Name: Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 medium spaghetti squash; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 shallot, minced; 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and julienne cut; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 3 ounces baby spinach; Fresh parsley, optional for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

I love sharing this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe because it combines the cozy, creamy flavors of a classic Tuscan dish with the light, nutritious flair of spaghetti squash. For me, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and health, making it a go-to dinner when I want something impressive yet simple. The chicken is tender and packed with herbs, and the sauce is rich with garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes that elevate every bite. Every time I make it, it feels like bringing a little bit of Italy right into my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe

What really captivated me about this dish is the beautiful harmony of flavors—creamy, garlicky sauce meets tender chicken and slightly nutty spaghetti squash strands. The sun-dried tomatoes add a subtle sweetness and tang that wake up the palate, and the Parmesan rounds everything out with just the right amount of savory depth. It’s indulgent without being heavy, which makes it a rare and wonderful meal in my recipe arsenal.

I also adore how accessible it is. Despite its fancy-sounding name, this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe comes together in under 40 minutes with ingredients I usually have on hand. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve when friends drop by or for a cozy weekend dinner. Its versatility and flavor complexity always make me excited to cook and share it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pot filled with creamy spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a white sauce. The spinach leaves are bright green, fresh, and soft, covered in a thick, smooth, light beige sauce with some small specks of seasoning. The sun-dried tomatoes add splashes of deep red and are scattered evenly throughout the pot. The pot has two silver handles, and it sits on a white marbled surface. The creamy sauce glistens slightly under the light, making the dish look rich and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, from the tender chicken to the fresh baby spinach, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors that shine when combined in that luscious creamy sauce.

Spaghetti squash: This is the star veggie, offering a low-carb alternative to pasta with a unique, spaghetti-like texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Boneless, skinless chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and stays juicy, perfect for melding with the creamy sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the entire dish to bring out all the layers of flavor.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that imparts that unmistakable Tuscan essence throughout the chicken.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky base for cooking the aromatics and chicken.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the sauce with a warm, aromatic depth.
Shallot: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity, enhancing the sauce’s flavor profile.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Drained and julienned, they bring a tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness.
Heavy cream: The creamy foundation that makes this sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
Parmesan cheese: Grated to add a salty, nutty finish that ties all elements together.
Baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, earthy note to lighten the dish.
Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish, giving a burst of freshness and a pretty pop of green.

Directions

Step 1: To start, carefully pierce the spaghetti squash several times in the center with a knife, then place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 8 to 12 minutes until the squash is tender. While it cools, you can move on to preparing the chicken.

Step 2: Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse every bite with flavor.

Step 3: Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook it until it’s no longer pink in the center, which usually takes about 7 minutes.

Step 4: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm and juicy.

Step 5: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic and shallot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until they just begin to soften and release their wonderful aroma.

Step 6: Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional minute to bring out their rich flavor.

Step 7: Pour in the heavy cream and heat it until it’s hot and bubbly, about 1 to 2 minutes. This will create the luscious base for your sauce.

Step 8: Turn off the heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach to gently wilt it in the residual heat. Return the chicken and any juices back into the pan and combine everything well.

Step 9: Carefully cut the cooled spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, then use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands that resemble spaghetti.

Step 10: Stir those squash strands directly into the creamy sauce until they’re evenly coated, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Step 11: If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 4 people, making it a fantastic option for a family dinner or small gathering. The prep time is about 10 minutes for chopping and seasoning, while the cooking time takes roughly 30 minutes total, including microwaving and stovetop steps. Overall, you’re looking at approximately 40 minutes from start to finish, with no extra resting time required—so it’s perfect for when you want a delicious home-cooked meal without the wait.

How to Serve This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe

This close-up image shows a creamy pasta dish with several layers: the bottom layer is pale yellow spaghetti noodles, lightly coated in a thick white sauce with a smooth texture; scattered throughout are golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken with a grilled look, and deep green spinach leaves adding color contrast; bright red roasted tomato slices are spread evenly, giving pops of color; a wooden spoon is partially stirring the pasta on the right side with a woman's hand holding it; the entire dish sits in a pan visible only at the edges, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe, I like to keep the sides simple so the main dish shines. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans make excellent vegetable companions that echo the garlic and herb notes in the chicken.

For garnishing, I find fresh parsley sprinkled on top truly brightens both the flavor and the presentation. Sometimes I add a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the mouthfeel and add a gorgeous sheen. I like to serve it warm, straight from the pan, to enjoy the sauce’s creaminess at its best. The portion size is generous, so I usually plate it with about a cup of the saucy spaghetti squash mixture per person.

To elevate the meal further, pairing it with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or a light Italian white wine highlights the herbal notes and cuts through the creaminess beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon complements the savory flavors enthusiastically. This dish is a great choice for family dinners, date nights, or even casual dinner parties where you want to impress without fuss.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe to keep it fresh and tailored to different tastes or dietary needs. For example, swapping the chicken for turkey or even tofu can bring a new twist while keeping the heart of the dish intact. For a dairy-free version, I substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to mimic that cheesy richness.

Flavor-wise, you can boost the Italian vibe by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or fresh basil leaves instead of parsley for a sweeter herbal note. If you prefer your chicken extra crispy, I sometimes pan-roast the pieces separately before adding them back to the sauce, introducing a lovely textural contrast.

You could also roast the spaghetti squash in the oven instead of microwaving if you want a deeper roasted flavor and slightly firmer strands, but microwaving saves so much time without sacrificing much taste that it’s my personal go-to method for weeknight dinners.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—and believe me, it’s tempting to eat it all in one sitting—I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This recipe keeps well for up to 3 days. Using glass containers helps preserve the flavors and prevents any odor absorption from other foods in the fridge.

Freezing

The cream-based sauce in this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe means freezing can be a little tricky, as heavy cream sometimes changes texture after thawing. However, if you want to freeze it, I recommend packing individual portions in freezer-safe containers and consuming them within 1 to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well during reheating to help bring back the sauce’s smoothness.

Reheating

To reheat, warming gently on the stovetop over low heat works best. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce looks too thick or grainy. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring, as it can cause uneven heating and affect the texture. Reheating slowly preserves the delicate flavors and the tender chicken, making it taste almost as fresh as on day one.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of spaghetti squash?

Absolutely! If you prefer traditional pasta, this recipe works very well with spaghetti or fettuccine. Just cook the pasta according to package instructions and toss it with the creamy sauce and chicken at the end. The spaghetti squash adds a lovely low-carb twist, but the dish is delicious either way.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk is a fantastic substitute that keeps the creaminess while adding a slight coconut aroma. You can also try cashew cream or a mix of milk with a bit of cornstarch for thickening. Just keep in mind the flavor might shift a little.

Do I need to peel the spaghetti squash?

Nope! Instead of peeling, you roast or microwave the whole squash, then cut it in half and use a fork to gently scrape out the flesh, which naturally separates into spaghetti-like strands. The rind is tough and not edible, so you only use the inner flesh.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can definitely prep parts of it ahead—like cooking the chicken and making the sauce. The squash is best prepared the same day to maintain its texture. Store components separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

It certainly is! The creamy, familiar flavors combined with tender chicken and mild veggies often appeal to kids. If your little ones are sensitive to herbs or garlic, you can tone those down a bit without losing the essence of the dish. It’s a great way to sneak in some nutritious squash and spinach disguised in a comforting sauce.

Conclusion

I hope you feel as excited as I do to try this Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together with ease, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself after a busy day. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again—Tuscan comfort and creamy goodness that never disappoints!