If you are craving a dish that brings together vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and a touch of Italian charm, this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful marriage of tender, juicy chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and the light, naturally nutty strands of spaghetti squash. Every bite promises a delightful experience that’s both comforting and fresh, all cooked together in one skillet for easy preparation and cleanup. It’s a fantastic low-carb meal that feels indulgent without weighing you down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple yet flavorful is the heart of this dish. Each ingredient has a role, whether it’s building the creamy sauce, adding a burst of savory goodness, or lending vibrant color to the plate.
- Spaghetti squash: The perfect low-carb pasta substitute that provides a tender, slightly crunchy texture after roasting or microwaving.
- Boneless, skinless chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds warmth and depth to the chicken.
- Butter: Divided for sautéing chicken and aromatics, it helps develop rich, golden flavors.
- Garlic: Minced cloves that add pungency and a subtle spicy edge.
- Shallot: Offers a mild sweetness and delicate onion flavor that softens in the pan.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil: These juicy, concentrated tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to both the chicken and spaghetti squash.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that elevates the sauce to restaurant-quality decadence.
- Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a delicate touch of green, wilting into the sauce just right.
- Fresh parsley: Optional for garnish, it offers a burst of herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Spaghetti Squash
Start by piercing the spaghetti squash with a knife to allow steam to escape, then microwave it for about 8 to 12 minutes until tender. Alternatively, you can roast it in the oven for a deeper roasted flavor. Let the squash cool down enough to handle because you’ll be shredding it in a later step. This method is incredibly fast and keeps the strands light and fluffy, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook it until the pieces lose that pink color and develop a slight golden crust for maximum flavor. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside; the pan will have delicious leftover fond that will enhance the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Your Aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet along with minced garlic and shallot. Cook until they soften and release their aromatic essence—this builds the flavor base. Stir in the drained, julienned sun-dried tomatoes; they brighten the dish with their concentrated tomato sweetness and lovely red hue.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour heavy cream into the skillet and cook it just until it starts to bubble gently. Turn off the heat before stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach. The cheese melts into the sauce, thickening it and adding irresistible umami, while the spinach wilts softly, infusing the sauce with its fresh earthiness. Then, return the cooked chicken to the pan, letting it soak up the creamy goodness.
Step 5: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
Once the squash is cool enough to handle, carefully cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Use a fork to shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. This is the fun part where you get that perfect texture—light, with just a subtle crunch, making it the ideal canvas for the luscious sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Gently stir the shredded spaghetti squash into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring every strand gets well coated. This final stir brings together all the components into a hearty, comforting dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and added freshness, and serve it hot. You’ll love how effortlessly elegant and satisfying this skillet meal is.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple yet effective touch that adds bright herbal notes and lovely visual appeal. If you want to elevate the dish even more, try adding a few torn fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top to intensify the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Skillet Recipe shines as a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted asparagus. These sides add textural contrast and keep the meal balanced without overwhelming the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve this dish in rustic, shallow bowls that showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the tomatoes, spinach, and chicken. You could also add a generous shaving of Parmesan on top or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little kick. Hosting? Serve it family-style straight from the skillet to invite casual sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, though the squash is best enjoyed within that timeframe to maintain its pleasant texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating. The creamy sauce might thicken during freezing, but stirring while reheating helps restore its delicious consistency.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. The chicken remains tender, and the spaghetti squash retains its delightful bite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes can work if you prefer a milder flavor, but sun-dried tomatoes provide a more intense, tangy sweetness that really defines the dish. If substituting, consider roasting fresh tomatoes for added depth.
Is spaghetti squash the only vegetable option for this recipe?
Spaghetti squash is ideal because of its unique texture that resembles pasta. However, you could try spiralized zucchini or even cauliflower rice for a different take, though it will alter the dish’s character slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute, and choose a vegan Parmesan alternative. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful but better suited to dairy-free diets.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken to keep it tender?
Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat just until no longer pink helps retain moisture and tenderness. Avoid overcooking, which can dry it out. Cooking it in butter adds richness and a nice golden color.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! You can easily double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or pan. Just keep an eye on cooking times for the chicken and sauce, and stir frequently to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Skillet Recipe is like inviting all the cozy, comforting vibes of a Tuscan kitchen right into your home. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve friends and family. The creamy, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken and the naturally delightful spaghetti squash makes it a recipe to return to time and again. Give it a go—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delicious skillet meal in your rotation.
