Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry with Ginger and Turmeric Chicken
A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces flavored with ginger and turmeric, served atop roasted spaghetti squash strands. This chicken (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs medium (about 3 lbs) spaghetti squash, thinly sliced chicken breast, minced fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium (about 3 lbs) spaghetti squash
- 1 lb, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut 1 medium spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Drizzle both halves with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes until tender.
- Step 2: While squash roasts, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Stir-fry for 7-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and fragrant.
- Step 3: Using a fork, scrape the roasted spaghetti squash flesh into strands and add to the skillet with chicken. Toss everything together for 2 minutes to combine.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry with Ginger and Turmeric Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry with Ginger and Turmeric Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry with Ginger and Turmeric Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry with Ginger and Turmeric Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry with Ginger and Turmeric Chicken whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.