(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. It’s 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
- ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup Pepper Jack cheese (optional)
Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions
- Avocado slices
- Salsa verde
- Queso fresco
- Jalapeño slices
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash
Preheat oven to:
400°F (200°C)
- 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:
35–45 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 5–8 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:
15–20 minutes
until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips & Secrets 🌶️✨
✅ Use roasted Hatch green chiles for the best smoky Southwest flavor.
✅ Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy.
✅ Don’t overcook the squash — it should be tender but still hold its shape.
✅ Add extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Delicious Variations
🌶️ Extra Spicy Green Chile Chicken Squash
Add:
- Hot Hatch chiles
- Serrano peppers
- Jalapeños
🥓 Bacon Green Chile Squash
Add:
- Crispy bacon pieces
- Cheddar cheese
🥩 Beef Green Chile Squash
Replace chicken with:
- Ground beef
- Shredded steak
🫘 Vegetarian Version
Use:
- Black beans
- Corn
- Mushrooms
- Extra cheese
🌮 Taco Style Squash Boats
Add:
- Taco seasoning
- Salsa
- Lettuce
- Avocado
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
🥗 Fresh salad
🌽 Mexican street corn
🥑 Guacamole
🌮 Tortilla chips
🍚 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 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate)
Per serving (½ stuffed squash):
- Calories: 400–550 kcal
- Protein: 35–45 g
- Carbohydrates: 25–35 g
- Fat: 20–30 g
- Fiber: 7–10 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 ❤️
Option 1:
“Made this Green Chile Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash and it was amazing! 🌶️🍗 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! 😍 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! 🔥🎃 Green Chile Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!”
🌶️🍗🎃 Green Chile Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is the perfect combination of healthy comfort food and bold Hatch green chile flavor — a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy! ❤️