PESTO CHICKEN SPAGHETTI SQUASH BAKE

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Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bake image

A creative and healthy alternative to baked ziti or lasagna! Enjoy all the flavors of Italian night without the guilt.

Provided by Love Sweat Mangia!

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 1h47m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 spaghetti squash
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch dried oregano
1 pinch garlic powder
1 cup pesto
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place spaghetti squash on a microwave-safe plate and cut small slits in it with a knife. Cook in the microwave on high, about 5 minutes. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place cut-side down on a microwave-safe plate and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes more.
  • Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over squash and place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes. Use a fork to scrape insides of squash into spaghetti strands. Spread evenly in a casserole dish.
  • Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
  • Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken; cook until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 6 minutes per side.
  • Cut cooked chicken into 1/2-inch cubes and toss with pesto in a bowl.
  • Combine ricotta cheese, egg yolk, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
  • Layer half the marinara sauce, ricotta mixture, and pesto chicken on top of squash in the casserole dish. Repeat layers once more. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and broil until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 369.1 calories, Carbohydrate 11.2 g, Cholesterol 93.1 mg, Fat 23.9 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 28.1 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 520.3 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

James Matthew McLeod
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This is a great recipe for a healthy and delicious meal. The spaghetti squash is a great substitute for pasta and the pesto sauce is flavorful and light.


Ayan Fareedi
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This recipe is a keeper! It's easy to make and it tastes great. I've already made it twice and I plan on making it again soon.


Catoo
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I made this recipe last night and it was amazing! The pesto sauce was so flavorful and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Leon Stewart
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This was a great recipe! I will definitely be making this again.


Cobra king photograpy
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family.


Srijana Yonjan
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This is a great recipe for a healthy and delicious meal. The spaghetti squash is a great substitute for pasta and the pesto sauce is flavorful and light.


Jahden Reyes
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This recipe is a keeper! It's easy to make and it tastes great. I've already made it twice and I plan on making it again soon.


Nmadukaku Leo
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I made this recipe last night and it was amazing! The pesto sauce was so flavorful and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Abdulwahaab amiri
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This was a great recipe! I will definitely be making this again.


Mera Alejandre
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and it's always a hit with my family.


Tiffany Martinez
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This is a great recipe for a healthy and delicious meal. The spaghetti squash is a great substitute for pasta and the pesto sauce is flavorful and light.


Sheikh Najmul
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This recipe is a keeper! It's easy to make and it tastes great. I've already made it twice and I plan on making it again soon.


Mergee _YT
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I made this recipe last night and it was amazing! The pesto sauce was so flavorful and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Tommy Lee
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This was delicious! I will definitely be making this again.


Maria Mutoni
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Joe Cheatum
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This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The spaghetti squash was a nice change of pace from regular pasta.


Adelina Lopez
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I made this for a potluck and it was a big hit. Everyone loved the combination of flavors.


Rachel Moore
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This recipe was a hit with my family. The pesto sauce was flavorful and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.