Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash: A Creamy Low-Carb Delight

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Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash: A Creamy Low-Carb Delight

Have you ever found yourself craving the rich, creamy comfort of chicken alfredo but wanting something lighter than traditional pasta? After a long day at work, I discovered that Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash offers the perfect solution. This ingenious dish transforms the humble spaghetti squash into tender strands that beautifully mimic pasta while significantly reducing carbs and calories.

The first time I served this healthy Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash dish to my family, they couldn’t believe how satisfying and indulgent it felt despite being so nutritious. The tender roasted squash creates the perfect nest for juicy chicken pieces and a velvety, garlicky parmesan cream sauce. As the aroma of roasting squash and simmering sauce fills your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to believe you’re creating something so wholesome yet utterly crave-worthy.

This gluten free Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash recipe has become my go-to for impressing dinner guests while still keeping our meals balanced and delicious. Let me show you how simple it is to create this crowd-pleasing dish that marries comfort food flavors with smart, healthier ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

For this delicious homemade Chicken Alfredo with roasted Spaghetti Squash, you’ll need:

For the Spaghetti Squash:

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

For the Chicken Alfredo:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (substitute almond milk for a lighter option)
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can use half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Possible Substitutions:

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Drizzle the cut sides of your spaghetti squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the inside easily pulls apart into strands with a fork.
  5. Once cooked, use a fork to scrape the inside of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands, but leave them in the shell to form “boats.”

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. While the squash is baking, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  4. Remove chicken from the pan, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

  1. Using the same skillet (don’t clean it!), reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic.
  2. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Pour in milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  4. Bring to a gentle simmer (don’t boil) and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

  1. Add the sliced chicken to the alfredo sauce, stirring to coat.
  2. Divide the chicken alfredo mixture evenly between the spaghetti squash boats, gently mixing with the squash strands.
  3. Top each boat with shredded mozzarella.
  4. Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving your delicious Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash skillet meal.
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash: A Creamy Low-Carb Delight
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash: A Creamy Low-Carb Delight

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

  • For easier cutting, microwave the whole squash for 3-5 minutes to soften it slightly before slicing in half.
  • Don’t overcook the spaghetti squash—you want it to have a slight bite like al dente pasta, not mushy strands.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts much better than pre-packaged varieties for the creamiest Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash.
  • Pat the spaghetti squash strands with paper towels before adding the sauce to remove excess moisture for a thicker, more flavorful result.
  • For an extra flavor boost, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the alfredo sauce.
  • Season each component separately (squash, chicken, and sauce) for the most flavorful savory recipe.
  • For a browned, crispy top, finish the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Best Ways to Serve recipe

This low carb recipe is a complete meal on its own, but here are some great serving suggestions:

  • Pair with a simple side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a fresh contrast.
  • Serve with garlic bread for those family members who aren’t watching their carbs.
  • Add a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for those who like a bit more heat.
  • Include a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for extra vegetables.
  • For a complete Italian-inspired menu, start with Caprese salad skewers and end with a light berry dessert.

This dish is perfect for everything from casual family dinners to special occasions where you want to impress but keep things nutritious.

Nutritional Information for recipe

This nutritious recipe offers impressive nutritional benefits compared to traditional pasta alfredo:

  • Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 14g (compared to 40-50g in pasta versions)
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 580mg

The spaghetti squash provides vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, while the chicken delivers lean protein. This healthy Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash dish contains about 70% fewer carbs than traditional pasta alfredo, making it ideal for low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets.

Storage & Leftovers

This recipe work wonderfully as the dish stores and reheats beautifully:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave at 70% power, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick after storage.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the components separately (roast the squash and make the chicken alfredo) and store refrigerated for up to 2 days before assembling and baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About recipe

1. What are the ingredients for recipe?

The main ingredients include spaghetti squash, chicken breasts, garlic, milk, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and seasonings. These simple ingredients combine to create a decadent yet nutritious dish.

2. How do you make recipe?

First, roast halved spaghetti squash until tender. Meanwhile, cook seasoned chicken breasts, then prepare a creamy alfredo sauce with garlic, milk, cream, and Parmesan. Combine the sliced chicken with the sauce, pour over the spaghetti squash strands, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden.

3. Is recipe a healthy option?

Yes! This dish offers significant nutritional advantages over traditional pasta alfredo. Spaghetti squash contains about 40 calories and 10g of carbohydrates per cup compared to pasta’s 220 calories and 43g of carbs. The squash also provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals while creating a satisfying pasta-like experience.

4. Can you make recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare all components 1-2 days ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the dish and bake until heated through and the cheese is melted. This makes it perfect for meal planning or preparing for guests.

Conclusion

Creating this homemade Chicken Alfredo with roasted Spaghetti Squash gives you all the comfort and satisfaction of a classic pasta dish while keeping things light and nutritious. The tender strands of squash provide the perfect base for the rich, creamy sauce and juicy chicken, creating a meal that’s as impressive as it is nourishing.

Whether you’re looking for a low carb Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash alternative, trying to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, or simply want to try something different, this recipe delivers exceptional flavor without the heaviness of traditional pasta dishes.

I hope you’ll give this Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash recipe a try! Let me know in the comments how your family enjoyed it and any creative variations you discovered. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us—we love seeing your kitchen successes!

Now you have everything you need to create the best Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!

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Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash: A Creamy Low-Carb Delight

Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash: A Creamy Low-Carb Delight


  • Author: Isabella Baute
  • Total Time: 65 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash is a delightful low-carb alternative to traditional pasta alfredo, using tender spaghetti squash strands to mimic pasta, topped with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce and juicy chicken.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 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
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle the cut sides of spaghetti squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and rest, then slice.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream, simmering gently.
  4. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add sliced chicken to the sauce. Divide mixture into spaghetti squash boats, mix with strands, and top with mozzarella. Bake for 10 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Microwave the whole squash for 3-5 minutes for easier cutting.
  • Don’t overcook squash; aim for al dente texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 squash boat
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: N/A
  • Sodium: 580
  • Fat: 32
  • Saturated Fat: N/A
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: 14
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 28
  • Cholesterol: N/A

Keywords: chicken alfredo spaghetti squash, low carb chicken alfredo, gluten free chicken alfredo

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