It’s all the rage. But how on earth do you cook spaghetti squash? I’ve got you covered with how to make spaghetti squash in the microwave, oven, slow cooker or Crock Pot, and Instant Pot. Plus, I’ll share how to safely cut spaghetti squash and answer the age-old question, does spaghetti squash really taste like spaghetti!
Shazaam! Ohhhh there’s so much goodness in this post I don’t even know where to begin. And I’m also not sure if you are more curious to know if spaghetti squash actually tastes like spaghetti… or how to safely cut the squash without adding a few fingers in the process.
And for the main event, we will cover how to cook spaghetti squash in the:
- Microwave
- Oven
- Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
- Instant Pot
So let’s get started!
Does Spaghetti Squash Really Taste Like Spaghetti?
Does spaghetti squash really taste like spaghetti?
Yes and no.
When I went gluten free, even the best gluten free pasta doesn’t taste the same as real legit spaghetti.
So there’s that.
And you certainly aren’t going to get the same taste from a vegetable.
However…
When cooked properly, spaghetti squash is seriously the best thing since sliced bread. Or real spaghetti? The texture mimics angel hair pasta. You have to watch it to make sure it doesn’t get too watery. And it’s a wee bit more fragile. (fra-geel-lay)
The flavor in and of itself is mild but once you doctor it up with some awesomesauce recipes… you will have a first-class ticket to plant-based pasta heaven!
How to Cut Spaghetti Squash
A strong faith is the first requirement. That gourd is hard to cut! Say lots and lots of prayers before you slice.
Be very careful. Very careful. And let me say this again. Be very careful!
Use a heavy chef’s knife.
A towel can also help to steady the squash.
Some people like to cut from stem to end. Some like to cut in the middle. Tomato – tomahto. It all depends on how you like it best.
Be gentle. Don’t force the knife. When it’s cut, wiggle the knife out and pull the halves apart.
Recommended alternative – pierce a few holes in the squash with a fork or knife. Give it a little score where you are going to cut it. Microwave for 3-4 minutes (no longer). Let cool and then cut.
Tips and Tricks
I mentioned above the alternative to the big slice so you don’t risk an unnecessary trip to the emergency room. So I won’t repeat myself here.
The second biggest frustration to making spaghetti squash is the sogginess. Regardless of which method you choose to make it, you are going to have to watch the water content. It can get real soggy real fast.
Overcooking is the biggest culprit. It’s better to undercook it than overcook it!
Cutting the squash across the width rather than stem to end will result in longer strands of the squash.
Cooked spaghetti squash can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Pros and Cons to Each Method
Microwave – Quick prep. Uneven heating and cooking. Be careful of extra moisture.
Oven – Longer planning. Best roasted flavor. Least moisture.
Crock Pot – No cutting the hard gourd until it’s finished cooking! Longest prep albeit hands-off.
Instant Pot – Quickest prep. And no cutting the hard gourd until it’s finished cooking.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash In the Microwave
1. Cut the squash in half.
2. Scoop out seeds. (You can roast them similar to pumpkin seeds!)
3. Season the halves with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the halves cut side down in a microwave-safe baking dish. Add a little water to the bottom of the dish – approximately 1 inch.
5. Microwave for 5 minutes. Check.
6. Microwave for another 3-5 minutes and check again until it’s easily pierced with a fork. Repeat for a few minutes if it’s not quite done. Make sure you always have a little water in the dish.
7. Let cool and then shred the flesh with a fork.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash In the Oven
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. While the oven is heating, cut the squash in half.
3. Scoop out the seeds.
4. Season the halves with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the halves cut-side down on top of parchment paper or aluminum foil on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for approximately 30 minutes and check for doneness – you want it to be fork-tender but still a wee bit firm.
7. If needed, bake an additional 15-20 minutes until done.
8. Let cool and then shred the flesh with a fork.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
With the slow cooker or Crock Pot, you do not need to cut into the hard squash. Queue the confetti!
1. Wash the outer shell of the squash and leave whole.
2. With a fork or knife, poke several holes in the squash.
3. Add the squash and 2 cups of water to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Check towards the end for doneness and adjust the time as needed
5. Do not let the slow cooker run out of water – it will burn the squash.
6. Carefully remove the squash and let it cool.
7. Cut in half, scrape out the seeds, and shred with a fork.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
Always read your Instant Pot’s manual to ensure safety prior to cooking. With this method, you will also save your cutting until the end when it’s eeezy!
1. Plan on 15 minutes for a whole 2-pound squash. Adjust accordingly.
2. Wash the outer shell of the squash and leave whole.
3. With a fork or knife, poke several holes in the squash.
4. Add the squash and 1 cups of water to the Instant Pot.
5. Set for 15 minutes on high pressure.
6. Carefully remove the squash and let it cool.
7. Cut in half, scrape out the seeds, and shred with a fork.
Get the Recipes!
Now that you know how to make spaghetti squash, be sure to check out these delicious recipes!
READ: 25 Spaghetti Squash Dinner Recipes
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Love, hugs, and not getting caught off gourd.
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