(Healthy Southwest Stuffed Spaghetti Squash)
This Green Chile Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a delicious low-carb Southwest-inspired meal filled with tender shredded chicken, roasted Hatch green chiles, creamy cheese, and flavorful spices. Itโs comforting, filling, and packed with bold Mexican flavors while still being a lighter dinner option.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Squash:
- 2 medium spaghetti squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Green Chile Chicken Filling:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn (optional)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ยฝ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1ยฝ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ยฝ cup Pepper Jack cheese (optional)
Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions
- Avocado slices
- Salsa verde
- Queso fresco
- Jalapeรฑo slices
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash
Preheat oven to:
400ยฐF (200ยฐC)
- Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
- Remove seeds.
- Brush with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Place cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Bake for:
35โ45 minutes
until tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
Cook until softened.
Add:
- Shredded chicken
- Hatch green chiles
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Black beans
Season with:
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Cook for 5โ8 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Green Chile Sauce
In a saucepan combine:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth
Heat gently until smooth.
Stir in:
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Pepper Jack cheese
Add sauce to the chicken mixture.
Step 4: Stuff the Squash
- Fluff the spaghetti squash strands with a fork.
- Mix slightly with the shell.
- Fill each squash half with the green chile chicken mixture.
- Top with extra cheese.
Step 5: Bake Again
Return stuffed squash to the oven.
Bake:
15โ20 minutes
until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips & Secrets ๐ถ๏ธโจ
โ Use roasted Hatch green chiles for the best smoky Southwest flavor.
โ Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy.
โ Don’t overcook the squash โ it should be tender but still hold its shape.
โ Add extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Delicious Variations
๐ถ๏ธ Extra Spicy Green Chile Chicken Squash
Add:
- Hot Hatch chiles
- Serrano peppers
- Jalapeรฑos
๐ฅ Bacon Green Chile Squash
Add:
- Crispy bacon pieces
- Cheddar cheese
๐ฅฉ Beef Green Chile Squash
Replace chicken with:
- Ground beef
- Shredded steak
๐ซ Vegetarian Version
Use:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Mushrooms
- Extra cheese
๐ฎ Taco Style Squash Boats
Add:
- Taco seasoning
- Salsa
- Lettuce
- Avocado
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
๐ฅ Fresh salad
๐ฝ Mexican street corn
๐ฅ Guacamole
๐ฎ Tortilla chips
๐ Cilantro lime rice
Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze filling separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Warm in the oven at 350ยฐF until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate)
Per serving (ยฝ stuffed squash):
- Calories: 400โ550 kcal
- Protein: 35โ45 g
- Carbohydrates: 25โ35 g
- Fat: 20โ30 g
- Fiber: 7โ10 g
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: What does spaghetti squash taste like?
A: It has a mild flavor and naturally separates into noodle-like strands when cooked.
Q: Can I use canned green chiles?
A: Yes, but roasted Hatch green chiles provide a deeper smoky flavor.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the squash boats, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: It can be lower carb, especially if you skip corn and beans.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, cheddar, and Oaxaca cheese all melt beautifully.
Social Media Caption Ideas โค๏ธ
Option 1:
“Made this Green Chile Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash and it was amazing! ๐ถ๏ธ๐ A healthy twist packed with roasted Hatch green chiles, tender chicken, creamy cheese, and bold Southwest flavors. Full recipe below!”
Option 2:
“Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated! ๐ This stuffed spaghetti squash is loaded with green chile chicken goodness and topped with melty cheese. A cozy meal everyone will love!”
Option 3:
“A Southwest favorite with a healthy twist! ๐ฅ๐ Green Chile Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!”
๐ถ๏ธ๐๐ Green Chile Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is the perfect combination of healthy comfort food and bold Hatch green chile flavor โ a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy! โค๏ธ
