Stuffed Spaghetti Squash lovers, you’re in for something special today!
Tired of heavy pasta dishes that leave you feeling sluggish? This Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is the lighter, protein-packed comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Filled with juicy chicken, tender spinach, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s a wholesome alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen! As the heart behind Cooks Foody, I believe food should inspire and nourish. I created this dish during one of my weeknight experiments when I craved something cozy, yet nutritious. It quickly became a family favorite and I can’t wait for it to become one of yours too.
In this post, we’ll break down everything: why it works, meat tips, step-by-step instructions, flavor swaps, and FAQs.
Why This Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe Works
- ✅ Uses lean chicken breast for a protein-rich filling
- ✅ Roasted spaghetti squash replaces carb-heavy pasta
- ✅ Ready in under an hour perfect for busy nights
- ✅ Kid-friendly flavors with creamy garlic-Parmesan goodness
- ✅ Customizable for low-carb, keto, or dairy-free diets
Choosing the Right Meat for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Best Cuts for This Recipe
For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly and shred beautifully into the cheesy stuffing. Alternatively, chicken thighs work well for juicier results.
Buying Tips
- Look for firm, pale pink chicken with no odor
- Organic or air-chilled chicken tends to have better texture and flavor
Substitutions
- Ground chicken or turkey works great
- For vegetarians, sub with white beans or sautéed mushrooms
Ingredients & Prep for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Meat Prep Essentials
- Dice or shred cooked chicken (grilled or pan-seared works)
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs
Marinades & Rubs
No long marinating is needed, but a quick mix of:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Lemon juice
- Paprika
Let sit for 10–15 mins for a flavor boost.
Pantry Staples
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Grated Parmesan
- Mozzarella
- Baby spinach
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper (optional)
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Pre-Cooking Prep for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Cut squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
- Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast cut-side down at 400°F for 30–35 minutes.
Cooking Method for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- While squash roasts, cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Sauté garlic and spinach until wilted.
- Stir in chicken, Parmesan, and a splash of cream (optional).
- Fill squash halves with mixture and top with mozzarella.
Doneness Check for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F
- Squash strands should pull apart easily with a fork
Resting for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Let squash rest for 5 minutes post-roasting before stuffing. This prevents sogginess.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat in Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Don’t overcook chicken
- Add a spoon of broth if filling seems dry
Tool Recommendations
- Sheet pan
- Meat thermometer
- Cast-iron skillet
- Fork for fluffing squash strands
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 60-second bursts
Flavor Variations for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Variation Type | What to Add | Notes |
---|---|---|
Spicy Twist | Red chili flakes or diced jalapeños | Adds heat to the creamy base |
Low-Carb/Keto | Swap cream for full-fat coconut milk | Keep the same cheesy goodness |
Italian-Style | Add sun-dried tomatoes & basil | More herbaceous and rich |
Mexican-Inspired | Add cumin, black beans & cheddar | Topped with avocado and cilantro |
Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted veggies
- Pair with sparkling water, iced tea, or lemon cucumber spritz
- Crusty garlic bread (optional if you’re not low-carb)
FAQs About Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw completely before cooking.
What if my squash is watery?
Let it cool slightly after roasting and blot excess moisture with a paper towel.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Prep filling and roast squash separately. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Is this safe for kids or pregnancy?
Absolutely! Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and skip spicy add-ins for little ones.
Conclusion
Ready to make something wholesome and satisfying? Fire up your oven and try this Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash tonight!
Print
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash 1 Irresistible Low-Carb Winner
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan packed into roasted spaghetti squash halves a low-carb dinner winner!
Ingredients
1 medium spaghetti squash, halved
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups baby spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice spaghetti squash in half, scoop seeds, and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30–35 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, sauté garlic in a skillet with olive oil. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in chicken, Parmesan, and seasoning. Cook 2–3 mins more.
6. Once squash is done, fluff strands with a fork.
7. Fill each half with chicken-spinach mixture.
8. Top with mozzarella and bake for another 10 minutes or until bubbly.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
You can add a spoonful of cream to the chicken filling for extra richness.
For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed squash half
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: stuffed spaghetti squash, low-carb chicken recipes, parmesan squash