How to Cook Spaghetti Squash: 3 Ways to Cook the Best Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is an early autumn squash featuring a light, stringy interior with a subtle flavor that acts as a neutral base for a number of healthy, gluten-free, and vegan dishes.

When cooked, spaghetti squash takes on the appearance of a thin noodle-like angel hair pasta, hence the name.

Thanks to that unique texture, spaghetti squash is often used as a low-carb alternative to actual noodles, whether paired with a pat of butter and garlic, pesto, or a rich Italian tomato sauce. A number of spaghetti squash recipes also utilize it as the perfect side dish, or even something on the sweeter side (for a sweeter preparation with a kick, try it with hot honey and kosher salt).

First, cook the spaghetti squash for 30-45 minutes in a 400ºF oven. Then, gently scrape out the flesh of the cooked squash with a fork to create healthy spaghetti squash “noodles”. The resulting spaghetti-like strands serve as a wonderful substitute in vegetarian recipes that call for noodles.

Cooking spaghetti squash by microwaving is simple and delicious. Don’t be put off: microwaved spaghetti squash is not mushy, and tastes just as good! Just be mindful that cook time and prep time may vary depending on the size of the squash and your microwave oven.

1. 1. Slice squash lengthwise, and remove seeds.
2. 2. Place squash cut-side down in a microwave-safe baking dish.
3. 3. Add a splash of water.
4. 4. The cooking time should be around 12 minutes—or until you can easily poke holes with a fork. Total time will depend on your microwave oven.
5. 5. Use a fork to tease out the squash strands.

To roast spaghetti squash in the oven, preheat to 400F.

1. 1. With a chef’s knife, slice the squash lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
2. 2. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet.
3. 3. Cook spaghetti squash for 30-45 minutes, until both squash halves are tender when pierced with a sharp knife.
4. 4. Cool, then scrape the inside of the squash with a fork to separate the flesh into long, spaghetti-like strands.
5. 5. Season with salt and black pepper, and top with Parmesan cheese (optional).

A crock-pot or Instant Pot slow cooker can cook spaghetti squash faster than it can cook actual spaghetti.

1. 1. Simply slice the squash lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
2. 2. Place a steamer basket or a trivet into the bottom of the pot, and add 1 cup of water.
3. 3. Set for 7 minutes on high-pressure.
4. 4. Remove and let cool.
5. 5. Use a fork to scrape out the insides, and season to taste.

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