True Food Kitchen’s Great Reputation for Gluten Free

When we planned a trip to Houston, I asked many friends for recommendations. When I specifically asked if others had eaten at True Food Kitchen, I received nothing but raving reviews from so many trusted people. Vegetarian friends such as Johnna from In Johnna’s Kitchen loved the options.

Great Atmosphere

When we walked into the restaurant, I immediately loved the interior. Large windows allowed copious amounts of natural lighting. Greenery greeted you at every turn, from the plants on the table to the decorative grasses nestled between benches. This particular location in Houston also offered out door seating. (And valet parking!)

True Food Kitchen’s Anti Inflammatory Principles

All the food served at True Food Kitchen derives from the Anti Inflammatory Food Pyramid, created by Dr. Weil. (Dr. Weil, in fact, owns this chain of restaurants.) Principles of that diet include reducing refined grains and sugar, eat pasta in moderation, and stay away from high fructose corn syrup. Dr. Weil also believes in eating less animal proteins and eating organic whenever possible.

Fresh, Organic Rotating Entrees

Because the menu focuses on fresh and organic, the menu changes with the seasons. The menu highlights special, seasonal items with an miniature avocado. The menu also uses abbreviations to notate gluten free, vegan and vegetarian dishes. True Food Kitchen prides itself on being able to customize any dish, even accommodating Keto and Paleo dieters.

True Food Kitchen Standard Dishes

However, some of the dishes at True Food Kitchen earn a permanent place on the menu. Regardless of the season, diners can enjoy Charred Cauliflower or Herbed Hummus (with gluten free pita!) as an appetizer.  A popular entree (which I ordered and LOVED) is their spaghetti squash casserole. Topped with fresh mozzarella, it’s fantastic! (Love Spaghetti Squash? Try my alfredo spaghetti squash recipe!)

Gluten Free Food Preparation & Procedures

Despite a standard disclaimer on their website about the possibility of cross contact, True Food Kitchen takes precautions to prevent them. They know to change their gloves and to cook meals in fresh pans, etc. I feel like we ate like kings and queens that day, and I had no gluten repercussions. Of course, no matter what restaurant you go to, ALWAYS ask them how gluten free meals are prepared, regardless of my (or any one else’s) recommendation.

Overall, we had a FANTASTIC experience, and I would definitely do again. Sadly, they don’t exist in Michigan yet. However, you can find them in larger urban areas.

True Food Kitchen Locations and Contact Information

Locations (Chicago, Houston, Miami, San Diego, Columbus and more
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

True Food Kitchen is one of many restaurants I’ve visited. You can find more on my  Michigan gluten free dining post. Please remember to always ask any restaurant about their food preparation practices.

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What is Spaghetti Squash? Is it Gluten Free?

Yes, spaghetti squash is gluten frree. It’s classified as a winter squash, because it’s harvested in the fall and stored through the winter months. It’s yellow, and shaped like an oblong watermelon. Spaghetti squash derives it’s name from the pulp that, when pulled, looks like spaghetti strands.

Does Spaghetti Squash Taste Like Pasta?

No. Too often I hear people say they don’t like it, because they think it’s going to exactly replicate their favorite spaghetti. Which is sad, because this squash is delicious and needs to be appreciated for its unique flavor. Let me show you how to cook and prepare a dish that will make you realize the worthiness of this most marvelous vegetable.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

There are multiple ways to cook a spaghetti squash. Any of these methods will work for making these Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats. I prefer to cook mine in the microwave, but that’s only because I often fail to plan ahead. Which means I rarely ever choose to cook in a crockpot. This recipe for Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats worked best with roasting the squash in the oven for 30 minutes.

Microwave Method

I learned to microwave spaghetti squash from the wonderful folks at The Kitchn. (No, that’s not a typo. That missing “E” is intentional on their part.) Why do I love to microwave spaghetti squash? Because you can fully cook it in less than 15 minutes. And if I’m honest, I’m usually planning dinner 30 minutes before i need to have it on the table. #RealLife Follow this link to get in-depth directions on how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave.

Here’s the brief version. 1) Poke holes in the spaghetti squash, place on glass dish, and then microwave for five minutes. This is to soften the outside. 2) Remove from microwave and cut in half, hot dog style. (All my teacher friends know what I mean.) 3) Return spaghetti squash to microwave. Depending on the size of the spaghetti squash, cook for an additional 5- 10 minutes. 4) Remove squash, allow to cool, and pull out strands with a fork.

Slow Cooker Method

My friend Holly at My Plant Based Family will tell you that cooking this vegetable in the slow cooker is “the easiest way to cook Spaghetti Squash.” Cut the squash in half (hamburger way), scoop out the seeds, place in the slow cooker and cook it for 3 hours. Of course, having your hands free for doing other things does make life easier!

Baking / Oven Roasting Method

Roasting spaghetti squash is just as easy. Cut it, oil it, stick it in the oven and let it cook for 30-40 minutes. I chose this method for making these Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats because I would result in a darker color of squash. The things we do for better pictures! Based on advice from Chocolate Covered Katie, I baked my squash at 450 degrees.

How To Pull The Pulp From a Spaghetti Squash

Regardless which method you choose to cook the squash for these Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats, you will destrand (?) the squash with a fork. (Not sure that’s even a word. Oh well.) So here is how it should look when you have pulled the insides. Nice and fluffy.

Gluten Free Alfredo Sauce

Since spaghetti squash doesn’t truly taste like pasta, it becomes a canvas for anything. I often use Full Flavor Foods’ gluten free Alfredo Sauce Mix. Simply combine the mix with water, cook until thickened, and enjoy!

I will confess that I “tweaked” it a bit. Dinner time is when I add bits of items that I need to use up. Like the last two tablespoons of cream cheese, the final shakes of Parmesan cheese, and few glugs of milk. (Also, you can use a jar of Classico Alfredo sauce in a pinch. All Classico sauces are gluten-free.)

The Best Gluten Free Breaded Chicken

The chicken in these Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats are pretty stellar. I coated a chicken breast with Aleia’s Extra Crispy Coat and Crunch. (It had some leftover coating from the gluten free mozzarella sticks I just made. Waste not, want not, right?) On top of the cooked chicken I added some cooked spinach and then drizzled that gorgeous Full Flavor Foods Alfredo sauce on top.

The Secret to Perfectly Golden, Melty Cheese

Of course, cheese (or in this case MORE cheese) makes everything better, right? I topped these Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash Boats with a mix of Mozzarella and shredded Parmesan, and placed it under the broiler for about 5 minutes. Spectacular, am I right? My husband thought so, when we had them for dinner later that night.

I Can’t Eat Dairy? What Alfredo Can I Use?

I do use a lot of dairy in this recipe, from milk to cream cheese to a WHOLE lot of cheese. If you are looking for dairy free alfredo sauce, I would recommend Primal Kitchen Alfredo Sauce. It’s available at many stores. As for dairy free cheese, Violife is great.

Other Spaghetti Squash Recipes

The great thing about spaghetti squash is that it creates its own serving vessel. Create Spaghetti Squash Boats with Meatballs, or even Chili Cheese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. Don’t eat meat? Try these Vegetarian Italian Spaghetti Squash boats, made with lentils! Or ditch the boats and make a Spaghetti Squash Casserole!

Print

Gluten Free Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Equipment

• Aleia’s Coat and Crunch – GF Shake and Bake
• ZWILLING Twin Signature 3-pc German Knife Set
• Dreamfarm Brizzle-Red
• Dreamfarm 3mm Ograte

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• oil and salt for seasoning
• 1 packet Full Flavor Foods Alfredo Sauce mix
• 1/2 c water
• 2 -3 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1/4 c. milk
• 1 chicken breast 6 oz+
• Rice flour egg and crumb coating for chicken
• 2 handfuls spinach
• 3-4 oz shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan blend

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees
• Pierce spaghetti squash with fork and heat in microwave for 1 minute to soften squash. Cut down the middle, lengthwise, and scoop out seeds. 
• Brush spaghetti squash with oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on cookie sheet, cut side up. Bake for 30-40 minutes, depending on size of squash. 
• While squash is cooking, make Full Flavor Foods Alfredo Sauce mix according to directions. It will thicken greatly as it cools, so don’t be tempted to cook it all the way down. I added cream cheese, Parmesan and a touch of milk to stretch the sauce. I added these after the sauce had cooked, not before. 
• My chicken breast was already pre-cooked from a different day. If you have a fresh chicken breast, I would suggest placing it in the oven for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time, with the squash. 
• To bread the chicken, dip it in beaten egg, then rice flour, then beaten egg again, and finally in the Aleia’s Coat and Crunch. You could use crushed Corn or Rice Chex instead. Or, you could simple cook a fresh chicken breast on the stove top, and not bread it at all. 
• Wilt the spinach to remove excess moisture. I microwaved mine for approximately a minute because I was in a hurry. You can do this on the stove top, in a non-stick skillet. I suggest using a bit of cooking spray to prevent sticking. 
• Once the squash is finished cooking, remove from oven and allow to cool approximately 5 minutes. This prevents you from burning your fingers! Using a fork, pull the strands from the sides of the squash. 
• Leave pulled squash in shell and top with sliced chicken and wilted spinach. Pour Alfredo sauce on top, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top of sauce. Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts. Broil for 2-3 minutes if you would like to brown the cheese. 

What’s your favorite way to eat spaghetti squash? I’m always looking for fun new recipes to try. Share with me in the comments below.

Originally Published January 2018

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