5 Easy Ways to Cook Spaghetti Squash

There are so many easy ways to cook spaghetti squash, depending on your preference and how much time you have.

I’m here to share with you how to cook spaghetti squash in the pressure cooker, slow cooker, roasted, steamed, and even in the microwave.

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Ways to Cook Spaghetti Squash

I wanted to share a few different ways to cook spaghetti squash regardless of how much time you have. I have included the following:

• Oven roasted spaghetti squash
• Steamed spaghetti squash
• Slow Cooker spaghetti squash
• Instant Pot spaghetti squash
• Spaghetti squash cooked in the microwave

All of these methods offer the option of cooking the spaghetti squash whole or cut in half.

Healthy Spaghetti Squash Recipes

I don’t have too many spaghetti squash recipes up on Randa Nutrition yet, but they’re coming. Truth be told, I often forget about squash during my weekly meal planning and that’s going to have to change because my toddler loves it.

• Spaghetti Squash Nests
• Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
• Chicken Pesto Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Cutting the Spaghetti Squash Lengthwise vs Widthwise

If you cut the squash widthwise instead of lengthwise you will get longer “spaghetti-like” strands.

Plus it also gives you more surface to salt (which helps prevent it from getting mushy).

This is a personal preference, so do what you prefer.

How to Roast Spaghetti Squash

1. Slice the squash lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and discard.
2. Rub a little olive oil, sea salt, and pepper over the meat of the squash and lay the squash cut-side down on a parchment-covered baking sheet.
3. Roast at 400F for 45-50 minutes (or until a knife can pierce through the skin with ease).

How to Steam Spaghetti Squash

This is my favorite way to cook spaghetti squash, it comes out so tender and easy to shred with a fork.

1. Slice your spaghetti squash lengthwise with a sharp knife. Scoop out the sides and discard. Rub the squash with a little olive oil, salt, and, pepper.
2. Place the squash on a 9×13 pan (or one that holds the size of your squash) cut side down. Add 1 cup of water.
3. Bake for 35-45 minutes at 400F.
4. It will be ready when you can effortlessly pierce through the skin with a knife or a fork.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Slow Cooker

1. Take a sharp knife and stab the squash in multiple places to create little vents to allow steam to escape. This is important, don’t skip this step.
2. Place the whole squash at the bottom of your slow cooker. Cover with a lid.
3. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours (this will depend on the size of your squash).
4. Let the squash cool before you cut it open to remove the seeds. Be careful with your grip, as the squash skin will be soft.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot

1. Prepare the pressure cooker by adding an Instant Pot trivet to the bottom and adding 1 cup of water (or chicken/vegetable broth for a little extra flavor).
2. Take a sharp paring knife and prick the whole squash multiple times to allow venting for steam to escape while it cooks.
3. Place the squash in the Instant Pot, on top of the trivet.
4. Seal the pressure cooker and cook on manual high pressure for 6-8 minutes (depending on the size of the squash).
5. Do a quick release to relieve the pressure.
6. Unseal the pressure cooker and let the spaghetti squash cool. Once it’s cool to the touch, slice it open and spoon out the insides.

I use a Ninja Foodi to pressure cook the squash. The top of the spaghetti squash did touch the lid a bit but it cooked fine.

Since you’re using your Instant Pot, try these Spaghetti Squash Taco Bowls from my friend Becca at My Crazy Good Life.

How to Microwave Spaghetti Squash

The instructions to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave are simple:

1. Take a knife and pierce the squash multiple times to allow for venting. If you are using a cut up squash, you can skip this step.
2. Microwave the squash on a plate for 3-4 minutes.
3. Flip the squash over (using oven mitts, it’s really got and be careful of any steam escaping) and microwave for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool before cutting into it. Removes the seeds and enjoy.

Note: If it’s a larger squash you could cook it for longer, but you could also just put the halves in to continue cooking once cut. You want a little bit of texture still, not have it too mushy.

How to Store Spaghetti Squash

If you don’t use the whole squash at dinner time you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

I prefer to scrape the flesh out and store them in these sealed meal prep containers to prolong freshness.

You can also store the squash slices (whole and not touched) if you wrap them in plastic wrap or beeswax food wraps.

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Can You Freeze Cooked Spaghetti Squash?

To freeze cooked spaghetti squash you will have to follow the following steps:

1. Make sure the squash is 100% cooled to room temperature. If you’re doing this in the summer or your home is warm, toss the squash in the fridge. This will prevent the squash from getting mushy in the freezer.
2. Wring out any excess moisture with paper towel. Just squeeze it out.
3. Add the cooked squash to freezer bags (or another vessel that allows you to remove excess air).
4. If all the air has been removed you can expect it to last 6 months in the freezer.

I recommend reheating the squash in a skillet to help remove any extra moisture that may have been left during freezing.

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How Many Calories in Spaghetti Squash? Is Spaghetti Squash Low Carb?

A whole spaghetti squash has significantly fewer calories and carbs than traditional pasta, which makes it a great low carb option for family favorites like spaghetti.

The below information is for 1 cup (143g) of spaghetti squash source:

• Calories in Spaghetti Squash: 42
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.4
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

What to Serve with Spaghetti Squash

You can use spaghetti squash in place of noodles, or in addition to it (to add more vegetables to your diet). Cook the spaghetti squash with any of the above methods and serve with a simple sauce (like this homemade blender marinara sauce or your favorite jarred tomato sauce).

Or you can serve it with fresh tomatoes and pesto.

Another option is to have it as a side dish, simply drizzle olive oil over top (or butter) and serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or whatever seasoning you wish.

There you have it. There is your crash course on how to cook spaghetti squash, whatever your tastes you’ll find a way that works best for you..

Let me know in the comments, your favorite way (or if you have another way not listed).

Don’t forget to share this with your friends via Facebook or Pinterest and if you make it, tag me and use #randanutrition on Instagram.