Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhile preparing dinner one evening, I found myself in a delightful culinary face-off between health and comfort. Enter the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe—my go-to for a vibrant meal that feels indulgent without the heaviness. This dish harmoniously brings together juicy chicken and roasted spaghetti squash, replaced as a low-carb alternative to pasta, all enveloped in a bold, flavorful Tuscan sauce. It’s not only a health-conscious choice but a true crowd-pleaser that dazzles even the pickiest eaters. Imagine savoring that creamy texture minus the carbs—what’s not to love? Feel inspired to whip up this sumptuous plate that’ll satisfy all your cravings, while keeping it light and nutritious. Ready to dive into the process of creating this healthy Italian-inspired delight? Why Choose Tuscan Chicken for Dinner? Healthy Comfort: This dish delivers all the comfort of a traditional Italian meal without the guilt. Low-Carb Alternative: Spaghetti squash shines as a nutrient-dense, gluten-free substitute, satisfying your cravings for pasta. Rich Flavor: The Tuscan sauce, packed with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, elevates the dish with a burst of savory goodness. Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, it can be made in under an hour. Crowd-Pleasing: Enjoy by the family, it’s sure to please even those who are skeptical about healthy eating. Try it alongside my delicious Honey Pepper Chicken for a full flavor feast! Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Ingredients For the Chicken Chicken Breast – A lean protein choice that can easily be substituted with turkey breast for a lighter version. For the Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti Squash – The star of the dish, serving as a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pasta; roast it until it’s tender for the best experience. For the Tuscan Sauce Olive Oil – Enhances the flavors and keeps everything moist; using extra virgin creates a richer taste. Garlic – Adds an aromatic punch that elevates the dish’s flavor profile. Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These bring a concentrated sweetness and depth that defines Tuscan cuisine. Fresh Herbs (like basil and oregano) – Infuse the sauce with vibrant freshness; don’t skip them for full flavor. For the Topping Parmesan Cheese – Adds a creamy finish and umami touch; substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash recipe that tantalizes your taste buds while keeping it healthy! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe Step 1: Prepare Spaghetti Squash Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Drizzle both halves with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper for flavor. Place the squash, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the flesh is tender and easily shreds into spaghetti-like strands. Step 2: Cook Chicken In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate. Step 3: Make Tuscan Sauce In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and any fresh herbs you desire, stirring them into the oil. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table! Step 4: Combine Ingredients After the Tuscan sauce has developed its flavors, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, slicing it into strips for easier mixing. Add the roasted spaghetti squash strands to the pan, tossing everything together gently. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and everything is combined beautifully. Step 5: Serve with Garnishes Once everything is heated thoroughly, plate the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash generously. For an extra touch of flavor, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Serve hot, adding fresh herbs or extra sun-dried tomatoes for visual appeal and an additional pop of flavor! Make Ahead Options These Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash meal prep options make your busy weeknights so much easier! You can roast the spaghetti squash up to 24 hours in advance; just store the cooled strands in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent moisture loss. Additionally, you can cook the chicken and prepare the Tuscan sauce up to 3 days ahead. Store both in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the sauce retains its rich flavors. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply toss the chicken and spaghetti squash together in the skillet for a quick, delicious dinner that’s just as comforting as if you made it fresh! Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Variations Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity with these delightful twists that will enhance your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash dish! Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist that cooks in mere minutes, perfect for a quick gourmet meal. The sweet, tender shrimp pairs beautifully with the Tuscan sauce, making every bite a taste of the sea. Chickpea Option: For a plant-based alternative, swap the chicken for chickpeas. This adds protein and a nutty flavor, all while keeping it hearty and satisfying. You’ll love how the chickpeas soak up the rich sauce! Leafy Greens Boost: Add kale or spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and vibrant color. These greens not only enhance the meal’s health benefits but also complement the dish with their slight earthiness. They wilt down beautifully and marry with the flavors! Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to give your sauce a fresh twist. Each herb offers a unique flavor profile that can transform your dish into something new and exciting. Creamy Keto Alternative: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture. This adds a luxurious element that feels indulgent but remains low-carb! Spicy Kick: Spice it up by incorporating red pepper flakes or jalapeños into the Tuscan sauce. This will add a delightful heat that awakens the senses and elevates the overall experience. Nutty Flavor: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts sprinkled on top just before serving can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making each bite more tantalizing. These little gems will take your Tuscan dish to new levels of deliciousness! Cheesy Twist: If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding a blend of mozzarella for a gooey topping that complements the savory sauce. Just pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly! Dive into these variations to tailor your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash recipe to suit your tastes! And if you’re looking for another delicious home-cooked meal, try pairing it with my comforting Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches or enjoy a hearty BBQ Chicken Pizza for a flavor-packed weeknight dinner. Storage Tips for Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact while preventing spoilage. Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thawing: To enjoy later, thaw the frozen dish overnight in the fridge before reheating. This helps maintain texture and flavor. Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and flavorful. What to Serve with Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash? Enhance your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash experience with these delightful pairings that bring out the dish’s flavors and textures. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, enhancing the Tuscan vibe! Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette adds a light crunch and balances the hearty chicken and squash. Roasted Vegetables: Adding seasonal roasted veggies brings a touch of caramelization that complements the Tuscan sauce’s bold flavors. Caesar Salad: Creamy Caesar dressing with crisp romaine offers a classic pairing, making every bite a treat of textures and flavors. Grilled Asparagus: The gentle char and tender bite of asparagus provides a lovely contrast to the dish, elevating the meal. Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese harmonizes beautifully with the Tuscan flavors, enhancing the experience with each sip. Lemon Sorbet: Cleanse your palate with a refreshing lemon sorbet to end on a bright, zesty note after the savory main course. Parmesan Crisps: These crunchy, cheesy bites are excellent for snacking and pair perfectly as a side while enjoying your main dish. Expert Tips for Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Perfectly Roast Squash: Ensure you roast the spaghetti squash long enough until the flesh is fully tender; a crunchy texture can ruin the dish. Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F; this guarantees juicy, tender meat. Flavorful Seasoning: Since Tuscan sauces vary, taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly to enhance the overall flavor of your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash recipe. Garnish Smartly: Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish—don’t skip this for that extra touch of flavor and appeal! Mix Protein Options: Feel free to replace chicken with shrimp or chickpeas to cater to dietary preferences while keeping the dish delicious and nutritious. Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe FAQs What’s the best way to select a ripe spaghetti squash? Absolutely! When choosing a spaghetti squash, look for ones that are firm, with a smooth, even skin. There should be no dark spots or soft areas, and if it feels heavy for its size, that’s a good sign of ripeness. Aim for squashes that are a rich, golden-yellow color. How should I store leftover Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash? Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing; this helps preserve the freshness and flavor. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to enjoy it again without sacrificing texture. Can I freeze leftover Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash? Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then portion into containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results. What if my spaghetti squash is crunchy after roasting? If your spaghetti squash ends up crunchy, it means it wasn’t roasted long enough. Next time, ensure you roast it for 30-40 minutes, checking after 30 minutes. The flesh should be fork-tender and easily shreds into strands. Increase your roasting time if necessary! Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this dish? It’s a healthy choice! This recipe is inherently gluten-free and low-carb due to the spaghetti squash. If you’re serving anyone with a dairy allergy, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for that umami flavor without the dairy. Always check labels for allergens, especially with pre-made sauces. Can I replace the chicken with another protein? The more the merrier! You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or chickpeas based on your preferences. If you choose shrimp, cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. For chickpeas, you can toss in canned ones to the Tuscan sauce to warm them up just before serving. These FAQs for the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash recipe will help guide you in creating the perfect dish while answering common queries! Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe for Healthy Comfort This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe is a healthy comfort dish that combines juicy chicken with a flavorful Tuscan sauce over low-carb spaghetti squash. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 lb Chicken Breast Can substitute with turkey breastFor the Spaghetti Squash1 whole Spaghetti Squash Roast until tenderFor the Tuscan Sauce2 tbsp Olive Oil Extra virgin for richer taste2 cloves Garlic Minced1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes1 tbsp Fresh Herbs Basil and oregano recommendedFor the Topping1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with nutritional yeast for vegan option Equipment Ovenskilletbaking sheetParchment paperMeat Thermometer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut spaghetti squash in half, scoop out seeds, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30 to 40 minutes until tender.In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.Return the cooked chicken, sliced into strips, to the skillet. Add roasted spaghetti squash strands and gently toss everything together.Plate the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, and serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
