Easy 25 Minute Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes
We’re all busy and need more delicious and nutritious recipes that are ready in a jiffy. This easy 25 Minute Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes recipe is packed with health benefits that will leave you feeling satisfied. And if the kids or partner won’t eat “squash”, easily top pasta with the same pesto chicken.
Love pesto? Check out this Pesto Shrimp Pasta recipe.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.
“Due to its low-calorie content and high fiber content, it may aid weight loss and digestive health.”
Is Spaghetti Squash Good for You, by Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD at Healthline.com
It’s also a great source for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The best part: it can be ready in 15 minutes or less. Making it an excellent veggie for a quick meal.
See my post on How to Cook a Spaghetti Squash.
Chicken Breast
Lean protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and chicken breast is a fantastic source of it. Chicken tenders work best in this recipe, as they cook quicker than a chicken breast.
If you like this recipe, you’ll love my Chicken Artichoke Recipe. It’s ready in 35 minutes!
Pesto Sauce
Made with fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, and nuts, pesto not only adds incredible flavor but also offers health benefits if consumed in moderation. According to Parul Dube at Healthifyme.com, here are a few of those:
- Rich in omega-3s, reducing heart disease and strokes
- Packed with antioxidants
- Contains healthy fats
- Helps lower cholesterol levels
Keep in mind, this is in moderation. Pesto is also high in fat and should be consumed in small amounts.
If you like this recipe, you’ll love my Pesto Shrimp Pasta recipe.
Cheese
Pesto already contains cheese, but a little more won’t hurt in this healthy meal. Any cheese would work well in Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash. Here are few favorites:
- Goat Cheese
- Feta
- Parmesan
- Mozzarella
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium. They add a pop of color and a bit of acid. Use cherry tomatoes in this recipe.
Looking for more flavorful recipes that they whole family will enjoy? Try this Pork Piccata recipe.
Why Make Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash
We all need an easy recipe that can be ready in 25 minutes. This one is colorful and nutritious as well. Here is a recap of health benefits for a combination of all ingredients.
Health Benefits Recap
- Low-Carb Alternative: Spaghetti squash is an excellent choice for those watching their carb intake.
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast provides essential nutrients and lean protein.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Pesto sauce and tomatoes contain antioxidants that help combat inflammation and oxidative stress.
If you like this easy chicken recipe, you’ll love my Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs.
How to Make
This recipe is ready in 25 minutes, so buckle up and get ready.
- To start, sprinkle garlic salt on tenders. Place chicken tenders in dish along with cheese and tomatoes.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until chicken hits 165 degrees.
- While chicken is baking, cut squash, scoop out seeds, place flesh side down on a plate. Microwave for 5 minutes. You want the squash to be al dente, not mushy. If it’s still pretty firm, microwave for another 2-3 minutes.
- When chicken is at 165 degrees, remove from oven. Take out tenders and stir in pesto. Keep tenders whole or dice or shred.
- Scoop flesh out of spaghetti squash with a fork, creating strands. Mix together with pesto and cheese in dish. Add back in the chicken and enjoy.
If you are looking for other pesto recipes, you’ll love this warm Pesto Artichoke Dip.
This 25-Minute Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes is a culinary delight that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your health. With the nutritional benefits of spaghetti squash, chicken breast, pesto, and tomatoes, this dish packs a flavorful punch while keeping you on track with your health goals.
Thanks for reading along. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. If you would like more healthy recipes like this one sent right to your inbox, sign up for my Recipe Drops. They’re always FREE.
25 Minute Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes
Equipment
- 1 9×11 baking dish or something similar
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken Tenders cut from 2 chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup Pesto prepared
- 4 oz Goat Cheese
- 1 Spaghetti Squash
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- Garlic Salt or Salt for seasoning optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Season chicken tenders with a sprinkle of garlic salt (optional). Place tenders in a sprayed 9×11 pan, followed by tomatoes and goat cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until chicken is at 165℉.
- While chicken is baking, cook spaghetti squash. Cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, place flesh side down on a plate and microwave for 5 minutes on high. Check squash to see if it is still hard. It should have some give to it and the flesh should shred with a fork. If it is still hard, microwave for another 2-3 minutes. Shred flesh with fork.
- Remove dish from oven once chicken is at 165℉. Take chicken out and shred or dice into bite size pieces. Add pesto to dish, stirring to create a sauce with the juices in the pan.
- Add spaghetti squash into dish, stir to coat with sauce. (If you have picky eaters, and are doing pasta for them, keep the squash and pasta separate. Toss each with a little sauce. You may need to add more pesto.) Add in chicken, stir, and enjoy.