A tasty, low carb spaghetti version of one of my favorite pasta dishes! Spaghetti Squash Chicken Carbonara is a filled with smokey bacon, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley with sautéed chicken throughout it. You won't even miss the pasta, this grain free dish is so good!
Low Carb Spaghetti Carbonara
If I'm being perfectly honest, I'm not always a huge fan of vegetable noodles. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm crazy about zucchini and sweet potatoes. However, when you spin them around and tell me they're pasta, I get a little underwhelmed.
Spaghetti squash, though...spaghetti squash is, what my son would say, is "my jam". I love all the winter squashes, as you'll find out this fall, winter...into the summer.
I also stand firm by the belief that pasta is not the enemy of "health". If you have a gluten intolerance, get gluten free. If you have a grain intolerance...well then you should get spaghetti squash. The point is, this spaghetti squash alternative to spaghetti carbonara is not because pasta is the enemy, it's because it tastes awesome!
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Let's talk about spaghetti squash for a second. It's one of my go-to keto or low carb veggies. With minimal calories and a ton of volume, it's pretty tough to over-consume this squash. So let's talk about a few tips for cooking it.
Want to see instructions for spaghetti squash in more detail? Go here>> Perfect Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Can You Use the Microwave?
YES! This tip was one of those that I learned and it blew my mind. Microwave your whole spaghetti squash for 3-4 minutes to slightly soften it. That way you won't cut off any digits trying to cut it in half. That's what I call a big win.
If you need to get dinner on the table sooner than an hour, try making the spaghetti squash the night before. You can also steam it in a microwave-safe dish with an inch of water, covered, cook on high for 6 minutes.
Cook the Chicken and Carbonara Sauce
What's the Easiest Way to Chop Bacon?
Go grab kitchen shears from your knife block. All you have to do is cut the slices of bacon lengthwise, in half. Then cut those strips into half-inch pieces and you're good.
So much easier than using a knife...but then again my knives aren't always "do a foot" sharp (Gilmore Girls reference, you should look into it).
Parmesan and Egg "Sauce"
This "sauce" is actually a combination of egg and parmesan that coats the spaghetti squash. It cooks up rather quickly so having them ready mixed before you even heat the skillet is key or you will end up with something overcooked.
OTHER GRAIN FREE RECIPES
- Pesto Chicken Zucchini Boats with Cherry Tomatoes
- Avocado BLT Chicken Salad Wraps
- Sweet Potato Skillet Lasagna
📖 Recipe
Spaghetti Squash Chicken Carbonara
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash (3-4 pounds, halved and seeds removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- 5 slices bacon (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 pounds of chicken breast (halved to form cutlets.)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 350˚. Brush inside of spaghetti squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the halves, skin side up, on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- ONCE THE SPAGHETTI SQUASH HAS COOLED enough to handle, use a fork to shred the squash from one side to the next, creating spaghetti strings.
- IN A SMALL BOWL, whisk together eggs, garlic and Parmesan and set aside.
- HEAT A LARGE SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT. Add bacon and cook until almost crispy, about 6 minutes. Spoon out bacon pieces and all but 1 tablespoon of drippings into a small bowl and set aside.
- SEASON CHICKEN BREAST CUTLETS WITH SALT AND PEPPER ON both side. Add the cutlets to the remaining bacon drippings over medium heat and cook on 5 minutes per side, or until juices run clear for the chicken breasts.
- REMOVE THE CHICKEN BREASTS FROM THE PAN and allow to cool before cutting into ¾-inch slices.
- QUICKLY STIR IN SPAGHETTI SQUASH, bacon with drippings and egg mixture, and gently toss to combine.
- ONCE THE EGG MIXTURE HAS COOKED, add chicken slices and parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
Nutrition
RECIPE EQUIPMENT
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