Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach is a delightful dish that combines the nutty flavor of spaghetti squash with tender chicken and vibrant spinach. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests at a gathering. The creamy garlic parmesan filling makes this dish stand out, providing comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Option: Low in carbs and packed with nutrients, this dish is a guilt-free delight.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, cooking becomes a breeze for any skill level.
• Flavorful Fusion: The combination of garlic, parmesan, chicken, and spinach creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Meal: Suitable for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
• Satisfying and Filling: A hearty main course that keeps you full without feeling heavy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to gather your tools. Having everything organized will make the cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Necessary for roasting the spaghetti squash evenly in the oven.
• Sharp knife: Ensures safety and efficiency when cutting through tough spaghetti squash.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing chicken, onions, garlic, and spinach to achieve perfect flavor.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Squash

• 2 medium spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Filling

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 8 ounces fresh spinach
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your spaghetti squash will cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

1. Cut each spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
2. Remove the seeds using a spoon.
3. Brush the cut sides with olive oil.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Bake the Squash

Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30–35 minutes or until tender.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

While the squash bakes:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Add cubed chicken pieces and cook until golden brown. Set aside once done.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet:
1. Add remaining butter and diced onion; cook until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toss in fresh spinach; cook until wilted.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer:
1. Stir in cream cheese, Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
2. Return cooked chicken to the skillet; mix well.
3. Add half of the chopped parsley; let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Squash Strands

Once baked:
1. Use a fork to scrape strands from within each half of the spaghetti squash.
2. Fold some of the creamy mixture into these strands.

Step 8: Fill Squash Halves

Fill each half of the spaghetti squash with the remaining chicken mixture:
1. Top generously with additional parmesan cheese.

Step 9: Final Bake

Return stuffed squash to the oven:
Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 10: Serve

Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving:
Garnish with remaining parsley for an added touch of freshness!

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach

Serving Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach can elevate your dining experience. Here are some thoughtful suggestions to enhance this delicious dish.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Combine fresh greens like arugula, spinach, and kale with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Caprese Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction for a classic Italian touch.

Complement with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a comforting addition to your meal.
• Herb Focaccia: This soft, flavorful bread pairs nicely and adds an Italian flair.

Add a Delicious Sauce

• Marinara Sauce: Drizzle marinara sauce over the top for added flavor and moisture.
• Creamy Alfredo Sauce: A light drizzle of creamy Alfredo can enhance the richness of the dish.

How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach is essential. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy when seasoning the chicken and squash; it enhances the overall taste.
• Bold cooking time: Ensure you bake the squash long enough until tender but not mushy.
• Bold texture variety: Mixing in different textures, like crispy breadcrumbs on top, can add an enjoyable crunch.
• Bold ingredient swaps: Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Bold freshness: Always use fresh ingredients like spinach and garlic for the best flavors.
• Bold preparation ahead of time: You can prepare the filling in advance for quick assembly at dinner time.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach

Choosing the right side dishes can complement your main course beautifully. Here are some great side options that pair well with Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings out their natural sweetness.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa mixed with herbs adds a nutritious grain option that balances the meal.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus offers a crisp texture that contrasts well with the creamy stuffed squash.
4. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that soaks up sauces beautifully while adding volume to your plate.
5. Grilled Zucchini: Zucchini slices grilled to perfection bring summer flavor year-round.
6. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: The tanginess of balsamic pairs wonderfully with the savory stuffing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Understanding these can help ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Using unripe spaghetti squash: An unripe squash can be tough and hard to cook. Always select squash that feels heavy for its size and has a firm skin.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Cook it just until golden brown, then set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
• Not seasoning adequately: Skipping seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with salt, pepper, and garlic powder throughout the recipe.
• Skipping the fork technique: Failing to scrape the squash properly can result in clumpy strands. Use a fork to create those spaghetti-like strands so they mix well with the filling.
• Ignoring rest time: Not letting the dish cool slightly before serving can make it too hot to enjoy. Allow it to rest for a few minutes for better flavor and safety.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Use within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, or even cooked sausage based on your preference.

How do I make Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor.

Can I prepare Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to baking, store it in the fridge, and bake just before serving.

What should I serve with Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach is not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins. This recipe makes for an enjoyable meal that everyone will love! Give it a try and impress your family or guests!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Spinach is a heavenly dish that beautifully marries the nutty taste of spaghetti squash with succulent chicken and fresh spinach. This recipe is not only a healthy low-carb option but also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The creamy garlic parmesan filling adds a rich layer of flavor, making each bite indulgent yet guilt-free. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking to impress guests, this recipe delivers satisfaction and comfort in every serving.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces fresh spinach
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the spaghetti squash in half, remove seeds, brush with olive oil, and season.
2. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook the cubed chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
4. Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet before adding fresh spinach until wilted.
5. Stir in chicken broth, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, thyme, and cooked chicken. Simmer for a few minutes.
6. Scrape strands from baked squash halves and mix with half of the filling. Fill each half with the remaining mixture and top with extra parmesan.
7. Return to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed half (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 110mg