How to Make Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used as a substitute for pasta in many dishes. When cooked, the flesh of the squash separates into thin strands that resemble spaghetti noodles, hence the name. Introducing to you chicken parmesan spaghetti squash, a food for the small gods!
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a slightly crunchy texture that makes it a great base for a variety of sauces and toppings. Plus, it’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great option for those watching their carb intake.
Why chicken parmesan spaghetti squash is a great low-carb option
As someone who is always on the lookout for healthy and delicious meal options, I was thrilled to discover the wonders of chicken parmesan spaghetti squash.
This dish is a great low-carb option that allows you to enjoy the flavors and comfort of traditional chicken parmesan without all the guilt and unnecessary carbs.
Spaghetti squash is a fantastic alternative to regular pasta, offering a healthier and lighter option that is full of fiber and vitamins. When cooked, the flesh of the squash turns into spaghetti-like strands that are perfect for pairing with a variety of sauces and toppings.
And when you add in juicy chicken breast and some grated parmesan cheese, you have a winning combination for your dinner already!
Ingredients needed for chicken parmesan spaghetti squash and their uses
This dish has all the cheesy, tomato-y goodness of classic chicken parmesan, but swaps out the carb-heavy pasta for nutrient-packed spaghetti squash.
To make chicken parmesan spaghetti squash, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First and foremost, you’ll need a medium-sized spaghetti squash. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a firm, unblemished exterior.
List of ingredients needed for the dish:
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of almond flour
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- The first ingredient in this recipe is spaghetti squash, a low-carb alternative to traditional spaghetti noodles. The squash is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to casseroles.
- The second ingredient is chicken breast, a lean protein source that’s both filling and satisfying. Chicken breast is also low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for those trying to maintain a healthy diet.
- The tomato sauce in this recipe adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory chicken and cheesy spaghetti squash.
- The Parmesan cheese not only adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish, but also provides a good source of calcium and protein.
- Almond flour is used as a gluten-free alternative to traditional breadcrumbs, and adds a nutty flavor and crispy texture to the chicken.
- Finally, the fresh basil adds a burst of herbaceous flavor and a pop of bright green color to the dish.
Step-by-step instructions for preparing the spaghetti squash are easy to follow.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle some olive oil on each half, and season with salt and pepper.
Place the halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and cooked through.
Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and use a fork to scrape the flesh into long, spaghetti-like strands. Set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat and cook some diced onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add in some diced chicken breast and cook until browned on all sides. Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Preparation of chicken parmesan mixture
To make the chicken parmesan mixture, I start by cooking two chicken breasts in a pan with a bit of olive oil until they are fully cooked. Then I shred the chicken with a fork and set it aside.
Next, I sauté some garlic and onion in the same pan until they are fragrant and tender. To achieve this, I add a can of crushed tomatoes, some dried basil and oregano, and a pinch of salt. I let this simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Once the sauce is ready, I mix in the shredded chicken and some grated parmesan cheese. I love the tanginess of the parmesan with the sweetness of the tomatoes. Finally, I let the mixture cool while I prepare the spaghetti squash.
Assembly
How to combine the spaghetti squash and chicken parmesan mixture
After roasting the spaghetti squash, I use a fork to scrape out the strands and place them in a large bowl. Then, I mix in the cooked chicken and tomato sauce until everything is well combined.
To give it that classic chicken parmesan flavor, I add in some garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil. Once everything is mixed together, I transfer the mixture back into the spaghetti squash shells. I sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese.
Finally, I pop it back into the oven for just a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The end result is a comforting and satisfying meal that is low in carbs and packed with flavor.
Tips for Chicken Parmesan spaghetti squash presentation
Once your chicken parmesan spaghetti squash is baked to perfection, it’s time to think about presentation. Here are some tips to make your dish look as appetizing as it tastes:
1. Use a large serving dish: A shallow, wide serving dish will showcase the spaghetti squash and chicken parmesan beautifully. Plus, it makes it easier for everyone to serve themselves.
2. Add some greenery: A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, on top of the chicken parmesan adds a pop of color and flavor. You could also serve the dish alongside a simple green salad to add some freshness to the meal.
3. Garnish with cheese: If you want to make your chicken parmesan spaghetti squash even more indulgent, add some extra shredded mozzarella on top. This will create a gooey, cheesy topping that everyone will love.
By following these presentation tips, you’ll ensure that your low-carb comfort food looks as good as it tastes. Plus, it will impress your guests and make them feel like they’re eating at a fancy Italian restaurant. Enjoy!
Comparison to traditional chicken parmesan and spaghetti dishes:
Compared to traditional chicken parmesan, this dish is much lighter and lower in calories, without sacrificing any of the flavor.
Instead of breaded chicken and a heavy tomato sauce, the chicken is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and served atop a bed of spaghetti squash, which is low in carbs and high in fiber.
And while spaghetti squash doesn’t have the same texture as traditional pasta, it still provides a satisfying base for the dish and soaks up all the delicious flavors of the chicken and tomato sauce.
Other Chicken recipes you might want to try out:
Lemon Chicken Piccata: To Go, when life gives you lemon
The best creamy chicken and wild rice soup
Conclusion and Personal recommendations
Overall, I highly recommend giving this low-carb chicken parmesan spaghetti squash recipe a try. It’s a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pasta dishes, and is perfect for those who are looking for comfort food without the added carbs. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of cooking spaghetti squash for the first time – it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it.
And the end result is well worth the effort. Trust me, your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you for trying out this recipe.
Takeaways
This dish is a low-carb comfort food that can satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your health.
If you are a vegetarian, you can skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. If you are not a fan of tomato sauce, you can use pesto or alfredo sauce instead.
While delicious, it’s not exactly the healthiest option. By swapping out the pasta for spaghetti squash and using baked chicken instead of fried, you can still enjoy all the flavors you love in a healthier way. Get to know how I make it.
.
Frequently asked questions
I’ve experimented with a few other variations that have been equally delicious. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Italian-style stuffed spaghetti squash, Chicken pesto spaghetti squash and Spicy buffalo chicken spaghetti squash.
First of all, you need to replace the chicken with a plant-based protein. For this recipe, you could use chickpeas, which you mash up with a fork to create a “shredded” texture. Next up, you need to replace the parmesan cheese. For this, you can use a combination of nutritional yeast and ground cashews.
To assemble the dish, mix the mashed chickpeas with some marinara sauce (make sure it’s vegan!), and spoon it over the spaghetti squash “noodles”. Then sprinkle on the nutritional yeast/cashew.
Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of almond flour
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle some olive oil on each half, and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and cooked through.
- Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and use a fork to scrape the flesh into long, spaghetti-like strands. Set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat and cook some diced onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add in some diced chicken breast and cook until browned on all sides. Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Preparation of chicken parmesan mixture
- To make the chicken parmesan mixture, start by cooking two chicken breasts in a pan with a bit of olive oil until they are fully cooked. Then shred the chicken with a fork and set it aside.
- Next, sauté some garlic and onion in the same pan until they are fragrant and tender. To achieve this, add a can of crushed tomatoes, some dried basil and oregano, and a pinch of salt. let this simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce is ready, mix in the shredded chicken and some grated parmesan cheese. I love the tanginess of the parmesan with the sweetness of the tomatoes. Finally, let the mixture cool while I prepare the spaghetti squash.
Combining The Spaghetti Squash And Chicken Parmesan Mixture
- After roasting the spaghetti squash, use a fork to scrape out the strands and place them in a large bowl. Then, mix in the cooked chicken and tomato sauce until everything is well combined.
- To give it that classic chicken parmesan flavor, add in some garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil. Once everything is mixed together, I transfer the mixture back into the spaghetti squash shells. Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese.
- Finally, pop it back into the oven for just a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The end result is a comforting and satisfying meal that is low in carbs and packed with flavor.
