Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash (Creamy, Low Carb & Gluten Free)

If you’re craving rich, creamy comfort food but still want to keep things light, Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash is the recipe that truly delivers the best of both worlds. Inspired by classic Tuscan flavors—garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cream—this dish transforms a traditionally heavy pasta meal into a low-carb, gluten-free dinner without sacrificing indulgence.

This recipe swaps pasta for tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash, which soak up the creamy sauce beautifully while keeping the meal naturally lighter. Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a garlic-infused cream sauce make it hearty enough for dinner, yet balanced enough for anyone watching carbs or avoiding gluten.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting guests who love flavor-forward food, this dish fits effortlessly into your rotation.


Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Recipe

This creamy Tuscan chicken with spaghetti squash checks all the boxes:

  • Low carb & gluten free without tasting “diet”
  • Creamy, comforting texture with bold Italian-inspired flavor
  • One-pan sauce with minimal cleanup
  • Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests
  • Naturally customizable for dairy-free or keto-friendly diets

Spaghetti squash is often overlooked, but when roasted correctly, it becomes the perfect neutral base—lightly sweet, tender, and ideal for soaking up sauce.


Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Squash

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tuscan Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Roast the Spaghetti Squash
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly, then scrape into strands with a fork.
  2. Prepare the Chicken
    Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear the Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. Build the Sauce
    In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  5. Make It Creamy
    Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add Cheese and Spinach
    Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
  7. Combine Everything
    Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 5 minutes so flavors meld.
  8. Serve
    Plate spaghetti squash strands and top with creamy Tuscan chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Squash

  • Roast cut-side down to prevent dryness
  • Don’t overcook—soft but slightly firm strands are ideal
  • Season after roasting for best texture
  • Use a fork gently to avoid mushy squash

Variations & Customizations

Dairy-Free:
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.

Keto-Friendly:
This recipe already fits keto macros—just ensure sun-dried tomatoes have no added sugar.

Add Mushrooms:
Sauté sliced mushrooms after the garlic for extra umami.

Spicy Version:
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.


Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp green salad
  • Serve with roasted asparagus or zucchini
  • Add garlic bread for non–low-carb guests
  • Enjoy with sparkling water or dry white wine

Cultural Inspiration: Tuscan Flavors Made Modern

Tuscan cuisine is known for simplicity—fresh ingredients, bold seasoning, and rustic comfort. This dish honors that tradition while adapting it for modern dietary preferences. Creamy sauces are often paired with pasta, but spaghetti squash offers a lighter canvas that still respects the soul of Tuscan cooking.


Meal Prep & Storage

  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in airtight containers
  • Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or microwave
  • Freeze: Freeze chicken and sauce separately from squash

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. It’s rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful while staying low carb and gluten free. Whether you’re new to spaghetti squash or already a fan, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Tuscan Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

Creamy Tuscan-style chicken served over tender spaghetti squash for a low carb, gluten free comfort meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 2 lbs chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Roast spaghetti squash until tender and shred into strands.
  2. Season and sear chicken until golden and cooked through.
  3. Prepare creamy Tuscan sauce with garlic, tomatoes, cream, and broth.
  4. Add spinach and cheese, then return chicken to sauce.
  5. Serve over spaghetti squash and garnish with basil.

Notes

Adjust cream thickness with broth as needed.

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