Looking for a weeknight dinner that won’t have you slaving over the stove for hours? I’ve got just the thing: Zesty Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken. It’s my go-to when I need something healthy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy. The magic combination of tender chicken, al dente squash “noodles,” and that perfect kick from red pepper flakes makes this dish something special. And the best part? Your Instant Pot does most of the work while you kick back and wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.
Why You’ll Love this Zesty Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken
If you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken recipe is about to become your new best friend.
I’m obsessed with how this dish delivers protein-packed goodness and veggie noodles all in one pot. The chicken turns out perfectly tender while the squash cooks to that just-right al dente texture. Can you believe it’s ready in under 30 minutes?
The Italian seasonings and red pepper flakes give it a zesty kick, while the Parmesan adds creamy richness. Perfect for low-carb eaters or anyone craving comfort food without the guilt.
What Ingredients are in Zesty Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken?
This delicious one-pot wonder requires just a handful of fresh ingredients that work together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 large spaghetti squash, halved and seeded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
For the best results, make sure your spaghetti squash is fresh and firm, and don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it adds that rich, umami flavor that brings the whole dish together.
How to Make this Zesty Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken
Making this vibrant one-pot meal is surprisingly simple, even on busy weeknights. Start by seasoning 2 chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, then place them in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, which creates the perfect steaming environment.
Next, position the trivet inside and carefully arrange your halved and seeded spaghetti squash on top, cut-side up. Think of it as building a little tower of flavor—chicken at the base, squash riding high.
Now comes the magic of pressure cooking. Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and pressure cook on high for just 3 minutes. Yes, only 3 minutes! When the timer beeps, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick release for any remaining pressure. The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus makes this process incredibly efficient with its advanced pressure cooking technology.
Using silicone mitts (those squash halves will be hot!), remove the squash and chicken from the pot. While they cool slightly, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil using the Sauté function and cook 3 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant. Take a fork to the squash and watch as it transforms into spaghetti-like strands—nature’s pasta, no carbs required. Add these strands to the pot along with 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, a pinch more salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for that signature zesty kick.
The final touch brings everything together. Return the chicken to the pot, slice or shred it as you prefer, and sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts slightly, creating a light, creamy coating that clings to every strand of squash. Toss everything gently to warm through, and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Timing is everything with this dish—serve it immediately for the best texture, as the squash can become soggy if it sits too long. From pot to plate in under 30 minutes? That’s what I call dinner victory.
What to Serve with Zesty Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken
Why settle for a lonely main dish when you can create a complete meal experience? This low-carb delight pairs beautifully with so many sides. I’m partial to a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette—the peppery greens cut through the richness perfectly.
For something warm, roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus make fantastic veggie companions. Need a bit more substance? Garlic bread satisfies carb cravings (we all have them, don’t we?).
Wine pairing tip: a light Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish without overwhelming its subtle flavors. Simple, elegant, done.
Leftovers and Storage for this Zesty Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken
Now that we’ve dressed up our dinner with perfect sides, let’s talk about what happens after the meal.
I love when I’ve leftovers of this spaghetti squash chicken dish—they’re practically a gift to my future hungry self! Store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-two lunches something to look forward to.
When reheating, add a tiny splash of broth to keep things moist, then microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet. The squash might release a bit more liquid, so a quick toss in the pan helps. Meal prep heaven, right?
Zesty Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Instant Pot spaghetti squash chicken recipe lies in its flexibility—you can twist it a hundred different ways and still end up with something delicious.
Don’t have chicken breasts? Thighs work beautifully, maybe even better with their richer flavor. Vegetarian? Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or white beans for protein.
The Italian seasoning can morph into Mexican with cumin and chili powder, or Asian with ginger and soy sauce.
For a creamier finish, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream. And the cheese? Swap Parmesan for feta, goat cheese, or nutritional yeast if you’re dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
After diving into this spaghetti squash adventure, what stands out most is the beautiful simplicity of this dish. I love how the Instant Pot transforms a potentially time-consuming meal into something you can whip up on a busy weeknight.
The combination of tender chicken and spaghetti-like strands creates a guilt-free alternative to pasta that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Can you believe it takes just minutes of pressure cooking?
If you enjoy cooking with squash in your Instant Pot, you might also appreciate the creamy texture and rich flavor of Butternut Squash Risotto made with Arborio rice and fresh sage.