Italian Chicken Pesto with Spaghetti Squash

Italian Chicken Pesto with Spaghetti Squash
  • PREP TIME
    30 mins
  • COOK TIME
    50 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 30 mins
  • SERVING
    6 People
  • VIEWS
    17

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender strands of spaghetti squash tossed with savory Italian chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, and a fragrant pesto sauce. This healthy and satisfying meal is a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    42 g
  • Cholesterol
    37 mg
  • Fiber
    8 g
  • Protein
    22 g
  • Saturated Fat
    8 g
  • Sodium
    1825 mg
  • Sugar
    20 g
  • Fat
    26 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). (5 minutes)

02

Step

Sprinkle the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with Italian seasoning. Place the squash halves upside down on a rimmed baking sheet and add about 1 inch of water to the pan. (2 minutes)

03

Step

Bake in the preheated oven until the squash is tender and the flesh easily pulls away into strands when scraped with a fork, about 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly for about 10 minutes. (50 minutes)

04

Step

While the squash is baking, heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the Italian chicken sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease. (10 minutes)

05

Step

Add the broccoli florets and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. (7 minutes)

06

Step

Once the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands. Add the spaghetti squash strands to the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. (3 minutes)

07

Step

Sprinkle the basil, rosemary, and Italian seasoning over the mixture. Drizzle with olive oil. Stir in the pesto, starting with about 2 tablespoons and adding more to taste. Gently fold in the sun-dried tomatoes. (5 minutes)

08

Step

Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 2-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve immediately. (5 minutes)

For a richer flavor, try using homemade pesto.
If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with a handful of cherry tomatoes, halved.
To save time, you can microwave the spaghetti squash. Cut in half, remove seeds, and microwave cut-side up with a little water in a microwave-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
Consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a lovely finishing touch (though this will make the recipe not strictly paleo).

Janice Grady

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.6/ 5 ( 5 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
  • Ellen Carroll

    This recipe is fantastic! I love how easy it is to make, and it's a great way to get my veggies in.

  • Stephen Langosh

    I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. I sometimes add a can of cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.

  • Gilbert Jaskolski

    The flavors are incredible. I added some red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.

  • Claud Hand

    My family loved this! Even my picky eaters enjoyed the spaghetti squash. Will definitely make again.

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