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Homemade Chicken-Pesto Spaghetti Squash photo

Chicken-Pesto Spaghetti Squash

A light, low-carb meal combining roasted spaghetti squash with homemade basil-pine nut pesto and pan-seared chicken.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 spaghetti squash medium
  • 1 tablespoon oil divided
  • salt
  • 8 ounces chicken breast skinless, boneless, cubed
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • 6 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 2 cups basil lightly packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Rimmed Baking Sheet
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Large Skillet
  • small baking sheet
  • Food Processor
  • Knife
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Rub the cut sides with 1/2 tablespoon of the oil and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet and roast until a fork easily shreds the flesh, about 45–60 minutes.
  4. While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Season the cubed chicken with a generous pinch of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  6. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  7. Arrange the pine nuts on a small baking sheet and toast in the oven until lightly golden, about 5–10 minutes; watch closely to avoid burning.
  8. Place the toasted pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until crushed. Add the basil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and process until combined.
  9. With the processor running, stream in the 2 tablespoons olive oil until the pesto is smooth and emulsified; scrape down the sides as needed.
  10. Use a fork to scrape the spaghetti squash flesh into strands. Divide the squash between 2 bowls and stir about half of the pesto into each bowl.
  11. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken and additional basil if desired. Taste and season with more salt if needed, then serve.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking.
  • Watch pine nuts closely while toasting; they burn quickly.
  • Pulse the pesto just until combined for a slightly textured sauce.
  • Reserve extra pesto for another use.