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Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is a creamy Italian-inspired dinner.Cook 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
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 2 tablespoons oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and julienned
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ 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.
  • Microwave on high for approximately 8–12 minutes, turning if necessary, until the squash is tender enough to pierce easily. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
  • Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken in an even layer and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. The center of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
  • Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet.
  • Add the minced garlic and shallot. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and beginning to soften.
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  • Pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the cream is hot and beginning to gently bubble.
  • Reduce the heat to low or remove the skillet briefly from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  • Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted.
  • Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet.
  • When the squash is cool enough to handle, carefully cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  • Run a fork through the flesh to separate it into spaghetti-like strands.
  • Add the squash strands to the skillet and gently toss until the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper if necessary.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Boneless chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for a richer, particularly juicy variation.
For a lighter sauce, part of the heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half, although the final sauce will be thinner.
Freshly grated Parmesan generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.