How to Cook Spaghetti Squash {3 Cooking Methods!}

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash is an in depth guide on how to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot, microwave, or bake it in the oven!

It’s been almost a year since I’ve given up eating pasta regularly due to the way it makes me feel.  The funny thing is that most days I don’t even miss it.

I’ll take a big bowl of spaghetti squash over regular spaghetti any day of the week. 🙂

As mainstream as spaghetti squash has become, I’m surprised by the amount of people that tell me they haven’t tried it.  I suppose it’s because most people choose to use zucchini noodles as zucchini is very familiar.

And it doesn’t hurt that you can buy packages of pre-made zoodles to save a lot of prep work, but that does come at a higher price.

This guide How to Cook Spaghetti Squash will show you how quick and easy it is to prep and cook spaghetti squash using the Instant Pot or pressure cooker, microwave or the oven.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is very versatile, and is a delicious low carb, gluten-free option.  It’s a great substitute for pasta and grains, or makes a great side with almost any main dish.

The tender, golden strands have a mild squash flavor that’s the perfect compliment to pasta sauce, pesto, vinaigrettes or simply olive oil or butter!

How to prep spaghetti squash

Zucchini and other veggies need to be spiralized into noodles or chopped into “rice” in the food processor, but in my opinion spaghetti squash is much easier.

Just prep, cook and shred with a fork!

A lot of people are intimidated by the prospect of cutting spaghetti squash, but the method I use is very easy.  Choosing a spaghetti squash that’s on the smaller size (no bigger than 4.5 lbs.) definitely makes the task easier as well.

Cut the top and bottom off of the spaghetti squash using a sharp knife.

Stand the squash cut-side down on the cutting board and cut in half from top to bottom.

Remove the seeds with a spoon and get ready to cook!

How to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot

Cooking spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker is a very quick way to get perfectly tender spaghetti squash in a fraction of the time.

Simply place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot, then pour 1 cup of water into the pot. Set the spaghetti squash halves on top of the trivet and secure the lid and close the venting valve.

Cook at High Pressure for 7 minutes, then quick release the pressure. Remove the lid when safe to do so, and remove the spaghetti squash when cool enough to handle.

How to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave

Cooking spaghetti squash in the microwave is the fastest cooking method of the three.  The cook time is very close to the Instant Pot, but the Instant Pot takes 10+ minutes to come to pressure.  

When I’m in a big hurry, I prefer to cook my spaghetti squash in the microwave.

To cook in the microwave, place the spaghetti squash cut-side down in a glass baking dish and add enough water to come up the sides about an inch or two.

Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes until you can pierce the squash easily with a fork.

How to cook spaghetti squash in the oven

Baking spaghetti squash in the oven is the obviously the longest cooking method.  I like to cook my squash in the oven when I’ve got other food to prep or when I have things to do around the house and I can pop it in and forget about it for a while.

Follow the same steps as the microwave method by placing the squash cut-side down in water.  Cook in a 400 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until tender.

How to store spaghetti squash

Cooked spaghetti squash will keep in an air tight container for up to 4-5 days, making it a great meal prep option!

Recipes for your spaghetti squash!

Cheesy Pesto Vegetarian Spaghetti Squash Boats

Easy Instant Pot Ratatouille

Easy Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Meat Sauce with Red Wine and Mushrooms

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash {3 Cooking Methods!}

Yield: About 4 cups of spaghetti squash

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash is an in depth guide on how to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot, microwave, or bake it in the oven!

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Ingredients

• (1) 4.5 lb. spaghetti squash, halved and seeds removed

Instructions

Instant Pot instructions:

1. Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour 1 cup of water into the pot and place the spaghetti squash halves on top of the trivet. Secure the lid and close the venting valve.
2. Cook at High Pressure for 7 minutes, then quick release the pressure. Remove the lid when safe to do so, and remove the spaghetti squash when cool enough to handle.

Microwave instructions:

1. Fill an 8x8" microwave safe baking dish with water up to 2" high. Place the spaghetti squash cut side down in the water and microwave for 8-10 minutes or until tender.

Oven instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Fill a baking dish with water up to 2" high. Place the squash cut side down and bake for 40-50 minutes or until tender.

Shred the spaghetti squash with a fork and serve as a base for pasta sauce, pesto, chili, pulled pork or toss with veggies and dressing!

Notes

• Nutrition information was calculated using My Fitness Pal and is meant to be an estimate only. The numbers will vary based on the quantity consumed.
• Cooked spaghetti squash will keep in the fridge in an air tight container for 4-5 days, making it great for meal prep!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 42 Total Fat: 0g Trans Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 28mg Carbohydrates: 10g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 4g Protein: 1g