Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash w/ Chicken & Spinach is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together the comfort of cheesy goodness and the satisfaction of a hearty meal. chicken enchilada soup Imagine diving into a golden, tender spaghetti squash filled with savory chicken, vibrant spinach, and a garlicky parmesan blend that makes your taste buds sing!
As you dig in, the aromas wafting through your kitchen will transport you to a cozy Italian bistro. This dish is ideal for family dinners or impressing friends at gatherings. ground turkey and peppers Trust me, once you taste this delightful concoction, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash w/ Chicken & Spinach is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. The flavor profile is rich and satisfying while visually stunning with its golden squash and vibrant filling. It’s versatile enough for meal prep or special occasions without being overly complicated. [/info_box]
Some of my most memorable moments revolve around this recipe; I fondly remember my cousin’s reaction when she took her first bite—she practically swooned!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti Squash: Choose a firm squash; it should feel heavy for its size and have a smooth surface.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well. Feel free to adjust based on your crowd size. For more inspiration, check out this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.
Fresh Spinach: Use fresh leaves for vibrant color and nutrients; frozen spinach works too if you’re in a pinch.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; choose plump cloves for maximum flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate your cheese fresh; it melts better than pre-grated versions.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil enhances flavors beautifully; don’t skimp here!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds that delicious Italian flair we all crave.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper before placing cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Bake Until Tender: Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes until it’s fork-tender. It should be soft enough to shred into strands easily.
Cook the Chicken: While the squash bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until cooked through and golden brown—about 7-10 minutes.
Add Spinach and Garlic: Toss fresh spinach into the skillet after removing chicken. Once wilted (about 1-2 minutes), add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not burnt—around 30 seconds does the trick.
Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded spaghetti squash strands, cooked chicken mixture, grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and more Italian seasoning if desired. Mix until well combined. For more inspiration, check out this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe.
Stuff the Squash**: Fill each spaghetti squash half generously with the chicken-spinach mixture. Top with additional parmesan cheese for that melty goodness we all adore.
**Final Baking**: Place stuffed squash halves back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until everything is heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Now you have an irresistible Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash w/ Chicken & Spinach ready to serve! Enjoy this delightful dish straight from the oven or let it cool slightly before diving in—you don’t want to burn your tongue on all that cheesy goodness! buffalo chicken stuffed peppers. oven roasted garlic cabbage steaks.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash w/ Chicken & Spinach is the ultimate comfort food. It offers a delightful blend of flavors, and the aroma will have your kitchen smelling divine. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in those savory juices, then cook the spaghetti squash while preparing the creamy garlic sauce for the best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Experiment with additional cheese varieties like feta or mozzarella to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring it remains moist.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor; don’t skimp on seasoning! Ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly by using a meat thermometer. Lastly, allow the squash to cool before handling to avoid burns. [/info_box]
Cooking this dish reminds me of that one dinner party where everyone couldn’t stop raving about it! They even asked for the recipe, which was my proudest moment.
FAQ
Can I use frozen spinach in Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash?
You can use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it well first.
How long does it take to cook spaghetti squash?
Cooking spaghetti squash usually takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on its size.
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken in this stuffed squash.
Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken & Spinach
Indulge in the comfort of Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken & Spinach—a delightful dish that combines tender spaghetti squash, savory chicken, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a creamy garlic parmesan filling. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the spaghetti squash and scoop out seeds. Drizzle cut sides with 1 tbsp olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until fork-tender.
- While the squash bakes, heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 1-2 minutes). Add minced garlic; sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a bowl, mix shredded squash strands with the chicken mixture and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Generously stuff each squash half with the mixture and top with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Return stuffed squash to oven for another 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed spaghetti squash half (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Substitute kale for spinach or add mushrooms for added flavor. For variation, try different cheese types like mozzarella or feta.
