Quick & Creamy Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash With Chicken Recipe

Spinach artichoke spaghetti squash blends comfort food with nutritious ingredients for a delightful culinary experience.

Mediterranean-inspired dishes often combine vibrant vegetables with lean proteins in creative ways.

This recipe redefines traditional pasta into a lighter, more wholesome alternative that satisfies hunger without heaviness.

Hearty chicken adds substantial protein while artichokes contribute earthy undertones to the meal’s complex flavor profile.

Nutrient-dense spinach weaves through the dish, bringing verdant brightness and essential minerals to each bite.

Simple ingredients come together seamlessly, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet remarkably healthy.

Creamy textures and balanced seasonings elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash With Chicken Breakdown

• Craft a Creamy Comfort Dish: This recipe transforms humble spaghetti squash into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light and nutritious.
• Maximize Flavor Fusion: Combining tender chicken, rich cheeses, and earthy spinach with artichoke hearts creates a harmonious blend of savory flavors that dance perfectly on your palate.
• Simplify Healthy Cooking: With just one skillet and minimal ingredients, home cooks can whip up a low-carb, protein-packed dinner in under 30 minutes, making weeknight meals both delicious and stress-free.

Everything You’ll Need for This Spaghetti Squash Dish

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, preferably boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Spaghetti Squash: Low-carb pasta alternative with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and stringy texture that mimics traditional pasta.
• Baby Spinach: Tender green that adds nutrition and vibrant color, choose fresh and crisp leaves.
• Artichoke Hearts: Soft, slightly tangy vegetable that brings a unique Mediterranean flavor, available canned or jarred for convenience.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that helps create a smooth, rich sauce, full-fat version recommended for best texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and complexity, freshly grated provides the best flavor.
• Half-n-Half: Provides creamy consistency and richness to the sauce, can substitute with whole milk or heavy cream.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and provides a subtle flavor base, extra virgin recommended.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth, fresh minced garlic preferred over pre-chopped.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall savory profile, low-sodium version suggested.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to balance and elevate the dish's flavors.

Cooking Guide for Spinach Artichoke Chicken Squash

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Arena

Gather all ingredients and kitchen tools. Wash hands thoroughly and clear workspace.

Step 2: Warm Up the Skillet

• Olive oil

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium warmth.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Add minced garlic and let it dance for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Half-and-half

Pour chicken broth and half-and-half into the skillet. Gently bring to a soft simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Melt the Cheesy Goodness

• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Toss in cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan. Stir until they melt into a luxurious, smooth sauce.

Step 6: Add Green Goodness

• Baby spinach
• Artichoke hearts

Fold in baby spinach and chopped artichoke hearts. Let them sizzle and soften for 2 minutes.

Step 7: Introduce the Protein

Add cubed chicken and cooked spaghetti squash. Stir and heat until everything is warm and well combined.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Optional: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish.

Tips to Make the Squash Extra Creamy

• Roast Squash Perfectly: Pierce spaghetti squash with a fork multiple times before microwaving to prevent potential explosions and ensure even cooking.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let garlic sauté briefly to release its aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
• Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess liquid from artichoke hearts to keep the sauce from becoming too watery.
• Boost Protein Retention: Cut chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked pieces.

Store and Warm Up Your Chicken Spaghetti Squash

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and creamy texture.
• Microwave Option: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and maintain the sauce's consistency.

Great Matches for Spinach Artichoke Squash Meals

• Savor a Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this creamy, rich dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Its light, zesty notes will cut through the richness of the cheese and balance the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Elevate with Herbal Breadstick Crunch: Serve alongside garlic-herb breadsticks or focaccia. The crispy texture and herbal flavors will complement the softness of the spaghetti squash and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Match with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a bright side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette. The citrusy freshness will contrast the creamy chicken and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's richness.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple side of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. These vegetables will add color, nutrition, and a subtle smoky flavor that echoes the artichoke hearts in the main dish.

Ways to Change Up the Squash and Chicken Combo

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired seafood version that brings coastal flavors to your dish.
• Vegetarian Victory: Swap chicken with roasted white beans or crispy tofu cubes, enhancing protein content while keeping the creamy sauce and vegetable base intact.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap half-n-half with Mexican crema, and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile that adds exciting heat to the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Lean Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of spaghetti squash, maintain the creamy sauce and protein components, creating a lighter alternative that keeps core recipe elements delicious and satisfying.

Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash With Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spinach artichoke spaghetti squash with chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Rich creamy sauce, tender chicken, and roasted squash strands create a low-carb meal that satisfies with robust ingredients and delightful textures you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, cubed

Vegetables and Greens:

• 2 cups baby spinach, packed in cup
• ¾ cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 2 cups cooked spaghetti squash
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)

Dairy and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup half-n-half
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, cubed
• ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Seasoning:

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over moderate temperature, releasing fragrant garlic and allowing it to dance and soften without browning.
2. Pour chicken broth and half-n-half into the skillet, creating a creamy liquid base that gently bubbles and swirls with promise.
3. Introduce cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan, stirring continuously until they melt into a luxurious, velvety sauce with minimal lumps.
4. Fold vibrant baby spinach and tender artichoke hearts into the sauce, letting them wilt and integrate seamlessly while releasing their delicate flavors.
5. Incorporate cubed chicken and precooked spaghetti squash, gently tossing to ensure every strand and morsel becomes enrobed in the rich, creamy mixture.
6. Season the dish with a delicate balance of salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences and creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
7. Transfer the aromatic creation to serving plates, garnishing with an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for those desiring extra indulgence.

Notes

• Transforming traditional spaghetti squash into a creamy, protein-packed meal with restaurant-quality flavors.
• Cream cheese and Parmesan create an incredibly rich, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to squash strands.
• Perfect low-carb alternative for pasta lovers wanting a nutritious, vegetable-based dinner option.
• Quick one-skillet recipe ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight meals.
• Easily customize by swapping chicken with shrimp, tofu, or keeping it completely vegetarian.
• Excellent make-ahead dish that reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg