Chicken stuffed spaghetti squash is taken to a whole new level in this easy recipe. It is stuffed with veggies and flavored with pesto for a healthy dinner. 230 calories and 5 Weight Watchers Freestyles SP
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
If there is one vegetable that likes to dress up in 100 different outfits, spaghetti squash is it. It is a vegetable just begging for a metaphor. Its earthy side comes out when dressed in apples and toasted pecans. Its fiesta-loving self is revealed when mixed with black beans and corn, stuffed enchilada-style. When it’s feeling sassy, out comes the puttanesca sauce.
Spaghetti squash is versatile, healthy and can easily be served as a side or main dish. As good as it is when served with a ladleful of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it can become something much more interesting when mixed with different sauces, vinaigrettes and various mix-ins.
Tips for this Pesto Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash:
- In this spaghetti squash recipe, I chose to cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave because it’s so much quicker and does the job well. Feel free to roast it, if you prefer.
- Once the squash is cooked, let it rest until cool enough to handle. You’ll be cutting it in half lengthwise. If it’s still a little too warm, use a kitchen towel or potholder to protect your hands.
- Once cut in half, scoop out and discard the seeds.
- Next, use a fork to twist and scrape out the strands, transferring them to a bowl as you go.
- Stir the chicken, pesto and red bell pepper into the spaghetti squash, then divide the mixture into the squash shells. I often use store-bought basil for convenience, but homemade would be even better!
- Last step…sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over top, place the stuffed squash halves on a baking sheet and place under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Ready to serve!
Other healthy spaghetti squash recipes:
Greek Chicken Spaghetti Squash Skillet {Cookin’ Canuck}
Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash {Cookin’ Canuck}
Spaghetti Squash Low-Carb Taco Bowl {Kalyn’s Kitchen}
Spaghetti Squash & Pork Stir Fry {Fox and Briar}
Pesto Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 2 small 2 lb. each spaghetti squash
- 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into 3/4 –inch pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 6 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Using a large, sharp knife, pierce a spaghetti squash in several places. Place the spaghetti squash in a glass baking dish and cook in the microwave on HIGH for about 15 minutes, turning the squash halfway through cooking.
- Before handling let the squash stand for 10 minutes. Cut in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and fibers.
- Using a fork, twist out strand of the spaghetti squash flesh and place in a large bowl. Let stand at room temperature. Save the shells of the squash for stuffing later.
- Preheat the broiler.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl.
- Turn the heat to medium and heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil in the skillet. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the red bell pepper and cook until just tender, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the spaghetti squash strands, chicken and pesto, and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
- Scoop the spaghetti squash mixture into the spaghetti squash shells and top with the Parmesan cheese.
- Place the stuffed spaghetti squash onto a baking sheet and place under the broiler. Cook until the cheese is melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published on September 8, 2015, and has been updated.
Disclosure: This post contains links to my Amazon affiliate page. Any revenue made from sales through these links helps to support this blog. Thank you!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
I only made spaghetti squash for the first time last year (I know, I was apparently living under a rock). I loved it and I can’t wait to use it more this fall and winter. Love this recipe, Dara!
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says
If you put an egg on it, could I eat this for breakfast?!! These flavors are two-snaps up, Dara!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I love this! We planted way too many spaghetti squash plants this year and have 38 squash we need to use!!! Definitely giving this a try!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
This is seriously one beautiful dish! I know my sister would love this (she is the one who introduced me to spaghetti squash to begin with!)
Shirley @ gfe & All Gluten-Free Desserts says
What a great idea and delicious way to enjoy spaghetti squash, Dara! Saw it on Kalyn’s Facebook page and had to grab the link so I could share it on mine. 🙂 I think this way to serve spaghetti squash is right up there with another friend’s Lasagna Style Stuffed Spaghetti Squash! Why not make it a whole meal, right? 🙂
Thanks for the recipe!
Shirley
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
I can’t believe I’ve never eaten spaghetti squash before! It looks so delicious, and I love all of the flavor variations that you’ve mentioned. Looks like a healthy, easy and delicious week-night dinner!
Stephanie says
I LOVE spaghetti squash! I wish my family likes it more – I could eat it every week!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
I love spaghetti squash – this is such a great combination. Can’t wait to try it!
The Food Hunter says
I love the idea behind the #eatSeasonal group…making the round to check out everyone’s recipe.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
I love this twist on spaghetti squash! I’m always looking for new ways to eat it!
becky says
I just happen to have all of these ingredients on hand right now!! Love this idea. I’m always looking for more ideas for spaghetti squash and for my pesto! Thanks for joining in the fun this month!
Paula-bell'alimento says
I’m super excited to try this one out Dara!
marcie says
I love making spaghetti squash with a big, bold red sauce, but surprisingly I’ve never tried it with pesto! This is such a great idea and I can’t wait to try it. 🙂
Letty/Letty's Kitchen says
I like how you kept the squash in the skin for serving–dig in!
KalynsKitchen says
Totally a genius recipe; sounds amazing!
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious says
I’m so excited that it’s squash season again! And I love the Eat Seasonal idea – I’ll definitely be following along. How fun!
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
This is my idea of the perfect low carb dinner!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
We just had spaghetti squash the other night and I’ve been searching for new ways to use it! I love it because it reminds me of pasta (that I LOVE) without the guilt!
eat good 4 life says
So healthy and fresh. I need to get me some squash. My family would love this!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
Oh my goodness yes. A million times yes on spaghetti squash! Love this idea! You can never have too many spaghetti squash recipes. 😉 Pinned!
Martha @ A Family Feast says
We love spaghetti squash – and you’re right – it is super versatile! This is a recipe the entire family will love…
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says
I had a friend introduce me to spaghetti squash about a year ago and I was like “what is that”! Now I can’t get enough! They are so easy to make and taste so good!
Rose | The Clean Dish says
You clearly love spaghetti squash – you described it perfectly and now I’m craving it, big time!! I have never stuffed a spaghetti squash but now I have no excuse – can’t wait to try this recipe!
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
I adore spaghetti squash — but I’ve never microwaved it. Do you like it as much as roasting it? Love the idea of mixing with pesto and chicken!
The Surprised Gourmet says
You can never go wrong with chicken in a recipe and I just happen to have a spaghetti squash on hand. This sounds tasty.
Nutmeg Nanny says
I’m a huge fan of stuffing spaghetti squash! It’s my most favorite winter squash so I’m always trying to think of delicious ways to stuff it that will my hubs will love. This is perfect because who doesn’t love pesto chicken?
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) says
This sure is pretty! I have a confession…I have never tried spaghetti squash and I don’t know why…Lol! I wish I could 3d print this out,and try it so I’d know what it’s like!
Susanna says
OMG. I made this tonight and I believe it’s ONE fantastic indulgent serving 🙂 Was so hard to save some for later….
Katie says
I made this tonight, it’s delicious! I actually ended up throwing all the ingredients in the end in the broiler in a glass dish. I didn’t serve it in the spaghetti squash because it got really soggy and limp in the microwave. If I make this again, I’ll probably microwave the spaghetti squash for less time. Thanks for the recipe!
Greg says
I made this last night and added some cherry tomatoes,and spinach because I had it in the fridge. It added some nice color to it and it was delicious! I loved it!
Dara says
I’m so glad to hear that, Greg! Both the cherry tomatoes and spinach would be fantastic additions. I’ll have to try that next time!
Mellissa says
We had this for dinner last night and will be making it again. I had no idea that spaghetti squash could taste so good.
Meghan \ Fox and Briar says
I feel the same way about spaghetti squash! I love it. And chicken and pesto is SUCH a good combo!
Frances says
Excellent , a favorite Spaghetti squash recipe. Will make this often i put this in individual casserole dishes and cut back on cheese and pesto to keep calories minimal but it felt like it was lacking nothing.. Everyone loved it.
Frances says
Excellent and a favorite that I will repeat. My favorite spaghetti squash recipe.