{"id":259126,"date":"2024-09-10T08:55:30","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T08:55:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/09\/10\/chicken-carbonara-with-spaghetti-squash\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:11:25","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:11:25","slug":"chicken-carbonara-with-spaghetti-squash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2024\/09\/10\/chicken-carbonara-with-spaghetti-squash\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicken Carbonara (With Spaghetti Squash)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>I\u2019ve been on an Italian chicken kick lately and have been making lots of Italian inspired chicken dishes. First, it was the <a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/recipes\/chicken-piccata\/\">chicken piccata<\/a>, then I made a healthy variation of <a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/recipes\/chicken-cacciatore\/\">chicken cacciatore<\/a>, chicken Florentine, <a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/recipes\/chicken-marsala\/\">chicken Marsala<\/a>, and now chicken carbonara.<\/p>\n<p>While these pasta recipes have many of the same flavors, I like putting a healthy twist on them. I\u2019ll often use veggies instead of pasta for a tasty version lower in carbs.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-classic-chicken-carbonara\">Classic Chicken Carbonara<\/h2>\n<p>Creamy chicken carbonara is often made with an alfredo sauce or creamy sauce and served over fettuccine, bucatini, or linguine pasta. More Americanized versions will even use penne pasta. Traditionally this pasta dish is made with an egg mixture sauce instead of alfredo. Italians whisk together pasta water, egg yolks, and hard cheese (like pecorino Romano) to make the creamy sauce.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-an-updated-chicken-pasta\">An Updated Chicken Pasta<\/h3>\n<p>I substituted spaghetti squash for the pasta to make a grain-free version. I also made a healthier (and optional) carbonara sauce and added some wilted spinach and asparagus for flavor and extra nutrition. Instead of pancetta, which can be hard to find, this recipe uses crispy bacon.<\/p>\n<p>This is an all in one dish with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. And since it\u2019s cooked in one pan, there aren\u2019t many dishes to clean. I use a skillet, but you could also use a large pot if your skillet isn\u2019t big enough.<\/p>\n<p>My kids liked this one and ate it without complaint!<\/p>\n<div id=\"wprm-recipe-container-203866\" class=\"wprm-recipe-container\" data-recipe-id=\"203866\" data-servings=\"8\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe wprm-recipe-template-wm\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-intro\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-image wprm-block-image-normal\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-width: 0px;border-style: solid;border-color: #666666;\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"attachment-150x150 size-150x150\" alt=\"Chicken_Carbonara\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Chicken_Carbonara-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Chicken_Carbonara-500x500.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" data-pin-nopin=\"nopin\" src=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/recipes\/chicken-carbonara\/?tp_image_id=494117\"\/><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wprm-recipe-name wprm-block-text-bold\">Chicken Carbonara Over Spaghetti Squash<\/h2>\n<p>\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"0\" height=\"0\" style=\"display:block;width:0px;height:0px\"><defs><lineargradient id=\"wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33\"><stop offset=\"0%\" stop-opacity=\"1\"\/><stop offset=\"33%\" stop-opacity=\"1\"\/><stop offset=\"33%\" stop-opacity=\"0\"\/><stop offset=\"100%\" stop-opacity=\"0\"\/><\/lineargradient><\/defs><defs><lineargradient id=\"wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50\"><stop offset=\"0%\" stop-opacity=\"1\"\/><stop offset=\"50%\" stop-opacity=\"1\"\/><stop offset=\"50%\" stop-opacity=\"0\"\/><stop offset=\"100%\" stop-opacity=\"0\"\/><\/lineargradient><\/defs><defs><lineargradient id=\"wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66\"><stop offset=\"0%\" stop-opacity=\"1\"\/><stop offset=\"66%\" stop-opacity=\"1\"\/><stop offset=\"66%\" stop-opacity=\"0\"\/><stop offset=\"100%\" stop-opacity=\"0\"\/><\/lineargradient><\/defs><\/svg><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">Delicious and healthy chicken carbonara served over nutrient-packed spaghetti squash.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-body\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instructions-container wprm-recipe-203866-instructions-container wprm-block-text-normal\" data-recipe=\"203866\">\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction-group\">\n<ul class=\"wprm-recipe-instructions\">\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-0\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Preheat the oven to 400\u00b0F.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-1\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scrape out the seeds with a spoon.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-2\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Place them face down on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish with \u00bc inch of water. Cook for 30 minutes or until tender when poked with a fork.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-3\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>While the squash is cooking, butterfly the chicken by cutting it in half lengthwise.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-4\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Pound it with a meat hammer or the bottom of a cast iron pan until it\u2019s \u00bc to \u00bd inch thick.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-5\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>In a large skillet over medium-high heat, place the asparagus in about \u00bc inch of water. Cook over high heat until the asparagus is bright green and starting to soften. Once the water has evaporated add 1 Tablespoon butter and sprinkle with some sea salt.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-6\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Remove the asparagus from the pan and set aside.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-7\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>In the same pan, cook bacon until crispy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-8\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Remove the bacon and cook the skinless chicken breast in the bacon grease, sprinkling each side with some of the sea salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-9\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-10\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Saute the onion in the remaining bacon grease until soft.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-11\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Add the spinach and extra butter or olive oil if needed and cook until the spinach is barely wilted.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-12\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Add the cream if using and about \u00bc teaspoon of the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-13\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>At this point, the spaghetti squash should be soft so remove it from the oven and drain off the water. Scrape out the insides with a fork. It should be a little al dente, not mushy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-14\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>To serve, put some spaghetti squash on a plate, top with some wilted spinach, then a piece of chicken, some crumbled bacon, and the asparagus.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"wprm-recipe-203866-step-0-15\" class=\"wprm-recipe-instruction\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal;\">\n<p>Garnish with Parmesan if using.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wprm-nutrition-label-container wprm-nutrition-label-container- wprm-block-text-normal\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"wprm-nutrition-label\" style=\"background-color: #ffffff;color: #000000;\">\n<p>Nutrition Facts<\/p>\n<p>Chicken Carbonara Over Spaghetti Squash<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\tAmount Per Serving\t\t\t (1 serving)\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t<span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Calories<\/strong> 356<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"nutrition-percentage\">Calories from Fat 198<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t<span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>% Daily Value*<\/strong><\/span>\n\t<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Fat<\/strong> 22g<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>34%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-sub\">Saturated Fat 10g<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>63%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-sub\">Trans Fat 0.3g<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-sub\">Polyunsaturated Fat 3g<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-sub\">Monounsaturated Fat 7g<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Cholesterol<\/strong> 78mg<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>26%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Sodium<\/strong> 1016mg<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>44%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Potassium<\/strong> 865mg<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>25%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Carbohydrates<\/strong> 22g<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>7%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-sub\">Fiber 6g<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>25%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-sub\">Sugar 8g<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>9%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Protein<\/strong> 21g<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>42%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Vitamin A<\/strong> 4898IU<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>98%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Vitamin C<\/strong> 21mg<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>25%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Calcium<\/strong> 203mg<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>20%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"nutrition-main\"><strong>Iron<\/strong> 3mg<\/span><span class=\"nutrition-percentage\"><strong>17%<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wprm-recipe-notes-container wprm-block-text-normal\">\n<p><span style=\"display: block;\">If you don\u2019t have Parmesan cheese then Romano will also work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Would you try this version of chicken carbonara? What\u2019s your favorite chicken dish? Share below!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/recipes\/chicken-carbonara\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] I\u2019ve been on an Italian chicken kick lately and have been making lots of Italian inspired chicken dishes. First, it was the chicken piccata,<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":259127,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[161],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259126"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=259126"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259126\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/259127"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=259126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=259126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=259126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}