Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb, GF

This Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb, GF is a delightful dish that combines the wholesome goodness of spaghetti squash with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole checks all the boxes for flavor and nutrition. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with veggies, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a healthy yet satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy to Prepare – With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious casserole in the oven in no time.
• Versatile Meal Option – Enjoy it as a hearty dinner or pack leftovers for lunch; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Full of Flavor – The creamy garlic alfredo sauce paired with chicken and broccoli creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Healthy Ingredients – This casserole is compliant with Whole30, paleo, and low-carb diets while still being filling and satisfying.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge; it reheats beautifully!

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole seamlessly, gather the right tools. Having everything on hand makes cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large casserole dish
• Baking sheet
• Fork
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large casserole dish – Ideal for mixing all ingredients together and baking them evenly.
• Baking sheet – Used to roast the spaghetti squash without making a mess in your oven.
• Fork – Perfect for scraping out the spaghetti squash strands and mixing ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

For the Spaghetti Squash Base

• 1 medium sized spaghetti squash
• 1 jar Primal Kitchen Garlic Alfredo Sauce (or homemade Whole30/Dairy-Free Alfredo)

For the Vegetables

• 3 cups broccoli florets

Seasoning

• 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for seasoning chicken)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper (plus more for seasoning chicken)

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb, GF

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

• Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
• Scrape out the seeds from each half.
• Spray the cut sides with cooking oil and sprinkle with salt.
• Place the squash cut side down onto a baking sheet. Place into the oven on an upper rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

• In a large casserole dish, combine chicken breasts, diced onion, and olive oil.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat well.
• Put this mixture into the oven on a lower rack.

Step 4: Bake Both Components

Bake both dishes for about 30 minutes until everything is cooked through.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Remove both dishes from the oven.
Dice the chicken breasts and return them to the casserole dish.
Use a fork to scrape out spaghetti squash threads from each half into the casserole dish.

Step 6: Mix Everything Together

Add alfredo sauce, broccoli florets, remaining salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the dish.
Use two forks to stir everything together until well combined.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 8: Serve

Once done, remove from oven. Dish into bowls and enjoy your delicious Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole!

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb, GF

Serving Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole can be both fun and creative. This versatile dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavors.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Adds a fresh and vibrant touch.
• Basil Leaves: Provides a sweet aroma that complements the alfredo sauce.

Topped with Nuts

• Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts bring a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add a hearty element to the dish.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with olive oil dressing balances the richness of the casserole.
• Caesar Salad: For those who want something classic, a dairy-free Caesar salad complements the flavors nicely.

How to Perfect Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb, GF

Perfecting your Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken and fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on baking times; overcooking can lead to dry chicken or mushy squash.
• Mix Well: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for even flavor distribution.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb, GF

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender adds freshness.
2. Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic offers a nutritious green side.
3. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly cooked zucchini noodles provide an extra veggie boost without carbs.
4. Cucumber Tomato Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers and tomatoes drizzled with olive oil.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add great texture and flavor.
6. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage provides a nice contrast to the casserole’s creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for perfect tenderness.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken and vegetables will result in bland flavor. Remember to sprinkle salt and pepper generously before cooking.
• Not scraping the squash properly: If you don’t scrape out enough of the spaghetti squash, you may end up with clumps instead of strands. Make sure to use a fork to separate all strands before mixing.
• Using the wrong sauce: Not all sauces are Whole30 compliant. Always check labels or opt for homemade alternatives that fit your dietary needs.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your casserole. Baking times may vary, and you want that golden brown top!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb, GF

• Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Whole30, Paleo, Low Carb, GF

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole.

Can I make Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s an excellent option for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily throughout the week.

What should I serve with Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. Try making this wholesome dish today and enjoy its satisfying flavors!