Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a delightful dish that beautifully combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce and the unique texture of spaghetti squash. This recipe is not only delicious but also hearty and satisfying, making it a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. The burst of flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, paired with the richness of cream and cheese, will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Why We Love This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe
This dish is a perfect blend of taste and health. Spaghetti squash serves as a wonderful low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, allowing you to enjoy the comforts of a creamy chicken dish without the extra calories. The seasonings and ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Moreover, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t take too much time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Ingredients about Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and julienned
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 ounces baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Directions
Start this delicious journey by preparing your spaghetti squash. You have two methods here: you can pierce it with a knife and microwave it for 8-12 minutes until tender, or if you prefer roasting, place it in the oven until soft. Once it’s ready, let it cool so it’s easier to handle.
Next, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl. Make sure to coat it evenly for the best flavor. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink. Once cooked, set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in minced garlic and shallot, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen at this point.
Now, for a burst of flavor, add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir them into the mix, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavor. The next step is to create a luscious cream sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer, thickening slightly as it cooks.
Once you’ve reached that lovely creamy texture, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Next, add the baby spinach, stirring gently until it wilts down into the sauce.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, making sure to mix everything together well so that the chicken is fully coated with that creamy sauce.
Now it’s time for the spaghetti squash to shine. Carefully cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands, a fun and satisfying step! Add these strands into the skillet, tossing them with the chicken and creamy mixture until everything is well combined.
Finally, serve your Tuscan chicken and spaghetti squash hot, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. This adds not just a pop of color but enhances the flavors overall!
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
Serving Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is as easy as it is enjoyable. You can plate it individually or serve it family-style, letting everyone dig in. The bright colors of the dish, especially with the green spinach and fresh parsley, make it visually appealing.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some garlic bread for those looking to indulge a bit. You can also consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, depending on your preference. Have fun with the plating! A nice rim of the plate wiped clean with a cloth can elevate even the simplest meal, making it feel more special.
Additionally, consider presenting your dish in a rustic style with wooden cutting boards or in a large, shallow bowl to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Expert Tips: Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
- Choose the Right Squash: When selecting your spaghetti squash, pick one that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform color. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes.
- Perfect Chicken Cooking: Make sure not to overcrowd the chicken in the skillet. Doing so can lead to steaming rather than browning, which could result in a lack of flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If your cream sauce thickens too much, you can loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or water while whisking.
- Spinach Variance: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard.
- Season to Taste: Adjust seasonings after you’ve combined all the ingredients, as the flavor may change once everything heats together. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or even Italian seasoning as desired.
How to Store Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
Storing leftover Tuscan chicken and spaghetti squash is simple. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave with a splash of extra cream or broth to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet on the stove over medium heat, stirring gently to ensure even warming.
Be aware that the spaghetti squash may continue to absorb the sauce as it sits in the fridge. This could change its texture slightly but won’t affect the flavor.
Variation of Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
While the classic Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash recipe is fantastic on its own, feel free to mix it up!
- Add Veggies: Consider incorporating other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. These can add texture and nutrition while enhancing the dish’s colors and flavors.
- Switch Up the Protein: If you want a different protein, swap out chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based alternative like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies to the garlic sauté, giving the dish an exciting kick.
- Cheese Love: Experiment with different cheeses. While Parmesan is delicious, consider trying goat cheese or feta for a unique flavor twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor profile by throwing in fresh herbs like basil or thyme, bringing a new aroma to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash?
Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a flavorful dish combining chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with spaghetti squash, offering a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
How do I prepare spaghetti squash?
You can pierce the squash and microwave it for a quick cook or roast it in the oven until tender. Once cooked, you scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
Can I make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I use instead of heavy cream in this recipe?
While heavy cream adds richness, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, like coconut milk, although this may change the overall taste.
How do I make this recipe for a larger crowd?
Simply multiply the ingredients according to your desired serving size, and ensure you have a sufficiently large skillet or use multiple pans to cook everything evenly.
Creating this warm, inviting Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash dish offers not only a delight for the palate but also an experience in cooking that can be enjoyed by everyone who dines with you. Happy cooking!
Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot shallot, minced
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and julienned
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 ounces baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pierce the spaghetti squash with a knife and microwave it for 8-12 minutes until tender, or roast it in the oven until soft. Let it cool.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl, ensuring even coating.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and no longer pink. Set aside.
Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic and shallot for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
- Pour in the heavy cream, allow it to simmer and thicken slightly.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly. Add the baby spinach and stir until it wilts.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything well to coat in the creamy sauce.
Mixing and Serving
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
- Add the spaghetti strands into the skillet with the chicken and creamy mixture, tossing until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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