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Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe

4.9 from 61 reviews

This Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash recipe offers a delicious and low-carb twist on the classic creamy chicken Alfredo pasta by using roasted spaghetti squash as a nutritious base. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and combined with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce featuring Parmesan and mozzarella, then baked inside roasted spaghetti squash boats. This comforting and hearty dish balances indulgent flavors with wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti Squash

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for squash)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for cooking chicken)
  • Kosher salt, to season chicken
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to season chicken

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for sauce)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Roast the Spaghetti Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Drizzle the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on a large baking sheet and roast until the flesh is tender, about 30 to 35 minutes. Once done, let the squash cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Squash Strands: Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh of the roasted squash halves to create spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the strands into a large bowl and set aside the empty squash shells (boats) for later use. Keep the oven on for subsequent baking.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts all over with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the whole milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 15 minutes.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce with Squash: Add the cooked chicken pieces and the creamy Alfredo sauce to the bowl with the spaghetti squash strands. Toss everything together gently to combine well.
  6. Fill and Bake the Squash Boats: Spoon the chicken and Alfredo mixture evenly into the reserved spaghetti squash shells. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Place the filled squash halves back onto the baking sheet and bake them in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
  7. Serve: Remove the baked spaghetti squash boats from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this comforting, creamy, and delicious low-carb Italian-inspired meal!

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt levels in the dish.
  • Leftover chicken Alfredo mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
  • Make sure not to overcook the squash to keep a pleasant al dente texture.

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Spaghetti Squash, Low Carb, Healthy Dinner, Creamy Sauce, Italian-Inspired