Name: Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash; Cooking spray for coating squash; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped shallots; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour; 2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk; 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Finely chopped parsley for garnish

There’s something so comforting and yet surprisingly light about this Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe. Imagine creamy Alfredo sauce mingling with tender rotisserie chicken, all nestled inside naturally sweet spaghetti squash “boats”—it’s a cozy meal that won’t weigh you down.

The image shows a yellow spaghetti squash half topped with melted, slightly browned cheese with patches of golden brown on the surface. The squash flesh is visible around the edges, showing a tender, stringy texture in light yellow color. There are small green parsley flakes scattered on the melted cheese layer, along with some ground black pepper specks. The squash is placed on a white plate with speckles, sitting on a white marbled surface with a wedge of lemon nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't get enough of this Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe because it feels indulgent but is actually pretty healthy. Plus, it's such a fun way to serve a classic Alfredo in a fresh, lower-carb way—the kind of recipe you want on repeat.

Light but Creamy: Uses reduced-fat milk for a velvety sauce without the usual heaviness.
Built-in Presentation: The spaghetti squash doubles as a natural bowl, making it an eye-catching dinner.
Easy Customization: Perfect canvas for adding your favorite veggies or swapping in dairy-free options.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Satisfies those creamy pasta cravings in a much lighter package.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe lies in a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. From the subtle sweetness of the squash to the sharpness of Parmesan, here's why each part matters.

Flat lay of a halved medium spaghetti squash showing bright yellow spaghetti-like strands inside, a small white bowl of golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl filled with finely chopped pale purple shallots, three whole garlic cloves with papery white skins, a small white bowl of pale beige all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of creamy 2% milk, a small white bowl with fresh light yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl of grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a pile of shredded white rotisserie chicken meat, a small mound of shredded white mozzarella cheese, and a few sprigs of finely chopped fresh green parsley all neatly arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Spaghetti squash: Offers a naturally noodle-like texture that's gluten-free and low-carb, making it an excellent pasta alternative.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps gently soften the shallots and garlic without overpowering the dish.
Shallots: Bring a delicate oniony flavor that blends smoothly into the Alfredo sauce.
Garlic: The classic aromatic that livens up the sauce and pairs perfectly with chicken.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give your sauce that luscious, creamy consistency.
2% reduced-fat milk: Keeps the Alfredo sauce creamy without the butter and heavy cream—saving calories but not flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright tang that cuts through the richness, balancing the sauce beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Offers salty, nutty depth that makes the sauce irresistibly cheesy.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhance all flavors without stealing the spotlight.
Shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenient and flavorful protein that blends right into the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts atop the boats giving them a gooey, golden finish everyone loves.
Parsley: Freshens up the dish visually and adds a subtle herbal note.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood—you'll find it’s a versatile dish that welcomes creativity.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra veggies; it adds a nice earthiness and color that feels extra satisfying.
Dairy-Free: Using almond milk and vegan Parmesan substitutes works wonderfully for those avoiding dairy, without losing that creamy comfort.
Chicken Swap: Grilled chicken or leftover turkey can be great alternatives if rotisserie chicken isn’t on your grocery list.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe

Two halves of yellow spaghetti squash are filled with a creamy, melted cheese mixture that is slightly browned on top with some green herb bits sprinkled over it. One half is on a white plate with an orange saucer underneath and the other is in the background. The cheese layer is thick and bubbly, covering soft, shredded squash inside the bright yellow shell. A fork lifting a stringy, cheesy bite from one half shows melted, stretchy cheese mixing with tender squash. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with wedges of lemon in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash to Tender Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Use a sharp, sturdy knife to carefully slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise. This can be a little intimidating, but taking your time and cutting slowly will keep it safe. Lightly spray the cut flesh with cooking spray, then place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes until the squash is tender and strands easily separate with a fork. Let it cool for a bit—trust me, this step is key so you don’t burn your fingers when you scoop later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Skinny Alfredo Sauce

While the squash roasts, heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add chopped shallots and garlic, stirring for about 3 minutes until fragrant and soft. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to cook out the raw taste—this thickens the sauce later. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps, then simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat. Finally, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken for an easy protein boost.

Step 3: Fill Your Squash Boats and Bake

Once the squash is cool enough, scrape out and toss the seeds. Then, using a fork, gently pull the flesh into spaghetti-like strands—it should come out easily if it’s roasted properly. Mix the strands gently into the chicken Alfredo mixture ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Scoop the filling back into each squash half, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then pop them back into the oven for 10 minutes. For that perfect bubbly and golden cheese finish, turn on the broiler for 2 minutes—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe a handful of times, these tips have made a huge difference in both texture and flavor. They’ll help you avoid common pitfalls so your dish turns out creamy and delicious every single time.

Pre-roast squash properly: Don't skip making sure your squash is tender enough to fork out strands easily, or the texture can be tough.
Whisk sauce continuously: To prevent lumps when adding flour and milk, constant whisking is a lifesaver.
Watch the broiler: Two minutes is usually enough for golden cheese—any longer may turn it bitter or burnt.
Use rotisserie chicken: It’s flavorful and saves prep time, but shredded leftover chicken grilled with herbs also works wonders.

How to Serve Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh, finely chopped parsley. It brightens the creamy Alfredo flavors and adds a pop of color that makes it feel a little fancy even on a busy weeknight. A light dusting of extra Parmesan also never hurts if you’re a cheese lover like me.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced, I often serve my squash boats alongside a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts—something crisp and fresh to offset the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve filled smaller individual mini squash or even used decorative gourds as personal boats, which always impress guests. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a crunchy contrast that adds a bit of wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a beautiful meal, I store leftovers either right in the squash “boats” wrapped tightly with foil or transfer everything into an airtight container. They stay fresh and tasty for about 3 days refrigerated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the filling mixture (without the mozzarella topping) successfully — just thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. The texture is still great, though the fresh squash boats are always a little better.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven at 300°F helps the boats warm evenly without drying out the sauce. If you’re in a rush, microwaving the filling on a plate works too—just know it might get a bit softer in texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and double up on the vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach in the Alfredo sauce to keep it hearty and flavorful.

Is spaghetti squash suitable for those on a low-carb diet?

Yes, spaghetti squash is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, making this recipe perfect for anyone watching their carbohydrate intake.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can roast the squash and prepare the Alfredo mixture a day ahead, then assemble and bake just before eating. This helps save time on busy nights.

What dairy-free substitutions do you recommend?

I suggest swapping the milk for unsweetened almond or cashew milk and replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor. For the mozzarella, use your favorite shredded vegan cheese like Follow Your Heart or Daiya.

Final Thoughts

This Skinny Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats Recipe has become one of those cozy staples in my meal rotation, perfect when I want something comforting without feeling guilty afterward. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make, how well it freezes, and the happy smiles it draws every time. I really hope you give it a try—you’re going to love how it feels like a treat without the heavy price!