Finally, an excuse to have spinach artichoke dip for dinner! This Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken has been a site favorite for over seven years, and it's no wonder why. It's a low-carb dish made with the creamiest from-scratch sauce, fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, and a mix of cheeses.
1(14-ounce) can artichoke heartsdrained and quartered
4cupsfresh baby spinach leavesthinly sliced
1cupshredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsleyfinely chopped, optional
Grated Parmesan cheeseoptional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Cut the spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Scrape out and discard the seeds. Drizzle squash with 2 tablespoons of the avocado oil. Use your hands to rub it all over the flesh and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
1 large spaghetti squash, 4 tablespoons avocado oil, 2 ¾ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
Place the spaghetti squash flat side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until squash is tender and the edges begin to caramelize. Remove the squash from the oven and flip. Let cool for 10-15 minutes, then scrape and fluff the strands from the sides of the squash by dragging a fork from the stem to the root.
Cut the chicken into four 4-ounce portions. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until 1-inch thick. In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian seasoning, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken breasts.
2 ¾ teaspoons salt, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons avocado oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, then flip. Cover and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate, allow to cool for 5-10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
4 tablespoons avocado oil
Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3 tablespoons salted butter, ½ medium sweet onion, 3 garlic cloves
Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the flour until a thick paste forms. Over the course of about 5 minutes, very slowly add the milk and broth a little at a time, stirring constantly between each addition.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ½ cup whole milk, ¾ cup chicken broth
Add the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth, then mix in the artichoke hearts, spinach, and cubed chicken. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until spinach is wilted.
Turn the oven to broil. Evenly divide the spinach-artichoke mixture between the two squash halves, pulling up the noodles so the sauce spreads throughout. Top each half with ½ cup mozzarella cheese. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese begins to bubble. Serve with parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, Fresh parsley, Grated Parmesan cheese
Video
Notes
Spaghetti Squash: If you're having a hard time cutting it in half, poke a few holes into the skin and microwave for about 5 minutes. This softens the skin, making it easier to cut.
Yogurt: A low-fat yogurt can be substituted for a lighter dish.
Prep-Ahead: Roast the spaghetti squash and prepare the filling up to a day ahead. Store them separately and assemble just before serving.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until warmed through.