Chicken Enchilada–Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Low Sodium High Protein Egg-Free No Shellfish Nut-Free Gluten-Free Mexican Southwest Chicken Dinner

Chicken Enchilada–Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Low Sodium High Protein Egg-Free No Shellfish Nut-Free Gluten-Free Mexican Southwest Chicken Dinner
4 servings
Prep time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Description

This healthy 5-ingredient spaghetti squash recipe is a satisfying low-carb alternative to taco night. If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand, skip Step 2 and stir 2 1/2 cups into the filling. Look for an enchilada sauce with less than 300 mg of sodium per serving.

Directions

  1. Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 450°F.
  2. Place chicken in a medium saucepan, add water to cover and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and gently simmer until an ­instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and shred with 2 forks. Transfer to a large bowl.
  4. Meanwhile, place squash cut-side down in a ­microwave-safe dish and add 2 tablespoons water. Microwave, uncovered, on High until the flesh is tender, about 10 minutes. (Alternatively, place squash halves cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 400°F oven until the squash is tender, 40 to 50 minutes.)
  5. Use a fork to scrape the squash from the shells into the large bowl. Place the shells on a broiler-safe pan. Stir 1 cup enchilada sauce, zucchini, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt into the squash and chicken. Divide the mixture between the shells; top with the remaining 1/4 cup enchilada sauce and cheese.
  6. Bake on the lower rack for 10 minutes. Move to the upper rack, turn the broiler to high and broil, watching carefully, until the cheese starts to brown, about 2 minutes. To serve, cut each shell in half.
© Meredith Operations Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories512 cal
  • Total Fat30.5 g
  • Saturated Fat16.5 g
  • Cholesterol0 mg
  • Sodium594 mg
  • Carbohydrate Total19.9 g
  • Protein41.1 g
  • Phosphorus433 mg
  • Potassium856 mg
  • Fiber4.1 g
  • Calcium487 mg

Ingredients

  • 2 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 2 1/2- to 3-pound spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1¼ cups red enchilada sauce, divided
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese

Ingredients

  • 2 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 2 1/2- to 3-pound spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1¼ cups red enchilada sauce, divided
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
  • 2 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 2 1/2- to 3-pound spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1¼ cups red enchilada sauce, divided
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese

Description

This healthy 5-ingredient spaghetti squash recipe is a satisfying low-carb alternative to taco night. If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand, skip Step 2 and stir 2 1/2 cups into the filling. Look for an enchilada sauce with less than 300 mg of sodium per serving.

Directions

  1. Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 450°F.
  2. Place chicken in a medium saucepan, add water to cover and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and gently simmer until an ­instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and shred with 2 forks. Transfer to a large bowl.
  4. Meanwhile, place squash cut-side down in a ­microwave-safe dish and add 2 tablespoons water. Microwave, uncovered, on High until the flesh is tender, about 10 minutes. (Alternatively, place squash halves cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 400°F oven until the squash is tender, 40 to 50 minutes.)
  5. Use a fork to scrape the squash from the shells into the large bowl. Place the shells on a broiler-safe pan. Stir 1 cup enchilada sauce, zucchini, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt into the squash and chicken. Divide the mixture between the shells; top with the remaining 1/4 cup enchilada sauce and cheese.
  6. Bake on the lower rack for 10 minutes. Move to the upper rack, turn the broiler to high and broil, watching carefully, until the cheese starts to brown, about 2 minutes. To serve, cut each shell in half.
© Meredith Operations Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.