How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Instant Pot, Microwave & Oven)
Learn How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot, microwave, or bake it in the oven! Each cooking method is extremely easy and yields perfectly tender spaghetti squash to use in a variety of recipes. It’s lower carb, gluten-free and great for meal prep!
It’s been years 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 and oven baked meatballs 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 comes at a much higher price.
In this post, you’ll learn How to Cook Spaghetti Squash easily using the Instant Pot, microwave and the oven, and you’ll save a lot of money to boot. 🙂
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- You’ll learn how to make spaghetti squash using (3) different cooking options, including the Instant Pot, microwave and oven. You get to decide which one is right for you!
- Spaghetti squash is a lower carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta and can be used a number of ways.
- It’s much more cost effective than purchasing prepared veggie or zucchini noodles.
- It keeps for up to 5 days in the refrigerator so it’s great for meal prep!
How to cut spaghetti squash
Zucchini and other veggies need to be spiralized into noodles or chopped into “rice” in the food processor, but prepping spaghetti squash is so much easier.
Cutting spaghetti squash can seem a bit daunting, 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.
- Place the spaghetti squash on its side on a cutting board, then cut off the top and bottom of it 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
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!
Spaghetti squash can be baked in the oven, cooked in the microwave or the Instant Pot. See the instructions below to determine which cooking method is right for you.
See the recipe card below for full instructions.
Pro tip: A 4 1/2 lb. spaghetti squash yields about 4 cups shredded. Serving size and cooking time will vary based on the size of your squash.
How to make Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
Cooking spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker is a great way to get perfectly tender spaghetti squash in a fraction of the time.
- 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 when it’s cool enough to handle.
How to make microwave spaghetti squash
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 make baked spaghetti squash
Oven roasted spaghetti squash is the most time consuming cooking method. It’s a great option when I have other food to prep or I have things to do around the house and I can forget about it for a while.
This method is perfect when making my spaghetti squash lasagna, as the squash is cooked in the oven first, then it’s assembled into lasagna and baked from there.
- Place halved spaghetti squash in a baking dish with water similar to the microwave method, but cook at 400 degrees in the oven for 40-50 minutes or until fork tender.
Recipe FAQs
Uncooked spaghetti squash is long lasting produce as it keeps in the pantry for 2-3 months. It’s a great addition to your pantry recipes!
Once cooked, spaghetti squash keeps in an air tight container for up to 5 days, which makes it a great meal prep option!
Spaghetti squash can be cooked in the Instant Pot, microwave and oven, and they’re all great alternatives. Which one is best depends on quickly you’d like it to cook.
Baked spaghetti squash takes 40-50 minutes, so it’s a great option when you have other things to do and you can forget about it. It also takes browns nicely which adds flavor.
Cooking spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot is a great option if you have one as it cooks up perfectly tender in about 20-25 minutes total.
The microwave is the quickest option as the squash takes 8-10 minutes to cook.
Spaghetti squash can be cooked whole, but it takes longer to cook.
I prefer to cut it in half when I cook it to cut down the cooking time.
Serving suggestions
Once you learn how to make spaghetti squash, you’ll be amazed at all the wonderful ways that you can utilize it.
- Serve with baked turkey meatballs or meat sauce for delicious lower carb comfort food.
- Top with my Instant Pot ratatouille for an easy vegetarian dinner.
- Smother with pesto sauce or marinara sauce and serve with your favorite protein or cheese.
- Serve with Instant Pot pulled pork or BBQ pulled chicken for a delicious game day meal.
- Try Spaghetti Squash Lasagna by Skinnytaste.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: A 4 1/2 lb. spaghetti squash yields about 4 cups shredded. Serving size and cooking time will vary based on the size of your squash.
- Cooked spaghetti squash will keep in the refrigerator in an air tight container for 4-5 days, making it great for meal prep!
More winter squash recipes you’ll love:
- Cinnamon roasted butternut squash
- How to make pumpkin purée
- Roasted delicata squash
- Roasted pumpkin
- Roasted whole butternut squash
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Instant Pot, Oven & Microwave)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4.5 lb. spaghetti squash halved and seeds removed
Instructions
Instant Pot instructions:
- 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.4.5 lb. spaghetti squash
- 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:
- Fill an 8×8″ 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:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- 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
- Pro tip: A 4 1/2 lb. spaghetti squash yields about 4 cups shredded. Serving size and cooking time will vary based on the size of your squash.
- Cooked spaghetti squash will keep in the refrigerator in an air tight container for 4-5 days, making it great for meal prep!
- See the serving suggestions section in the post above for all the delicious ways to use spaghetti squash.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
10 Comments on “How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Instant Pot, Microwave & Oven)”
Funny – the husband and I had to stop eating pasta (no matter what kind – I’ve tried them all – even the gluten free, etc etc ones!) because of the stomach issues! I’ve been doing a lot of veggie noodles but I need to use spaghetti squash more often!
I’m sorry to hear you’ve got those issues too — I’m hoping to get to the bottom of mine in the next few months!
I’ve cut out a lot of pasta, and tend to eat zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash when I have that pasta craving. Thanks for all of these helpful tips Marcie. I’ve only ever cooked spaghetti squash in the oven, so I’m definitely giving it a try in my Instant Pot soon!
Veggie noodles really do satisfy, don’t they? Thanks Leanne! 🙂
I’ve really been cutting back on carbs, so I’m eating a lot of spaghetti squash and zoodles these days. I can’t believe how quick it is to cook a squash in the instant pot! I’m so glad I read your post. I’ve just been oven-baking it!
I really do like to oven bake it when I’m not in a hurry and actually prefer the microwave when I’m in the biggest rush because it’s the fastest. 🙂
There are probably lots of ways people cook it…I’ve not done any of your three ways. 🙂 I roast mine in the oven without any water.
There are so many ways to get it done! I prefer to use water because it seems to get nice and tender that way…I’ll have to try it without some time!
Spaghetti squash is one of my favorite types of squash! Interesting, I usually bake it in the oven, but I also put it in the microwave first for a couple minutes to soften it up before cutting in half. I always thought that it wouldn’t be cooked enough/taste right from just being in the microwave, but perhaps I’m adding an extra unnecessary step sometimes!
It’s funny because I read about microwaving it to soften it first before cutting and I’d never thought to do that! Cooking it in the water helps it steam in the microwave (and oven) which makes it more tender in my opinion. 🙂