I’m super excited about this meal I put together tonight.  My inspiration came from wanting to try spaghetti squash for a while now, PaleOMG’s “pasta” recipes, and the extra lemon I had sitting on my counter since last week.

So as I walked through the aisles of the brand new Trader Joe’s in Stamford (ecstatic about this), I came up with Lemon Basil Chicken & Artichoke “Pasta.”

Oh just as an FYI.  I’m far from a great cook.  I’ve always enjoyed cooking since I was younger but took about an 8 year hiatus (thank you college and post college life).  Even when I was younger though, I was always the type to throw a dash of salt here or a heaping of garlic there.  So when I cook, I don’t always measure everything.  People have different palates so I prefer to season to taste.

Lemon Basil Chicken & Artichoke “Pasta”

• 1.25 lbs Organic Chicken Breast Tenderloins (cut into cubes)
• 1 Medium Spaghetti Squash
• 1/2 Yellow Onion
• 1 Clove Garlic
• 1 Can Artichoke Hearts
• 1 Lemon
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Fresh Basil
• Salt
• Lemon Pepper (from Trader Joes)
• Garlic Powder

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.  Cut the spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise (this was a lot harder than I thought!).  Place the two halves face down on a pan and bake for 40 minutes.  When they are done turn them over, let cool, and scrape out “spaghetti” with a fork by going with the grain.

While the spaghetti squash is cooking, start preparing everything else.  Coat your skillet with olive oil and let it heat up on medium heat. Throw in chopped onion and garlic clove.  Saute for 5 minutes and add in chicken.  Saute until chicken is cooked on the outside. Add in your halved and washed artichoke hearts. Take half of your lemon and squeeze over chicken.  Make sure not to let any seeds fall in!  Add in basil and start seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Turn burner to low and let simmer for 10-15 more minutes, or until your squash is done.

Once your squash is done and you are able to pick it up, fork the spaghetti into a big bowl.  Squeeze the other half of your lemon on to your spaghetti squash.  Add in chicken mixture and mix together with spaghetti.  Enjoy!