Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is pure comfort served with a little bit of flair! Imagine tender chicken bites mingling with velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce, golden ribbons of roasted squash, and a serious pop of color from spinach. Every forkful captures the sunny spirit of Tuscany, yet it’s light enough to leave you feeling satisfied but not sluggish. This is one of those dishes that wins hearts in just one bite, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels incredibly special or a dinner party centerpiece that needs zero fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to create a restaurant-worthy Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash at home. Every ingredient plays its role—bringing color, rich flavor, and hearty textures that make this dish unforgettable. Don’t be shy about bold ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan; they’re the secret behind that irresistible depth!

• Spaghetti squash: The squash transforms into magical, pasta-like strands and serves as a light, gluten-free base for the sauce.
• Boneless, skinless chicken: Firm, bite-sized pieces soak up all the delicious Tuscan flavors while providing hearty protein.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing each layer of flavor in the dish.
• Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that gives the dish that classic, aromatic Tuscan profile.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce, as well as a golden sear for the chicken.
• Garlic: A must for any Italian-inspired dish, bringing earthy depth and fragrance.
• Shallot: Slightly sweet and milder than onion, shallot beautifully rounds out the savory notes.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil): These are sweet, tangy, and absolutely packed with umami punch. Be sure to drain and julienne for the best texture.
• Heavy cream: The backbone of that luscious sauce—don’t skimp here!
• Parmesan cheese (grated): For salty, nutty undertones that perfectly tie everything together.
• Baby spinach: Bright green leaves that gently wilt into the sauce and add freshness.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top brings vibrant color and a light herbal finish.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Step 1: Prep the Spaghetti Squash

Start by carefully piercing your spaghetti squash with a knife all over, then microwave it on high for 8 to 12 minutes—just until it’s tender to the touch. This trick not only softens the squash but also makes slicing and seeding it a breeze! Let it cool while you move on to the chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Giving them a good mix here ensures every piece is well coated, so each bite is infused with savory flavor and that Italian countryside aroma.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large, deep skillet set over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken and let it cook until it’s beautifully golden and no longer pink—about 7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps you get that coveted, flavorful sear.

Step 4: Set Chicken Aside

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely tent it with aluminum foil. Resting it keeps those juices in and prevents overcooking while you work on the sauce.

Step 5: Sauté Garlic and Shallot

Add the rest of the butter into your pan, then tip in the minced garlic and shallot. Cook gently for just a minute or two, allowing the aromatics to soften but not brown—this is the foundation of your creamy sauce!

Step 6: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them fry for another minute. Their oil infuses even more flavor into your aromatic base, deepening the earthy, tangy taste.

Step 7: Cream Time!

Pour in the heavy cream and simmer until it’s hot and just beginning to bubble. This is when everything starts to smell absolutely dreamy, as the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.

Step 8: Finish Sauce with Cheese and Spinach

Switch off the heat and stir in all the Parmesan cheese along with handfuls of baby spinach. The cheese melts into silkiness while the spinach softens just enough to stay vibrant. Gently return the chicken and any juices to the skillet so everything bathes in sauce.

Step 9: Shred the Squash

Once your squash is cool enough to handle, slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, then rake a fork through the flesh to create long, pasta-like strands—kids and adults both love this magical step!

Step 10: Combine and Coat

Fold the squash strands into the creamy chicken sauce, stirring until each golden noodle is perfectly coated. It’s like the best of pasta night, reinvented!

Step 11: Garnish and Enjoy

Pile your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash onto plates or into a large serving bowl and shower with fresh parsley for a final burst of color and freshness. Dive in while it’s bubbling and hot!

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds extra color and a bright, herbal note that’s the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. For even more flair, try a light dusting of extra grated Parmesan or a few extra sun-dried tomato strips scattered on top. If you’re feeling festive, a drizzle of quality olive oil will take the presentation to another level.

Side Dishes

This dish is filling all on its own, but you can’t go wrong adding a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil, or a side of roasted broccolini for crunch and extra veggies. Warm, crusty bread to sop up every drop of sauce is also highly encouraged—nobody leaves a Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash plate with sauce left behind!

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable dinner party touch, serve your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash right in the hollowed-out squash shells—each person gets their own “boat” of creamy goodness! Or, pile it into a deep serving platter, then swirl some greens along the side for a rustic, Tuscan-style centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers completely, then transfer your Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash to airtight containers and refrigerate. It stays tasty for up to three days, making it a fabulous plan-ahead meal or quick lunch for busy weekdays.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, place cooled servings in airtight, freezer-safe containers. The sauce may separate a touch upon thawing (that’s just the nature of cream sauces), but a gentle reheat will bring everything back together nicely. Try to use within two months for best quality.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just do so in 1-minute increments, stirring each time, to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I bake the spaghetti squash instead of microwaving it?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, brush it lightly with olive oil, and bake it cut-side down at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes. Baking develops a slightly sweeter and more roasted flavor, which is wonderful in this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half will work in a pinch, though the final sauce may be a bit lighter and less rich. For a dairy-free version, try full-fat coconut milk—its mild sweetness actually works well with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach!

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Shred or chop your cooked chicken and add it to the sauce after the cream and cheese have come together. This shortcut makes Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash even faster—just warm the chicken gently to keep it tender.

How do I keep the spaghetti squash from getting watery?

Let the squash strands cool and drain briefly on a paper towel before adding to the sauce. This helps prevent excess moisture from thinning out that luscious creaminess that makes Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash so appealing.

Will leftovers taste as good the next day?

They’re actually fantastic! The flavors deepen overnight in the fridge, so reheated Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash can taste even more savory and intense. Just be sure to reheat gently to keep the sauce from breaking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that’s loaded with flavor, simple enough for a weeknight, yet worthy of a special gathering, give Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash a place at your table. Its blend of classic Italian tastes and modern lightness will have everyone asking for seconds—trust me, you’ll want leftovers!

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