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Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash with Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 78 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash with Chicken is a delicious, low-carb twist on the classic creamy spinach artichoke dip, served inside roasted spaghetti squash halves and topped with melted mozzarella. Tender chicken breast adds protein, while a creamy sauce featuring cream cheese and Greek yogurt makes it rich yet wholesome. A perfect comforting meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti Squash

  • 1 large spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (for cooking)

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • ½ medium sweet onion (finely diced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 4 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 (5.3-ounce) container plain Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts (drained and quartered)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves (thinly sliced)

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley (finely chopped, optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to get it ready for roasting the spaghetti squash.
  2. Prepare spaghetti squash: Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Drizzle and rub 2 tablespoons of avocado oil all over the flesh, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Bake spaghetti squash: Place the squash halves cut side down on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and edges start to caramelize. Remove from the oven and flip over. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before using a fork to scrape and fluff the squash strands from the inside.
  4. Prepare chicken: Cut chicken breasts into four 4-ounce portions. Place under plastic wrap and pound to 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet. In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning with ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken.
  5. Cook chicken: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 5-6 minutes on one side, flip, cover, and cook another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate, let rest for 5-10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
  6. Cook onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Make the base: Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk in the flour to form a thick paste. Slowly add milk and chicken broth a little at a time over about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and build a creamy sauce.
  8. Finish the sauce: Stir in cream cheese, Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth. Mix in quartered artichoke hearts, sliced spinach, and diced chicken. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Fill the squash and broil: Turn the oven to broil. Evenly spoon the spinach-artichoke-chicken mixture into the roasted squash halves, mixing the strands to distribute sauce through the squash. Top each half with ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  10. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, creamy, and nutritious meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream if preferred, but Greek yogurt adds protein and tanginess.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives.
  • If you want a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.