If you're a fan of healthy spaghetti squash recipes you've got to give this chicken & spinach spaghetti squash bake a try! It's creamy, gluten-free, and full of lean protein, vegetables, and flavor!

I wasn't always a fan of bakes and casseroles, but I've come to embrace their convenience. This chicken & spinach spaghetti squash back is no exception! Totally convenient. But it is an exception to one thing - the ingredients.

See, I feel like a lot of casseroles and bakes use loads of rice and pasta and condensed soups. But that doesn't always leave me feeling energized. What works for me? Lots of non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates! And the ingredients in this chicken & spinach spaghetti squash bake totally fit the bill, check it out:

What's in this chicken & spinach spaghetti squash bake?

• Spaghetti squash
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Spinach
• Nonfat, plain Greek yogurt
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt + pepper

What to Pair it With

That's it! And yes, I will admit that this is lacking in starchier carbohydrates, although it does still contain carbohydrates from spaghetti squash, Greek yogurt, and spinach. Don't be afraid to pair it with a salad and some additional carbohydrates, like toasted whole grain garlic bread, roasted red or sweet potatoes, or even grabbing a piece of fruit to pair with it for lunch.

Chicken & Spinach Spaghetti Squash Bake Questions:

How can I make this chicken & spinach spaghetti squash bake dairy-free?

I have only tested this recipe with dairy-containing products (different variations of Greek yogurt, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan) and loved the final product made with plain Greek yogurt and parmesan cheese best. You could try to find a plain milk-alternative Greek-style yogurt made with soy, almond, or coconut "milks", but I can't guarantee it wont affect the taste or quality of the dish. You could also try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor instead of parmesan, but it obviously won't taste the same.

Can I substitute something for chicken?

Definitely. You can try substituting turkey or even plant-based options like beans, lentils, or chopped cooked tofu.

Can I make this chicken & spinach spaghetti squash bake ahead?

Totally! You can either make the entire recipe in advance to have lunch/ dinner a couple days, or you can prep components.

You can also do what I do and utilize meal prepped components like pre-cooked chicken and spaghetti squash to help.

Tips for Making Chicken & Spinach Spaghetti Squash Bake

• Be sure to note in the directions that you reserve a little bit of the parmesan cheese to top with and later broil to get a golden topping!
• If your spaghetti squash is really wet, be sure to strain/ drain it first.
• Chicken should be chopped in bite-sized pieces.
• Feel free to use freshly grated parmesan cheese or pre-grated from a bottle - whatever works for your lifestyle and budget!

Want some more veggie-heavy recipes? Try these!

• Easy Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry
• Zucchini Noodle Antipasto Salad
• Grilled Steak Fajita Veggie Bowls
• Mango Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
• One-Pot Lentil Pasta Primavera
• Vegetable Herb Quinoa Pilaf with Roasted Turmeric Chickpeas

When you give this chicken & spinach spaghetti squash bake a try, don't forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! And of course, I love when you share your NTF creations on social media and tag me (@nutritiontofit and #nutritiontofit). Enjoy and live well!