Spaghetti Squash with Creamed Spinach and Chicken
A healthy and comforting dish featuring roasted spaghetti squash strands combined with creamy spinach and perfectly cooked chicken breast. This nutritious meal offers a low-carb alternative to pasta, packed with fiber, protein, and rich flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with family.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Roast the Spaghetti Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place face down on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, until tender. Once cooled slightly, use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
- Cook the Chicken Breast: While the squash roasts, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken about 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Creamed Spinach: In the same skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in heavy cream (or Greek yogurt) and grated Parmesan, stirring gently until creamy and simmered to your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Combine All Components: In a large bowl or directly in the skillet, toss the spaghetti squash strands with the creamed spinach. Add the cooked chicken pieces on top and gently combine. Heat through if needed, and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Roasting the squash face down helps it steam perfectly while caramelizing the edges slightly.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh spinach for the best creaminess and texture.
- If using Greek yogurt, add it off the heat at the end to prevent curdling.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering any ingredient.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: spaghetti squash, creamed spinach, chicken breast, low carb, healthy dinner, gluten free, creamy spinach, roasted squash