Mediterranean Chicken with Spaghetti Squash

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Cook: 35 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jan. 31, 2023
Brimming with classic Mediterranean ingredients, this restaurant-quality dish will be an instant dinnertime hit. Serve it with a quick salad for a complete meal. Jayne Martin — Strathclair, Manitoba

Ingredients

  • 1 large spaghetti squash (about 5 pounds)
  • 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 5 center-cut bacon strips, chopped
  • 1 medium leek (white portion only), coarsely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup white wine or additional reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup half-and-half cream
  • 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 15-18 minutes or until tender.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook chicken over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Remove from the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, cook bacon and leek over medium heat until bacon is crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon mixture to paper towels. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add the broth, wine and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in remaining ingredients. Add chicken and bacon mixture; heat through.
  4. When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Serve with chicken mixture.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup chicken mixture with 1 cup squash: 308 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.