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Spicy Spaghetti Squash with Chicken

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Spaghetti squash with chicken - lower in calories and carbohydrates, high in protein, healthy fats, aromatic flavors, a delightful taste and texture.

Spaghetti squash and vermicelli cooked with spices and chicken and served in a steel plate.

Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Here in this recipe I have applied a nutritional twist - using a combination of spaghetti squash and vermicelli.

The resulting creation is lower in carbohydrates and calories for the same gastronomic experience. You can of course, use all of spaghetti squash instead of vermicelli for a further reduction.

But remember that, although this is a great textural substitute for noodle style pasta, it still does not taste exactly like the "real" pasta. For most people though, the amount of substitution I have used will deliver the suitable taste and nutrition results.

Close view of spaghetti squash topped with spiced chicken, herbs and cashews.

Health Benefits

Spaghetti squash is a variety of winter squash with pale yellow flesh, which yields noodle like strands once it is cooked. But it is a lot lower in carbohydrates and calories than the comparable variety of pasta.

One cup of cooked spaghetti squash provides approximately 42 calories and 10 grams carbohydrate compared to cooked spaghetti which provides 220 calories and 43 grams carbohydrates.

This squash has a high percentage of water and is a good source of fiber, so it fills you up without too many calories. Therefore, it makes a great choice for weight loss and diabetic diets. Spaghetti squash is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B 6, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium and some phytochemicals.

Spaghetti squash with chicken and vermicelli served in a plate and placed on a blue cloth.

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Spicy spaghetti squash chicken pasta served in a plate.
5 from 2 votes

Spicy Spaghetti Squash With Chicken

Spaghetti squash with chicken - lower in calories and carbohydrates, high in protein, healthy fats, aromatic flavors and with a delightful taste and texture.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Print Save
Course :Main Course
Cuisine :American
Servings: 7 cups
Calories: 225kcal
Author: Roxana Begum

Ingredients

  • 2 lb spaghetti squash use 2 cups strands, save the rest
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion large, sliced thin
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thigh, boneless
  • 2 teaspoon garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder or 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
  • 2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 2 to 3 tablespoon yogurt
  • 3 tablespoon cilantro chopped
  • 2 tablespoon mint fresh, chopped or 1 tablespoon dried mint
  • 1 to 2 tablespoon lemon juice as per taste
  • ⅓ lb vermicelli preferably whole grain
  • 2 tablespoon cashew halves, roasted
  • Salt as per taste
  • ground black pepper as per taste
  • Garnish - chopped cilantro, shredded carrots
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Using a sharp knife cut the spaghetti squash into two halves and discard the seeds. Place the squash on a baking sheet facing up.
    Drizzle 1 teaspoon oil and brush it evenly. Sprinkle two pinches of salt and black pepper. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until tender.
  • Meanwhile heat the remaining olive oil in a cooking pot at medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Cut the chicken breast/thigh meat into small pieces or you may also mince it.
    Onions thinly sliced for frying.
  • Add the cut or minced chicken to the onions and sauté until the released juices evaporate. Next add the ginger, garlic and stir for a few minutes.
    Fried onions with chicken, garlic and ginger.
  • Then add the chili powder or jalapeno, turmeric, curry powder, yogurt and salt as per taste. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes.
    Chicken with spices, herbs and fried onions.
  • While the chicken is simmering, cook vermicelli to al dente stage following the package instructions. Make sure to use the right amount of water and salt as suggested on the package for ⅓ lb of vermicelli. It should yield about 2 cups cooked vermicelli.
  • When the spaghetti squash is fully baked take it out of the oven and allow it to cool. Using a fork scrape inside of the squash to obtain noodle like strands. Reserve 2 cups for this recipe and save the remaining for any other use.
  • Now check the chicken and be sure that it is cooked well. The mixture should not be too wet or runny at this point. Finally add the cilantro, mint and lemon juice as per taste.
  • Check the vermicelli, spaghetti squash, chicken for seasonings, salt, pepper, lemon juice and adjust as per taste. 
  • Layer the vermicelli, spaghetti squash and chicken or mix it all together gently and serve it on a platter.
    Scatter roasted cashew halves, chopped cilantro and shredded carrots on the spaghetti squash with chicken . You may serve a yogurt salad on the side.

Notes

  1. Make sure to use a mature medium size or larger spaghetti squash for cooked strands that are firm and well defined.
  2. Chili powders can vary in the amount of heat or pungency. So adjust the amount as needed. You may alternatively use chopped fresh peppers such as jalapeno, cayenne or Serrano.
  3. Be sure to check added salt in the curry powder and if it is too spicy for your taste.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cup | Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 132IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thedeliciouscrescent or tag #thedeliciouscrescent!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deborah Leader

    Minus the chicken, I would love this! All the rest of the ingredients are delicious.

    Reply

    • Roxana Begum

      Thanks. You can use vegan substitutes for chicken such as tofu, edamame etc.

      Reply

  2. Jacqui

    I've been looking for new ways to use spaghetti squash and this was it! Love it so much, will definitely make again!

    Reply

    • Roxana Begum

      Thanks for your feedback. Hope you enjoy it :)

      Reply

  3. Sonal

    Oh wow! You have added a different dimension to biryani that is healthy and delicious. Could have never imagined it myself.

    Reply

    • Roxana Begum

      So glad you like it.

      Reply

  4. Syama

    Love this take on Biryani ! Yummy and nutritious at the same time !

    Reply

    • Roxana Begum

      Thanks Syama. Its relatively light.

      Reply

  5. Lauren

    What a gorgeous dish!

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Lauren.

      Reply

  6. Katie

    I love this dish! So flavorful and nourishing :)

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Katie :)

      Reply

  7. Jessica

    What a delicious dish! I love that you mixed spaghetti squash in with pasta!

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Jessica. Yes, I was happy with the extra veggies too :)

      Reply

  8. Bridget

    This looks so delicious! And how perfect that I just cooked up some spaghetti squash!

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Bridget. Enjoy :)

      Reply

  9. Jamie

    Looks so hearty and delicious! Perfect for cooler weather comfort food.

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Jamie. Yes really hearty!!

      Reply

  10. Lindsey

    this dish looks so delicious and satisfying!

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Lindsey.

      Reply

  11. Kara

    I love spaghetti squash, but have never thought to use it in an Indian dish. Looks great!

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Kara. It worked pretty well.

      Reply

  12. Sarah

    Wow this looks delicious! And adding mint sound so good!

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Sarah. I loved the mint in it too.

      Reply

  13. Ginger

    This looks great! Perfect for busy autumn weeknights

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Ginger. Yes, so true!!

      Reply

  14. Emily

    I love how you combined the spaghetti squash with the vermicelli! Such a delicious looking dish :)

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Emily. So happy you liked it :).

      Reply

  15. Amy

    Love spaghetti squash! Looks great!

    Reply

    • Roxana

      Thanks Amy

      Reply

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