Tuscan Chicken with Spaghetti Squash Recipe

If you’re anything like me and crave a meal that’s hearty but still feels light and fresh, this Tuscan Chicken with Spaghetti Squash Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s packed with rich flavors, creamy sauce, and that wonderful texture from the spaghetti squash that makes it feel indulgent without the heaviness of pasta. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s so fan-freaking-tastic and totally worth adding to your weekly rotation.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and light spaghetti squash makes this dish perfectly balanced. Each ingredient has a purpose, from adding flavor depth to keeping it healthy and fresh. When shopping, look for a spaghetti squash that feels heavy for its size to ensure it’s juicy and sweet inside.

• Spaghetti Squash: The star carb alternative, it roasts or cooks quickly and serves as a great “pasta” base.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken: Easy to cut into bite-size pieces and quick-cooking, perfect for creamy dishes.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herb notes without needing a dozen separate spices.
• Butter: Adds richness to the chicken and sauce, enhancing all the flavors.
• Garlic & Shallot: These aromatics build the foundation of the sauce’s savory profile.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with tangy sweetness, they give the sauce a unique, slightly chewy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious sauce that coats everything beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Baby Spinach: For a bright, fresh contrast and added nutrients.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness when serving.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Tuscan Chicken with Spaghetti Squash Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes in the summer or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a bit more heat. You can really tailor it to fit your cravings or dietary preferences.

• Variation: I’ve made this with grilled chicken instead of pan-fried for a smoky twist that my family loved.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
• Greens Swap: Kale or Swiss chard work wonderfully if baby spinach isn’t on hand.
• Protein Switch: Shrimp or turkey cubes are also fantastic alternatives.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tuscan Chicken with Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Squash Quickly and Safely

I start by carefully piercing the spaghetti squash several times with a knife—this is key to avoid any microwave mishaps. Then, place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high for about 8-12 minutes until you can easily poke it with a fork. The microwave method is my favorite shortcut; it keeps things fast without drying out the squash. Let it cool while you prep the chicken so you don’t have to wait later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the squash is cooking, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let it cook without constant stirring so it develops a nice golden sear—about 7 minutes should do it. Once cooked through, remove it and tent with foil to keep warm. This step locks in juiciness, which is crucial for the tenderness of the final dish.

Step 3: Build Depth with Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Next, I toss the remaining butter into the pan with minced garlic and shallot, cooking just until fragrant and softened—no more than 1-2 minutes. Add in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them warm through. This layer is what creates that signature Tuscan flavor, so don’t rush it! I always taste here to balance the garlic and tomato sweetness before moving on.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and let the mixture heat until it becomes hot and bubbly—usually 1-2 minutes. Then, off the heat, I stir in grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. The cheese melts in to thicken the sauce nicely, while the spinach wilts perfectly in the residual heat—no overcooking here!

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

After the squash has cooled enough to handle, I slice it lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and use a fork to gently scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. These strands go straight into the pan with the creamy sauce and chicken, which I stir together until everything is evenly coated in that luscious sauce. At this point, the kitchen smells incredible—I always get excited to sit down and dig in!

Before serving, I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for that fresh herbal punch and a pretty pop of green.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken with Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it brightens the entire plate and adds a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce. Some freshly cracked black pepper or a little lemon zest also works wonders to lift the flavors if you want a zing.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is fairly rich and filling, I usually pair it with a light green salad—arugula with a lemon vinaigrette is a personal favorite. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also complement it perfectly, adding freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes serve the Tuscan chicken atop delicate parmesan crisps or inside mini hollowed squash boats for a lovely presentation that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy. It’s a hit every time and makes the meal feel extra special without extra stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they last well for up to 3-5 days. The creamy sauce thickens as it chills, so when you reheat, you might want to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up.

Freezing

While I don’t freeze this dish often because I prefer it fresh, it does freeze fine. I recommend freezing before adding the spinach and cheese, then stirring those in after thawing and reheating to keep the spinach bright and the cheese fresh.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little liquid if needed. This keeps the sauce creamy and helps avoid overheating, which can toughen the chicken or dry out the squash strands.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken with Spaghetti Squash Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how it manages to be comforting and indulgent while still giving me that fresh, wholesome vibe. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s straightforward, full of flavor, and a little different from your usual weeknight meals, I can’t recommend this one enough. Go ahead—give it a try and watch it become a family favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!

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