Roasted Acorn Squash With A Mexican Braised Chicken And Orzo Pasta

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’ve got a collection of delightful chicken and squash recipes that will undoubtedly tickle your taste buds. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure filled with scrumptious flavors and mouthwatering aromas!

Cheesy Mexican Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Welcome to flavor town! This cheesy Mexican chicken spaghetti squash casserole is a tempting creation that combines the goodness of shredded chicken, spaghetti squash, and a delectable blend of Mexican spices. The result? A cheesy, gooey masterpiece that will leave you craving for more. 🧀

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
3. Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until fork-tender.
4. Let the squash cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
5. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced bell peppers, onion, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti squash strands to the chicken mixture and toss until well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then dig in and savor the cheesy deliciousness!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Now, let’s move on to our next tantalizing recipe!

Roasted Acorn Squash with a Mexican Braised Chicken and Orzo Pasta

Prepare to be blown away by the sensational blend of flavors in this roasted acorn squash with a Mexican braised chicken and orzo pasta dish. It’s a true feast for the senses, combining tender chicken, roasted squash, and delightful orzo pasta. 🍗

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the inside of the halved acorn squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
3. Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until fork-tender.
4. In the meantime, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
6. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sprinkle them with cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
7. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes per side.
8. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
9. Add the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the skillet.
10. Stir the ingredients together, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors and cook until al dente.
11. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet.
12. Simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
13. By this time, your roasted acorn squash should be ready. Carefully stuff each squash half with the chicken and orzo pasta mixture.
14. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve this stunning dish with a smile!

Preparation Time: 35 minutes

These recipes are just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many more delightful chicken and squash creations you can explore. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired flavors or crave something cheesy, there’s a recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the culinary adventure begin! Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later.

If you have any questions or need some tips along the way, feel free to hit me up. Happy cooking!