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Simple Spring Spaghetti Squash Skillet

This asparagus, sweet pea, and lemon spaghetti squash skillet meal is sure to become a favorite.  This recipe only serves two, so double the recipe if your family will be eating with you!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: one dish meal
Keyword: asparagus, chicken, easy meal, lemon, one pot meal, rotisserie chicken, skillet meal, spaghetti squash, sweet peas
Servings: 2
Calories: 313kcal
Author: Lillie

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of asparagus 260 g after tough ends are removed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 pinch cracked black pepper
  • 1 medium/large spaghetti squash cooked (460g of cooked strands, pulled from the skin)
  • Zest from one large lemon
  • 8 oz cooked chicken breast chopped into bite-sized pieces (224g; I use rotisserie chicken)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced (or frozen cubes)
  • 2/3 cup frozen peas 85g
  • 3 sprigs of fresh thyme stems removed (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1-2 squeezes of fresh lemon
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti squash according to your preferred method. Here are my favorites:

  • Roasted: Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and insides, spray with olive oil, sprinkle with black pepper, and roast face down on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425° about 45 minutes, or until the skin is tender when pressed.
  • Microwave: Poke the whole squash several times with a sharp knife and place in the microwave for five to eight minutes, depending on size. Squeeze to see if it's tender yet, and if not, rotate and add additional minutes as needed, until the skin is tender. Be careful with this method, as the squash can explode in your microwave and make a mess if it cooks too long and the steam is unable to escape. If you hear too much squealing, check on it! Use oven mitts to handle the squash while you slice it in half. Remove the seeded center and pull out the spaghetti strands. 
  • Remove any tough ends from the asparagus by bending it and allowing it to break at the natural spot. Discard ends. Chop the remaining asparagus (260 g) into bite-sized pieces.
  • Prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Spray with a mist of olive oil and let it get hot for 30 seconds. Add the chopped asparagus and salt and cook for one minute, tossing a few times.
  • Add strands of cooked spaghetti squash and cook for another two to three minutes to get rid of some moisture.  Zest one large lemon right into the pan and combine everything well. Add the chopped chicken and garlic. Cook for one more minute.  Add the frozen peas, thyme, parsley, and lemon juice. Toss well to get everything combined. Add any additional salt and pepper to taste.
  • Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and top with optional parmesan, feta, or goat cheese. 

Notes

  • *If you’ve got room, this is delicious with a fried egg and/or some toasted pine nuts thrown on top as well!
  • My Fitness Pal: "Lillie Eats and Tells Simple Spring Spaghetti Squash Skillet"

Nutrition

Serving: 404g | Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.6g | Protein: 37.4g | Fat: 3.6g | Fiber: 9.7g