Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash is a delicious and healthy twist on classic comfort food. This easy, low-carb dinner recipe is perfect for adding variety to your family meal rotation and is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Easy Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Recipe

You may be wondering, what’s the difference between spaghetti squash and butternut squash?

• Spaghetti squash is not to be confused with butternut squash, even though both are a similar in size and a larger variety of squash in general.
• When roasted, butternut squash results in a creamy almost buttery soft texture.
• Spaghetti squash on the other hand, earned its descriptive name due to the stringy texture of the flesh after cooking. The interior can easily be shredded with a fork and the strings resemble strands of spaghetti, hence the name.
• Both varieties have a center filled with seeds that have to be removed before cooking. Spaghetti squash is packed with nutrients and fiber and the texture makes it a tasty substitute for pasta.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need to make Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Squash – One large spaghetti squash sliced in half from top to bottom with seeds removed.
• Chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken or baked chicken.
• Pasta Sauce – Prepared marinara sauce such as Bertolli Four cheese or a similar brand that you enjoy.
• Onion – Onion expands the flavor profile.
• Oil- Olive oil for sautéing the onion.
• Seasonings – Garlic salt, dry Italian seasoning, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Cheese – Shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese give the squash a cheesy taste.
• Fresh Herbs – Fresh basil and Italian parsley.

How to Make the Best Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash

This recipe isn’t just for the carb shy, it’s absolutely delicious for a one dish meal year-round. It’s a fantastic way to get the kids to eat their vegetables and that’s always a win.

• Heat Oven and Prep Squash – Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place spaghetti squash halves cut-side-down in a glass baking dish. Pour in enough water to come 1-inch up the sides of the dish. Microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until the squash can easily be pierced with a fork. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
• Saute Onion – Cook onion in olive oil until softened.
• Make the Sauce – To the skillet add chicken, marinara sauce, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes.
• Add Cheese and Herbs – Add shredded mozzarella cheese and herbs. Stir until fully incorporated.
• Fill the Squash –  Turn the squash halves cut-side-up and use a fork to loosen the strands. Scoop spaghetti strands into the skillet with the chicken mixture and stir to combine. Stuff each squash half with the chicken and spaghetti squash mixture and top with reserved mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Oven -Bake per the cooking time in the recipe until golden brown, hot and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Chicken Parm Spaghetti Squash

• Large baking sheet pan, cast-iron skillet or casserole dish for baking the squash in the oven.
• A sharp knife and chopping board for slicing the squash in half, for chopping the chicken and also for dicing the onion.
• A large glass casserole dish or a large microwave safe dish large enough to hold the squash.
• Measuring spoons and cups.
• A large skillet which will also serve as a mixing bowl.
• Parmesan cheese grater and serving tools.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Protein – You can use poached chicken, baked chicken, rotisserie chicken or shredded turkey for this recipe.
• Chicken – You can use raw chicken for this recipe. When doing so, cube skinless boneless chicken breasts or chicken thighs with the onion until browned, then proceed with the recipe.
• Pasta Sauce – When choosing a marinara sauce, choose a really good brand that you already enjoy. I chose to use Classico four cheese for added flavor. I recommend serving some warm sauce on the side for those who’d like to add more to their squash.
• Cheese – You can use a bag of Italian blend of cheese for a timesaver.
• Onion – You can use sweet onion for a milder flavor or yellow onion for a stronger onion flavor.
• Roast the Squash Upside Down – There’s a method to the madness. Roasting the squash upside down allows the interior to steam, making it easier to shred using a fork.
• Breadcrumb Topping – You can sprinkle the top with panko bread crumbs tossed with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
• Serving Options – You can serve this spaghetti squash as a side dish or an entree and the amounts easily double if you need more servings.
• Side Dishes to Serve with Spaghetti Squash – Side dishes that pair well with any Italian entrée will work like a charm alongside this dish as well. A few suggestions you may like to try are a gorgeous Seven Layer Salad or a fresh and flavorful Spinach Salad. I also love serving roast vegetables with this dish such as Panko Parmesan Roasted Broccoli and Oven Roasted Asparagus drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze. Of course, if you’re not watching carbs, Cheesy Garlic and Herb Bread is a must.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover spaghetti squash chicken parm covered with foil or transfer to an airtight container and store chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in the microwave or in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through.
• Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing spaghetti squash, It tends to break down when thawing.

More Southern Style Chicken Recipes to Make

Try adding these chicken recipes to your must-make file:

• Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts can be on the table with ease any night of the week.
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are marinated in yogurt giving them that tender on the inside crispy on the outside texture.
• Italian Chicken with Balsamic Onions and Mushrooms is a one dish meal.
• Pineapple Glazed Jerk Chicken is sweet and spicy.
• Chicken Burrito Bowls are a fabulous option and you can swap out cauliflower rice for long grain rice.
• Greek Chicken Kabobs from Two Peas and Their Pod.

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• Helpful Kitchen Items:
• Sheet Pan
• Cheese Grater
• Kitchen Utensils
• Mixing Bowls