Description
This Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash recipe offers a wholesome twist on a classic creamy Alfredo dish by using roasted spaghetti squash as a low-carb pasta alternative. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts and fresh broccoli are baked alongside the squash, and a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce made with cottage cheese, milk, broth, butter, and Parmesan cheese complements the dish perfectly. This meal is comforting, healthy, and satisfying—ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 3-3.5 lbs)
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken breasts
- 2-3 cups chopped broccoli
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (for chicken)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 2/3 cup cottage cheese
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 3-4 Tablespoons broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons chopped chives
- More Parmesan (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F to prepare for roasting the spaghetti squash and baking the chicken and broccoli.
- Cut Squash: Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds to create two squash boats.
- Arrange Squash: Pour a 1/4 inch layer of water into a casserole dish or baking pan and place each squash half cut-side down in the dish.
- Roast Squash: Roast the squash for 10 minutes. This initial roasting softens the squash and gets it ready while you prep other ingredients.
- Season Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, then place them on one side of a large baking sheet.
- Season Broccoli: On the opposite side of the baking sheet, spread out the chopped broccoli and toss it with the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and salt to taste.
- Bake Broccoli & Chicken: Place the baking sheet with chicken and broccoli on a separate oven rack and bake alongside the spaghetti squash for 35-40 minutes, until the squash is soft and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Blend Sauce: While the squash and chicken are baking, blend together the cottage cheese, milk, broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth to form the Alfredo sauce base.
- Melt Butter and Simmer Sauce: In a pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter, then add the blended sauce mixture. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it starts to thicken, then remove from heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep the sauce warm.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Pull Squash Strands: Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the roasted spaghetti squash to create noodle-like strands.
- Toss Chicken and Sauce: Add the shredded chicken pieces to each spaghetti squash half, then pour the warm Alfredo sauce over the top evenly.
- Add Parmesan and Bake to Melt Cheese: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top, then lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and bake the assembled dish for 10 minutes, until everything is heated through and the cheese melts beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped chives or your favorite herbs. Serve hot, enjoy immediately, or freeze portions for later use.
Notes
- Using avocado oil adds a mild flavor and high smoke point suitable for roasting and baking.
- You can substitute broccoli with other favorite vegetables like asparagus or kale if desired.
- The cottage cheese in the sauce provides creaminess with less fat compared to heavy cream.
- Make sure the spaghetti squash is fully cooked and tender before shredding to get the best noodle texture.
- Adjust seasoning of the sauce to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or Parmesan as preferred.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.