Name: Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Spaghetti Squash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 medium spaghetti squash; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 garlic cloves minced; 1 small yellow onion chopped; 1 cup sun dried tomatoes sliced; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; salt and black pepper to taste; fresh parsley for garnish

Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Spaghetti Squash is one of those recipes that feels comforting yet fresh, hearty yet light. It blends the rustic charm of Italian-inspired cooking with the everyday practicality of easy, wholesome ingredients. In this article, you’ll discover not only how to prepare this dish step by step, but also why it works so well for weeknight meals, family dinners, and even casual entertaining.

We’ll explore the backstory of Tuscan chicken and how I first came across it, the way spinach and spaghetti squash pair so beautifully together, creative serving ideas, recipe swaps, and FAQs that home cooks often have about this dish. By the end, you’ll see how Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Spaghetti Squash can easily become one of your go-to meals when you need something flavorful, balanced, and simple to put on the table.

My first experience with Tuscan chicken was at a small, cozy Italian-inspired restaurant tucked away on a city corner. The dish arrived in a rustic skillet—the chicken golden and tender, surrounded by a creamy sauce dotted with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It was rich but balanced, the kind of meal that made you slow down and really savor each bite.

That dinner sparked the idea of recreating something similar at home, but with a lighter twist. Instead of serving the chicken over pasta, I paired it with roasted spaghetti squash. This simple change transformed the dish into something both comforting and nourishing. Fresh spinach folded in at the end gave it that burst of color and vibrancy that makes every forkful taste alive.

Over time, it became more than just another recipe—it became a family favorite. Friends would ask for it during gatherings, and soon it was part of our regular rotation of weeknight dinners. If you’ve been looking up “Spaghetti Squash and Spinach Recipes” or hunting for “Chicken with Spaghetti Squash Recipes,” this Tuscan-inspired dish captures the best of both worlds.

Why spinach and spaghetti squash are delicious together

What makes this dish special is how the ingredients work together to create balance. Spaghetti squash, when roasted, yields delicate golden strands that mimic pasta while being naturally low in carbs and calories. It offers a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with savory, creamy sauces. On the other hand, spinach brings freshness to the plate, wilting perfectly into the sauce without overpowering the dish.

The combination satisfies the craving for a hearty, pasta-style dinner while keeping things light and nutrient-packed. Spinach provides iron and antioxidants, while spaghetti squash offers fiber and vitamins without the heaviness of traditional pasta. This is exactly why so many “Healthy Recipes with Squash” highlight pairings like this—it proves you don’t need to give up flavor or comfort when making health-conscious choices.

In short, Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Spaghetti Squash is a dish that balances indulgence with everyday wellness. It tastes luxurious without being overdone, making it one of the best ways to bring a touch of Tuscany straight to your table.

Tuscan Chicken with Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Ingredients for the perfect Tuscan chicken dinner

What makes this dish shine is the balance of simple, wholesome ingredients layered together to create incredible flavor. Below is a detailed ingredient list you can follow to make your own Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Spaghetti Squash. This aligns perfectly with those looking for Spaghetti Squash Main Dish Recipes that are satisfying yet lighter than pasta-based traditional meals.

2 medium spaghetti squash
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Step-by-step preparation method

Roast the Spaghetti Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), slice spaghetti squash lengthwise and scoop seeds. Drizzle cut sides with olive oil, season, and roast cut-side down for 35–40 minutes. Once cool, scrape strands with a fork.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in skillet, sear 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Rest covered.
Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Deglaze with broth, then add cream and Parmesan. Simmer to thicken and season with spices.
Finish with Spinach & Assemble: Fold spinach into sauce, nestle chicken back in, and simmer briefly. Serve over roasted spaghetti squash strands, garnished with parsley or basil.

Serving Ideas & Variations

Creative ways to serve Tuscan chicken

Serve family-style by layering squash in a rustic bowl, topping with chicken and sauce, and garnishing with fresh herbs for an inviting centerpiece. For plated elegance, arrange squash and chicken side by side with drizzled sauce and Parmesan shavings. Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots for a colorful meal. For entertaining, create a “build-your-own bowl” station with optional toppings like olives, herbs, or cheese. These thoughtful touches turn this comforting dish into one of the most enjoyable Dinners with Spaghetti Squash.

Recipe variations and healthy swaps

Swap the Base: Try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of spaghetti squash.
Lighter Sauces: Replace cream with half-and-half, coconut milk, or cashew cream for dairy-free options.
Protein Alternatives: Substitute turkey, shrimp, or salmon for variety while keeping it one of your go-to Healthy Recipes with Squash.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, roasted peppers, or artichokes for added nutrition.
Low-Sodium: Opt for unsalted broth and adjust seasonings, as Parmesan and tomatoes already bring flavor.

FAQs and Conclusion

Frequently asked questions

Can I make Tuscan chicken ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce two days in advance and store separately from squash. Reheat gently with broth or cream before serving. Squash can also be roasted a day early.

How do I store and reheat?
Keep leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken and sauce in a skillet with a splash of broth, and warm squash in the microwave or oven.

What makes spaghetti squash different from pasta?
Spaghetti squash transforms into strands when roasted, offering fewer carbs, more vitamins, and natural gluten-free qualities while still giving the satisfaction of pasta. This is why it’s a staple in Spaghetti Squash Main Dish Recipes.

Does spinach lose nutrients when cooked?
It loses some vitamin C, but cooking boosts the absorption of calcium and iron while releasing antioxidants, making it still highly nutritious in meals like this.

Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken with Spinach and Spaghetti Squash is the ideal balance of comfort and health. The dish captures creamy Tuscan-style flavor without heaviness, delivering a guilt-free yet indulgent dinner. Whether hosting friends, serving family, or prepping for the week, its versatile nature ensures a place in your dinner rotation.

It perfectly fits categories like Spaghetti Squash Main Dish Recipes and Healthy Recipes with Squash, while offering fresh possibilities for Dinners with Spaghetti Squash. Bring Tuscany to your table with this easy, wholesome recipe—and watch it quickly become a new favorite.