Chicken and Spinach Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Recipe
A healthy, flavorful twist on classic Alfredo using roasted spaghetti squash, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, all combined in a creamy, low-fat sauce with Parmesan and Greek yogurt for added richness.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Spaghetti Squash
- 1 large spaghetti squash (about 5 cups)
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Chicken and Spinach Alfredo
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 2 ounces low fat cream cheese
- 1/3 cup low fat milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
- Prepare Spaghetti Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking oil. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Season the cut sides with salt and pepper.
- Roast Squash: Place the squash halves cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 35-45 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Scoop Spaghetti Strands: Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands. Set aside.
- Season Chicken: Combine Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Toss the chicken pieces with the spice mixture, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Sauté Chicken and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until nearly done, about 5-7 minutes. Add baby spinach and sauté until wilted and chicken is cooked through.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Stir in low fat cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and low fat milk into the skillet. Cook and stir until a smooth sauce forms.
- Combine Spaghetti Squash: Add the spaghetti squash strands and Greek yogurt to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes, or place the skillet under the broiler for several minutes until the cheese melts and lightly browns.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this nutritious, comforting dish.
Notes
- Spaghetti squash cooking time varies with size; check tenderness by piercing with a fork.
- Use low-fat dairy ingredients to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
- Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cheeses and yogurt with suitable plant-based alternatives.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to avoid any foodborne illness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Spaghetti Squash Alfredo, Chicken Alfredo, Healthy Alfredo, Low Fat Alfredo, Spinach Pasta Substitute, Low Calorie Chicken Dinner