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Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a creamy, flavorful one-skillet dinner.Cook seasoned chicken with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, Parmesan, and spinach.Toss with tender spaghetti squash strands and serve warm.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 2 tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and julienned
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 ounces baby spinach
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Carefully pierce the spaghetti squash several times with a sharp knife. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 8–12 minutes, turning if necessary, until tender enough to pierce easily. Set aside to cool.
  • While the squash cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden in places and completely cooked through. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
  • Add the minced garlic and shallot. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant without allowing the garlic to burn.
  • Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Let the cream gently simmer for 1–2 minutes until hot and beginning to thicken. Avoid a vigorous boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low or remove the skillet briefly from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Add the baby spinach and stir until just wilted.
  • Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss until thoroughly coated in the Tuscan cream sauce.
  • Once the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, carefully cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds.
  • Run a fork through the squash flesh to separate it into spaghetti-like strands.
  • Add the squash strands to the skillet and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Warm the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash over low heat for another minute if necessary.
  • Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired, and serve warm

Notes

For a lighter creamy Tuscan chicken, part of the heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half, although the finished sauce will be thinner.
If you prefer not to microwave the squash, cut it in half, remove the seeds, and roast it cut-side down at 400°F (204°C) until tender.
Fresh basil makes another flavorful garnish and pairs especially well with the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.