If you love chicken Parmesan but want something a little lighter, more balanced, and still packed with flavor, this Chicken Parm Spaghetti Squash Florentine is a great meal to add to your rotation.
It brings together the comforting flavors of marinara, tender chicken, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, while spaghetti squash, spinach, bell pepper, and onion add plenty of vegetables to the dish.
The result is a satisfying meal that still feels like classic Italian comfort food—just with a healthier twist.
This recipe is part of M³: Motivation • Movement • Meal Prep with Charlotte Blais of Blue Chip Maintenance, where simple, realistic ideas can help make healthy eating easier to fit into everyday life.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional chicken Parmesan is delicious, but it can also be heavy depending on how it's prepared.
This version keeps the flavors people love while swapping traditional pasta for spaghetti squash and adding extra vegetables.
Chicken and cottage cheese help increase the protein, while spinach, peppers, onions, and spaghetti squash add color, texture, and nutrients.
It's hearty enough for dinner and also works well as a meal-prep option for the week.
Chicken Parm Spaghetti Squash Florentine
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced or sliced
- 1-2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ onion, diced
- ½ bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: breadcrumbs or crushed protein crackers for topping
Directions
- Cook the spaghetti squash:
Cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place it cut-side down and roast at 400°F for about 40-45 minutes, or until tender. Once cool enough to handle, scrape the inside with a fork to create spaghetti-like strands. - Cook the chicken:
Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until fully cooked through. - Add the vegetables:
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. - Bring everything together:
Add the marinara sauce, cottage cheese, and cooked spaghetti squash. Stir everything together until well combined. - Prepare for baking:
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, or spoon it back into the spaghetti squash shells for an easy presentation. - Add the cheese:
Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. For a little extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed protein crackers over the top. - Bake:
Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until everything is hot and the cheese is melted. For a golden finish, broil for another 1-2 minutes, watching closely so the topping doesn't burn.
Comfort Food Can Still Fit Your Goals
One of the best things about healthy eating is realizing that you don't always have to give up the meals you enjoy.
Sometimes, a few simple ingredient swaps can create a meal that still feels familiar and satisfying while supporting your goals.
That's exactly why I love this recipe.
You still get the warm marinara, seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and comforting Italian flavors of chicken Parmesan, but with spaghetti squash and plenty of vegetables worked into the meal.
It's proof that healthier meals don't have to feel restrictive or boring.
🍝 Healthy eating can still include the foods you love—it's about finding simple ways to make them work for you.
Cook Along With Charlotte
Want to see how this recipe comes together?
🎥 Watch and cook along with Charlotte:
https://youtu.be/UIt7eAzoNkw
For more ideas around Motivation, Movement, and Meal Prep, visit:
Small changes in the kitchen can make healthy eating easier, more enjoyable, and much more sustainable.
