There’s something so satisfying about this Healthy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe that blends comfort food vibes with a wholesome twist. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken nestled inside the naturally noodle-like squash — it’s a dinner win you’ll want on your regular rotation.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Healthy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Healthy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this recipe—thinking I’d be missing out on the creamy indulgence of traditional Alfredo. But it totally surprised me! The spaghetti squash keeps it light but still so satisfying, and the chicken fills it right up for a hearty meal.
- Light and nutritious: Using spaghetti squash instead of pasta cuts down on carbs while keeping a pasta-like texture.
- Flavor-packed creamy sauce: The Alfredo sauce is tangy with lemon and cheesy without heavy cream, making it healthier but still rich.
- Quick protein boost: Incorporating shredded rotisserie chicken means you’re adding lean protein with minimal prep.
- Easy to customize: You can tweak the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives without losing a bit of the magic.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These ingredients come together like an all-star team — each playing a crucial role to keep the dish light, creamy, and full of texture. Picking fresh shallots and quality Parmesan really helps the flavors shine through. Also, a medium-sized spaghetti squash usually gives just the right amount of “noodles” for this recipe.
- Spaghetti squash: The star of the dish, giving you a low-calorie, naturally gluten-free pasta substitute that whips up into delicate strands.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth base flavor and helps soften the shallots and garlic.
- Shallots: Milder and sweeter than onions, they melt into the sauce for subtle depth.
- Garlic: The classic flavor enhancer—just the right amount to avoid overpowering.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce without needing heavy cream.
- 2% reduced-fat milk: Keeps the sauce creamy but cuts back on the fat.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the Alfredo sauce, giving a fresh contrast to the richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty umami that’s essential to Alfredo flavor.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out all the tastes.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Saves time while infusing the dish with tender protein.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that golden, bubbly topping.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.
Make It Your Way
I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. Sometimes, I toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra veggie kick. You’ll find that this dish is a great canvas for whatever healthy twists you want to add.
- Variation: Swap the chicken for cooked shrimp when you want a bit of a seafood vibe — it turns out beautifully with the lemony Alfredo sauce.
- Dairy-free version: I often experiment by swapping regular milk for unsweetened almond milk and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly option. The flavor is still fantastic!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or freshly cracked black pepper to bring just a little heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Step 1: Roast the spaghetti squash just right
This part is crucial—you want the squash tender but not mushy. Cut the spaghetti squash lengthwise with a sharp knife (be careful, it can be tough!). I lightly coat the flesh with cooking spray to help it roast evenly and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 30 to 40 minutes. When you can pierce the skin easily with a fork, it’s ready. Let it cool enough to handle before moving on.
Step 2: Build the creamy Alfredo sauce on the stove
While the squash bakes, heat olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté the shallots and garlic until soft and fragrant—about 3 minutes. Whisk in the flour and give it a couple of minutes to cook out the raw taste. Then, slowly stream in the milk while whisking constantly so there are no lumps. Let it simmer until it thickens — that’s going to take around 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper, then fold in the shredded chicken.
Step 3: Combine the squash strands with the sauce
Once the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out and discard the seeds. Use a fork to rake out all those beautiful spaghetti-like strands, then stir them gently into the chicken Alfredo mixture. This is the filling that’s going into your squash "boats".
Step 4: Stuff, bake, and broil for bubbly perfection
Fill each hollowed-out squash half evenly with the creamy chicken mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top — this gives it that irresistible melty blanket. Pop them back in the oven for 10 minutes, then switch the oven to broil on HIGH for 2 minutes. Watch closely so the cheese gets those delicious golden spots without burning. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and fresh flavor.
Top Tip
Having made this Healthy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe several times, I learned that keeping a close eye during broiling makes a big difference in texture and appearance. That golden melt is what really elevates the dish!
- Perfect roasting: Don’t skip the cooking spray on the squash flesh — it helps create slight caramelization that boosts flavor.
- Whisk constantly: When adding milk to the roux, whisk vigorously to avoid lumps and get a smooth sauce every time.
- Broil carefully: Set a timer and stand by so you can catch the mozzarella bubbling with golden spots without burning it.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the stuffed squash rest for a few minutes so the filling sets—not too hot to eat but perfectly cozy.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with finely chopped fresh parsley—it adds that nice herbal brightness and a splash of color that makes the dish pop right off the plate. Sometimes I add a little extra grated Parmesan and a fresh grind of black pepper for serving.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus. A simple Caesar salad or garlic sautéed green beans complement the creamy richness perfectly without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like to plate the stuffed squash halves on a big platter sprinkled with extra parsley and toasted pine nuts for crunch. You can also turn this into a sharing dish by scooping the filling into small ramekins, topped with cheese and broiled individually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store the squash halves with the filling intact in airtight containers to maintain moisture and flavor, but you can also scrape out the filling and store it separately if you prefer.
Freezing
I've frozen the filling alone before with good results — just cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge. I find freezing the stuffed squash halves intact can make them a bit watery on reheating, so it's best to freeze the filling separately.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer to use the oven for best texture — cover loosely with foil and warm at 300°F until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but results in softer squash and can sometimes make the cheese a little rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Shredded cooked chicken breast or leftover grilled chicken works great in this recipe. Just make sure it’s well shredded for even distribution with the sauce.
You can substitute regular yellow or sweet onion finely chopped, but shallots provide a gentler, sweeter flavor that complements the creamy sauce nicely.
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, swap milk for unsweetened almond or cashew milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and pick your favorite vegan shredded cheese. It’s still delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to dinners because it’s both nourishing and indulgent. It’s the perfect balance when you want something cozy without guilt, and it’s simple enough to whip up on busy nights. Give it a try—I bet it’ll end up on your favorite list, just like it did for me!
Print
Healthy Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Skinny Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a healthy twist on the classic chicken Alfredo dish, using spaghetti squash as a low-carb alternative to pasta. The recipe features a creamy, lemon-infused Alfredo sauce with shredded rotisserie chicken, topped with mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. It's a comforting, satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
Squash
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
Sauce and Filling
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup chopped shallots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Finely chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Using a large knife, carefully cut the spaghetti squash lengthwise from stem to tail. Lightly coat the flesh with cooking spray and place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes until tender. Let it cool enough to handle.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and minced garlic and cook for 3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually stream in 2 cups of 2% reduced-fat milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Gently simmer the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens. Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine Chicken and Spaghetti Squash: Scrape out and discard the seeds from the spaghetti squash. Use a fork to scrape out all the spaghetti-like strands and stir them into the chicken Alfredo sauce along with 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Stuff and Bake Squash Boats: Evenly fill the empty spaghetti squash shells with the chicken Alfredo mixture. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops. Return the stuffed squash boats to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
- Broil for Golden Cheese: After baking, set the oven to broil on HIGH. Broil the squash boats for about 2 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese is golden and bubbly in spots. Remove from the oven.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the stuffed spaghetti squash with finely chopped parsley before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Make Dairy-Free: Substitute the 2% reduced-fat milk with unsweetened plain almond milk or cashew milk. Replace grated Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use your favorite brand of shredded vegan mozzarella cheese, such as Follow Your Heart or Daiya.
- Storage: Store the stuffed spaghetti squash boats as is or transfer the filling into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, keep the squash boats whole and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through. Alternatively, microwave the filling separately until warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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