Roasted Butternut Squash with Spinach, Chicken, and Feta
This Roasted Butternut Squash with Spinach, Chicken, and Feta is a flavorful and wholesome dish that brings together the natural sweetness of roasted squash with savory, protein-packed chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy feta cheese. It’s a well-balanced meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or even as a holiday side dish. The combination of roasted caramelized squash with the richness of the filling creates a comforting yet healthy meal that’s easy to prepare!
Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
This dish looks like a delicious stuffed roasted butternut squash filled with a mix of chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. Here’s a recipe inspired by the image:
Roasted Butternut Squash with Spinach, Chicken, and Feta
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, halved and seeds removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven :
Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roast the Squash :
Brush the cut sides of the butternut squash with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40-50 minutes until tender.
Prepare the Filling :
In a pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for another 2 minutes.
Stuff the Squash :
Once the butternut squash is done, flip it over, and use a fork to slightly mash some of the flesh. Spoon the spinach, tomato, and chicken mixture into the squash halves.
Add Feta & Bake :
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Place back in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is slightly melted.
Garnish & Serve :
Sprinkle with fresh thyme and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition Q&A for Roasted Butternut Squash with Spinach, Chicken, and Feta
Q: How many calories are in this dish?
A: The estimated calorie count per serving (½ stuffed squash) is around 350-400 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used.
Q: Is this dish high in protein?
A: Yes! With chicken and feta cheese, each serving contains approximately 25-30g of protein, making it a satisfying and protein-rich meal.
Q: Is this meal low-carb or keto-friendly?
A: Not exactly. Butternut squash is higher in natural carbs (about 22g net carbs per serving). If you’re on a low-carb diet, you can substitute with roasted acorn squash or spaghetti squash for fewer carbs.
Q: What are the main health benefits?
A: This dish is packed with:
- Vitamin A & C (from butternut squash and spinach) for immune support
- Fiber for digestion and gut health
- Lean protein from chicken for muscle maintenance
- Healthy fats from olive oil and feta cheese
Q: How can I make it lower in fat?
A: Use reduced-fat feta cheese and cook the chicken with less oil. You can also replace some feta with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a lighter option.