Dive into a delicious meal that's not only satisfying but also healthy. This Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash recipe is a unique spin on conventional pasta dishes. It's a delightful combination of roasted spaghetti squash, hearty chicken, crunchy green beans, and cherry tomatoes, all tied together with a vibrant basil pesto.
One ingredient that you may need to hunt down is spaghetti squash. It's becoming more widely available in supermarkets, especially in the fall season. It's a winter squash that, when cooked, has a unique texture similar to spaghetti, hence its name. If it's not in your regular grocery rotation, you might find it in the produce section of your supermarket, often near other squashes. Basil pesto is typically found in the refrigerated section near other pasta sauces.
Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash: A low-calorie, high-fiber alternative to pasta. It roasts in the oven and can be shredded into spaghetti-like strands.
Oil: Used for roasting the squash and sautéing the chicken and green beans.
Chicken thighs: A flavorful and juicy part of the chicken that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Green beans: Adds a nice crunch and pop of color to the dish.
Basil pesto: A flavorful sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and oil.
Cherry tomatoes: They add a burst of freshness and sweetness.
One reader, Bobbi Held says:
This pesto chicken spaghetti squash recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the dish is incredibly satisfying. The combination of the tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and perfectly cooked spaghetti squash is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal.
Cooking Techniques for Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Recipe
How to prepare spaghetti squash: Microwave the squash for 5 minutes to make it easier to cut open. Then, cut the squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
How to sear chicken thighs: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large, nonstick skillet. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear them on each side for about 4 minutes.
How to sauté green beans: Toss the green beans into the pan and sauté until they’ve started to soften.
How to toss ingredients together: Add in the spaghetti squash, pesto, and chicken, and toss until well combined. After the mixture is heated through, toss in the cherry tomatoes and give the pan one last toss to help everything come together.
How To Make Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Roasted spaghetti squash is sauteed with green beans and pesto chicken to make a delicious, colorful, and nutritious meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1spaghetti squash
- 1tbspoil,plus more for drizzling
- salt,to taste
- ½tspblack pepper
- 4chicken thighs,boneless skinless
- ½lbgreen beans,trimmed
- 1cupbasil pesto
- 2cupscherry tomatoes,halved
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
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Using a fork, pierce holes along one side of the spaghetti squash.
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Microwave the squash for 5 minutes to make it easier to cut open.
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Using a sharp knife, cut the squash in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a spoon.
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Transfer the squash to a roasting pan and drizzle with oil. Season the flesh with salt and pepper, and flip the squash so that the cavity faces down on the pan.
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Bake for 40 minutes until the squash is easily pierced with a knife.
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Once out of the oven, use a fork to pull the threads out of the spaghetti squash.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large, nonstick skillet. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear them on each side for about 4 minutes.
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Remove the chicken from the pan and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into cubes.
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Toss the green beans into the pan and sauté until they’ve started to soften.
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Add in the spaghetti squash, pesto, and chicken, and toss until well combined.
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After the mixture is heated through, toss in the cherry tomatoes and give the pan one last toss to help everything come together.
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Remove from heat and serve.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 499.45kcal
- Fat: 38.56g
- Saturated Fat: 8.02g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.46g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.37g
- Carbohydrates: 13.60g
- Fiber: 3.56g
- Sugar: 4.63g
- Protein: 25.18g
- Cholesterol: 129.66mg
- Sodium: 790.76mg
- Calcium: 121.16mg
- Potassium: 556.46mg
- Iron: 2.80mg
- Vitamin A: 71.43µg
- Vitamin C: 14.02mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
When preparing the spaghetti squash, it's important to remember that microwaving it before cutting can make the process much easier and safer. The heat from the microwave softens the tough outer skin, making it easier to cut through. However, be sure to let it cool slightly before handling to avoid burns. Additionally, when scraping out the seeds, use a spoon with a sharp edge for best results. This will allow you to remove the seeds and stringy flesh more efficiently without wasting any of the good squash.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Spaghetti Squash Dish
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, marinate the chicken, and make the pesto in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought pesto to save time, or prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge.
Multi-task: While the squash is roasting, prepare the other ingredients to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Invest in tools: Use a sharp knife and a good quality vegetable peeler to make prepping the squash and other ingredients quicker and easier.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a large skillet or pot to cook the entire dish, minimizing the number of dishes to clean up afterward.
Substitute Ingredients For Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Recipe
spaghetti squash - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles can be used as a low-carb alternative to spaghetti squash, providing a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken thighs, reducing the overall fat content of the dish.
green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus can be used as a substitute for green beans, providing a similar crunch and earthy flavor to the dish.
basil pesto - Substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto: Sun-dried tomato pesto can be used as a flavorful alternative to basil pesto, adding a rich and tangy twist to the dish.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sundried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes can be used as a substitute for cherry tomatoes, providing a more concentrated and intense flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Elevate the spaghetti squash: Carefully arrange the strands of the spaghetti squash in a circular motion on the plate, creating a nest-like appearance to hold the other components of the dish.
Artful placement of the chicken: Arrange the seared chicken cubes in a visually appealing manner on top of the spaghetti squash, ensuring they are evenly distributed and create a focal point on the plate.
Garnish with vibrant green beans: Place the sautéed green beans strategically around the plate, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish while enhancing the overall presentation.
Drizzle with basil pesto: Using a squeeze bottle or a small spoon, delicately drizzle the basil pesto in a zigzag pattern over the chicken and spaghetti squash, adding a touch of elegance and flavor to the dish.
Adorn with cherry tomatoes: Position the vibrant cherry tomatoes around the plate, adding bursts of color and a refreshing contrast to the other elements of the dish.
Final touch with a sprinkle of black pepper: Lightly dust the dish with freshly ground black pepper, adding a hint of complexity and a visually appealing finishing touch to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Spaghetti Squash Recipes
Fork: A fork is a small utensil with two or more prongs used for picking up and eating food.
Knife: A knife is a sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Spoon: A spoon is a utensil with a small bowl and a handle, used for stirring, serving, and eating food.
Microwave: A microwave is a kitchen appliance that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat and cook food quickly.
Roasting pan: A roasting pan is a deep, wide pan used for roasting meats and vegetables in the oven.
Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing foods.
Nonstick skillet: A nonstick skillet is a type of skillet with a nonstick coating that prevents food from sticking to the pan.
Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Food processor: A food processor is a kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Spatula: A spatula is a flat, flexible utensil used for flipping, spreading, and lifting foods.
Tongs: Tongs are a kitchen tool with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate foods.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
Cutting board: A cutting board is a flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is a flat, rectangular pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other foods in the oven.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and incorporating air into ingredients.
Tongs: Tongs are a kitchen tool with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate foods.
Storing and Freezing Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
To store leftover pesto chicken spaghetti squash, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the dish, it's best to store the spaghetti squash and the pesto chicken mixture separately. Place the cooled spaghetti squash in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
For the pesto chicken mixture, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen pesto chicken spaghetti squash, thaw both the squash and the chicken mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat, place the thawed spaghetti squash in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
For the pesto chicken mixture, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
Once both components are heated, toss them together and serve the pesto chicken spaghetti squash hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or cherry tomatoes if desired.
Reheating Leftover Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
When reheating leftover pesto chicken spaghetti squash, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken and squash from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through.
Another option is to reheat the leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add the leftover pesto chicken spaghetti squash and stir occasionally until it's heated through. This method allows you to quickly reheat smaller portions and can help crisp up the chicken and vegetables.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the leftovers in the microwave. Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help prevent the spaghetti squash from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the pesto to become greasy and the chicken to become tough.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to reheat the leftovers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. If the dish seems a bit dry after reheating, you can always add a small amount of fresh pesto or a splash of chicken broth to help revive the flavors and maintain the desired consistency.
Interesting Fact About Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
The spaghetti squash used in this recipe is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. It's also a low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. Additionally, the basil pesto adds a burst of flavor and is a good source of healthy fats from the olive oil and pine nuts. This dish is a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Budget-Friendly Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Recipe
This pesto chicken spaghetti squash recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as spaghetti squash, chicken thighs, green beans, and cherry tomatoes, are generally affordable and readily available. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations based on budget and preference. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8 out of 10.
Is This Spaghetti Squash Recipe Healthy?
This pesto chicken spaghetti squash recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Spaghetti squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable that provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being low in calories. The recipe also incorporates lean protein from the chicken thighs and additional vegetables like green beans and cherry tomatoes, which add more nutrients and fiber to the dish. The use of pesto as a sauce provides healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, as well as antioxidants from the basil.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce the overall fat content
- Opt for a homemade pesto sauce to control the amount of oil and sodium used
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish to boost the nutrient content further
- Consider using a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese instead of relying solely on the pesto for flavor
By making these simple adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the dish while still maintaining its delicious taste. Additionally, you could experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to increase the variety of nutrients and flavors in the recipe. Serving the pesto chicken spaghetti squash alongside a fresh side salad would also help to round out the meal and provide even more beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Editor's Opinion on This Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Recipe
The recipe for pesto chicken spaghetti squash is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of spaghetti squash as a low-carb alternative to pasta adds a healthy twist, while the basil pesto brings a burst of fresh herbaceousness. The seared chicken thighs and sautéed green beans provide a satisfying protein and vegetable component, and the burst of cherry tomatoes adds a pop of sweetness. Overall, this dish is a well-balanced and delicious option for a wholesome meal.
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Why trust this Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as it combines the wholesome goodness of spaghetti squash with succulent chicken thighs and vibrant cherry tomatoes. The infusion of fragrant basil pesto adds a burst of flavor, while the inclusion of green beans ensures a nutritious balance. The meticulous cooking instructions promise a satisfying outcome, making this dish a trustworthy choice for a wholesome and delicious meal.
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