Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large spaghetti squash (about 3-4 pounds)
02 - ½ medium sweet onion, finely diced
03 - 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
04 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, thinly sliced
05 - 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
06 - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

→ Oils & Fats

07 - 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
08 - 3 tablespoons salted butter

→ Seasonings

09 - 2 ¾ teaspoons salt, divided
10 - 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
11 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

→ Dairy

12 - ½ cup whole milk
13 - ¾ cup chicken broth
14 - 4 tablespoons cream cheese
15 - 1 (5.3-ounce) container plain full-fat Greek yogurt
16 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
17 - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

→ Proteins

18 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Baking Essentials

19 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons avocado oil, rub all over the flesh, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place the squash flat side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until tender and caramelized at the edges. Remove from the oven, let cool for 10-15 minutes, and scrape the strands with a fork to fluff.
03 - Cut chicken into four portions and pound to 1-inch thickness. Mix Italian seasoning, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl; season both sides of the chicken evenly.
04 - Heat remaining 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cool for 5-10 minutes and cut into bite-sized cubes.
05 - Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Reduce the heat to medium-low. Whisk in the flour to form a paste, then gradually add milk and broth in small amounts, stirring constantly. Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
07 - Stir in cream cheese, Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth. Mix in artichoke hearts, spinach, and cooked chicken. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until spinach is wilted.
08 - Set the oven to broil. Evenly divide the mixture between the two squash halves, stirring to distribute the sauce. Top with ½ cup mozzarella cheese per half and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan, if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Microwave the spaghetti squash for 5 minutes with skin pricked for easier cutting.
02 - Substitute low-fat yogurt for a lighter option.
03 - Prepare squash and filling a day ahead to save time.