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Close up top down image of two bowls of chicken pesto spaghetti squash with basil leaves and red pepper flakes for garnish.
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4.55 from 61 votes

Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash

Pesto spaghetti squash with chicken - an easy paleo, keto, whole30 dinner recipe
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Author: Julia

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Squash:

For the Chicken:

Pesto:

  • 2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin seeds see note
  • 2/3 cup avocado oil
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • 1 cup parmesan optional, omit for whole30

Instructions

  • Roast the spaghetti squash according to these instructions.
  • While the squash is roasting, prepare the homemade pesto sauce. To do so, add all ingredients except the oil to a food processor. Pulse a few times to chop the ingredients. Leave the food processor on and stream oil through the top. Continue processing until desired texture is reached.
  • Heat a skillet to medium-high and add 1 to 2 tablespoons avocado oil or coconut oil. Add the chopped chicken, sea salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Brown the chicken without stirring for 3 minutes. Stir, then continue browning without touching another 3 minutes. Stir chicken well, cover, and cook until cooked through, about 2 to 5 minutes more.
  • Once the squash is cool enough to handle, transfer the “spaghetti” strands to a large mixing bowl. Add in the pesto sauce and toss well. Add in the chicken, including all of the liquid, and toss until everything is combined. Taste for flavor, and add sea salt to taste.

Video

Notes

Replace the pumpkin seeds with pine nuts, almond, walnuts, or pecans

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 34g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g