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+ servings
Servings: 2

Spaghetti Squash Pesto Chicken

This chicken pesto spaghetti squash dish is warm, comforting, and surprisingly hearty, while simultaneously being very bright, light, and fresh tasting thanks to the homemade pesto.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash, cut in half lengthwise, seeds removed
  • sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves
  • 2 Tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsps fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsps hemp seeds
  • 1 lb. chicken breast or chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, chopped small

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup afterwards.
  • Carefully cut your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a very sharp large chef’s knife, scoop out the seeds (I use an ice cream scoop to make this easier) and place cut side up, on your baking sheet.
  • Brush both insides very lightly with oil and season lightly with sea salt and pepper. Flip your squash cut side down onto your baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes.
  • Actual bake time will depend on the size of your squash.
  • Meanwhile, prepare your basil pesto by blending the basil, oil, fresh lemon juice, hemp seeds and garlic cloves in a small food processor or blender. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
  • Pat your chicken dry using a paper towel.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray or coat the skillet very lightly with avocado oil or olive oil. Stir fry your chopped chicken pieces for 5 to 7 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
  • Stir in your fresh pesto to coat the chicken and cook until just heated through, for about 2 minutes.
  • Once the squash is finished roasting, remove from the oven and carefully flip them back up like a boat. Use a fork to lightly scrape and loosen the 'spaghetti' strands from the inside of each squash. Shred your spaghetti squash into noodle-y strands.
  • Divide squash evenly between plates and top with your chicken and pesto mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 632kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 58g, Fat: 30g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 145mg, Sodium: 347mg, Potassium: 1430mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 1359IU, Vitamin C: 22mg, Calcium: 174mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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