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Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a creamy skillet dinner made with tender chicken, garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan.
Cook the chicken, prepare the creamy Tuscan sauce, then toss it with tender spaghetti squash strands.
Ready in about 35 minutes, this easy gluten-free dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired, American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and julienne cut
  • 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 knife, making sure the knife reaches toward the center. Place the squash on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 8–12 minutes, or until tender. Allow it to cool while preparing the chicken.
  • Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
  • Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely tent with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and shallot and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and beginning to soften.
  • Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot and gently bubbling.
  • Turn off the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
  • Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet and stir to combine.
  • Once the squash is cool enough to handle, cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds, then use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
  • Add the spaghetti squash strands to the skillet and gently toss until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is best served warm.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and a suitable dairy-free cream and Parmesan alternative.
You can also replace the spaghetti squash with zucchini noodles or another vegetable noodle if preferred.
Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli for a complete dinner.