Making healthy, comforting meals at home doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor. This Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash Boats with Broccoli recipe beautifully combines tender shredded chicken, creamy basil pesto, and crisp-tender broccoli—all nestled inside roasted spaghetti squash “boats.” It’s a cozy yet refreshing low-carb dinner that tastes indulgent while staying light and nutritious. In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, chef-approved tips, nutritional details, and helpful FAQs—all crafted to help you prepare one of the most satisfying Spaghetti Squash Recipes Healthy Chicken lovers can enjoy for weeknight comfort or meal prep success.

Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash Boats with Broccoli – Healthy Low Carb Dinner

Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash Boats Inspiration

How This Chicken And Broccoli Spaghetti Squash Recipe Was Born

My journey to discovering spaghetti squash started on a busy weeknight when I was craving a big bowl of pasta but wanted something lighter. I picked up a spaghetti squash at the market on a whim and decided to give it a try. After roasting it, I was amazed at how those delicate strands mimicked pasta—tender, slightly nutty, and perfect for soaking up sauces. The following weekend, I tossed the roasted squash with shredded chicken, a spoonful of pesto, and bright green broccoli florets. The aroma of basil filled my kitchen, the golden squash halves turned into edible bowls, and suddenly, Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash Boats became a family favorite. This simple dish proved that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland.

Whether you’re exploring new Low Carb Recipes or searching for a comforting meal packed with Healthy Chicken, this creative combination of flavors satisfies both taste and nutrition every time.

There’s something magical about the marriage of tender chicken, creamy pesto, and perfectly roasted spaghetti squash—it’s light, fresh, and full of soul-warming satisfaction. This Chicken And Broccoli Spaghetti Squash recipe delivers the best of both worlds: the comfort of a pasta bake and the benefits of a low carb lifestyle.

The strands of squash absorb just enough pesto to coat every bite, while the broccoli adds crunch and balance. It’s a breeze to make, ideal for busy weeknights or planned meal prep, and can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings or cheese. For anyone longing for that creamy pasta texture without the heavy carbs, this Healthy Chicken dinner checks every box—easy, delicious, and nourishing from the first forkful to the last.

Spaghetti Squash Recipes Healthy Chicken Lovers Will Enjoy

Ingredients You’ll Need

This vibrant meal may look gourmet, but it calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out the best in each other. Below is a quick-reference table to help you gather what you need for your Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash Boats with Broccoli.

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose / Notes
Spaghetti squash	1 medium (about 2½–3 lbs)	Serves as the “noodle” base and edible bowl
Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)	2 large (about 1 lb total)	Provides lean, Healthy Chicken protein
Pesto (homemade or store-bought)	½ cup	Adds richness and fresh basil flavor
Broccoli florets	2 cups	Lends color, nutrients, and a crisp bite
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)	½ cup	Melts into a creamy layer on top
Parmesan cheese (grated)	¼ cup	Boosts savory depth
Olive oil	2 tbsp	For roasting squash and cooking chicken
Garlic (minced)	1–2 cloves	Enhances aroma and taste
Salt and black pepper	To taste	Seasons each component perfectly
Optional garnish: red pepper flakes or chopped basil	As desired	Adds color and flavor contrast

Substitution Ideas:

Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.
Dairy-free: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and a dairy-free pesto.
Low-Sodium: Choose no-salt pestos and adjust seasoning to taste.

Each ingredient plays a role in creating harmony between tenderness, creaminess, and freshness—qualities that make this one of the most balanced Spaghetti Squash Recipes Healthy Chicken eaters can prepare.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cut your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and rub the cut sides with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast the Squash: Place squash halves cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes until the strands are tender when scraped with a fork. Let cool slightly before handling. To avoid watery squash, don’t overbake—it should be tender but still hold shape.
Cook the Chicken: While the squash is roasting, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest, then shred or cube.
Steam the Broccoli: In a small pot or microwave-safe bowl, steam broccoli florets until just crisp-tender, about 3–4 minutes. Drain well. Overcooking can make broccoli mushy, so keep it vibrant and slightly firm.
Combine with Pesto: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, broccoli, garlic, and pesto until evenly coated. Stir in half of the mozzarella and a spoonful of parmesan for extra creaminess.
Assemble the Boats: Flip the roasted spaghetti squash halves right-side up. Gently scrape the inside with a fork to loosen the strands, keeping them inside the shell. Divide the chicken-pesto mixture between the halves and toss lightly to distribute.
Bake to Finish: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top. Return the “boats” to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve straight from the hollowed squash shells for a rustic presentation that’s both beautiful and practical.

This method guarantees tender spaghetti squash strands, juicy chicken, and that irresistible cheesy pesto aroma wafting from the oven. Whether you’re new to Low Carb Recipes or simply craving something satisfying, these steps make it effortless to bring together flavor, comfort, and healthy low carb dinner perfection.

Low Carb Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash Variations

Chef Tips for Perfect Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Roast the squash the right way: Cut lengthwise for longer “noodle” strands and roast cut-side down for caramelized edges and perfect tenderness.
Season each layer: Lightly season the chicken and broccoli before mixing—this ensures consistent, bold flavor.
Choose the perfect pesto: Use homemade or quality store-bought pesto made with real olive oil, basil, and nuts.
Mind your cheese: Blend mozzarella for stretch and Parmesan for savory depth. Part-skim versions keep it light.
Avoid heavy sauces: Let the fresh pesto shine—keep the texture light and the flavors balanced.
Crisp golden top: Broil briefly for 1–2 minutes at the end for a bubbly, golden crust.

These smart techniques guarantee every serving of Chicken And Broccoli Spaghetti Squash is creamy, balanced, and aromatic.

Nutrition Info & Delicious Serving Ideas

This recipe is nutrient-dense, high in protein, and low in carbohydrates—perfect for clean eating goals. Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (two servings per squash):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	Notes
Calories	420 kcal	Balanced for a satisfying meal
Protein	38 g	From chicken and cheese
Carbohydrates	13 g	Mostly from spaghetti squash and broccoli
Fiber	4 g	Contributes to fullness
Fat	24 g	Healthy fats from olive oil, cheese, and pesto
Net Carbs	9 g	Ideal for low carb lifestyles

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with a crisp garden salad and lemon vinaigrette for a complete low carb dinner.
Try garlic parmesan zucchini fries or cauliflower breadsticks for a fun, complementary twist.
Add toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for texture and color.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips:

Prep components ahead: roast squash, cook chicken, and blanch broccoli up to two days in advance.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
For meal prep, pack in single servings for convenient lunches or quick dinners.

With this blend of flavor, nutrition, and convenience, Spaghetti Squash Recipes Healthy Chicken meals easily become a staple in any wellness-focused kitchen.

Chicken And Broccoli Spaghetti Squash FAQs & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Shredded or rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves prep time. Combine with the pesto and broccoli before filling the squash shells.

2. How do I keep spaghetti squash strands from getting soggy?
Roast cut-side down and avoid overbaking. Let the squash cool a few minutes to release steam before scraping out the strands.

3. What kind of pesto works best?
Classic basil pesto delivers the best traditional flavor, but kale or spinach versions also add nutrition and keep it in the Low Carb Recipes family.

4. Can this be made dairy-free or vegetarian?
Yes—use dairy-free pesto and vegan cheese alternatives or skip chicken for a plant-based twist using chickpeas or mushrooms.

5. How long do the leftovers last in the fridge?
Up to three to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. The flavors deepen, making excellent next-day lunches.

Conclusion

This Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash Boats with Broccoli recipe proves that wholesome eating can be satisfying and comforting. Tender roasted squash, juicy Healthy Chicken, creamy pesto, and crisp broccoli create a flavorful meal without heavy carbs.

Perfect for families, meal preppers, or veggie-forward cooks exploring new Low Carb Recipes, this dish combines convenience with classic Italian-inspired tastes. Its presentation in golden spaghetti squash “boats” is both impressive and practical, ensuring every bite feels indulgent.

Give these Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash Boats a try tonight, and discover how a simple twist on comfort food can deliver a lighter, equally satisfying result. With bold flavors, texture, and balance, it’s a recipe destined to become a regular favorite at your table.