicken: Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pan-sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine: Add the cooked chicken back to the creamy sauce and toss to coat. Let everything warm through for 2 minutes.
  5. Serve: Fluff the spaghetti squash strands and divide them among plates or leave them in the squash shells. Spoon the creamy Tuscan chicken mixture generously over the top. Garnish with extra parmesan if desired!

Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Use these expert tips to make your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash restaurant-quality:

  • Don’t Overcook Squash: If you roast it too long, the strands turn to mush. You want them to be tender but still have a slight bite—think “al dente.”
  • Cut Squash Safely: Microwave the whole squash for 3 minutes to soften the tough skin before trying to cut it in half. This makes cutting so much easier and safer!
  • Drain Tomatoes: Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes well so the sauce isn’t greasy. Pat them dry with a paper towel if needed.

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Variations

Try these delicious twists on the classic Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash:

  • Dairy Free: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for delicious healthy dinner ideas that everyone can enjoy.
  • Shrimp: Swap chicken for large shrimp for a faster-cooking protein option. Shrimp only needs 3-4 minutes in the pan, making this one of the quickest healthy dinner meals!
  • Casserole Style: Mix the squash strands with the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly. Perfect for healthy dinner recipes for family gatherings!
  • Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the sauce for even more nutrition and texture.

What to Serve with Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash pairs beautifully with:

  • A Crisp Caesar Salad: The cool, crunchy romaine is the perfect contrast to the warm, creamy chicken.
  • Garlic Bread: If you aren’t doing low carb, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that incredible sauce!
  • Roasted Broccoli: Simple roasted broccoli with olive oil and lemon complements the rich flavors perfectly.
  • Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a light, refreshing element to the meal.
Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash FAQs

Is this keto?
Yes! Spaghetti squash is a great keto-friendly pasta alternative with only about 10g of net carbs per cup. This entire dish fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.

Can I prep the squash ahead?
Absolutely! Roast the squash up to 3 days in advance and store the strands in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works great! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water first, or your sauce will be watery.

Final Thoughts on Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash feels indulgent and creamy, but it leaves you feeling light and energized instead of weighed down. It’s a low-carb winner that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when you’re eating healthy. Whether you’re following healthy dinner recipes for weight losing or just want a nutritious meal that tastes amazing, this dish delivers every time.

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Juicy chicken in a creamy garlic Tuscan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, served over roasted spaghetti squash.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Tuscan
Calories: 465

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 1.5 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Method
 

  1. Roast spaghetti squash until tender.
  2. Season and cook chicken until golden.
  3. Sauté garlic, add broth and cream.
  4. Stir in cheese, spinach, and tomatoes.
  5. Serve chicken over squash strands.