How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash {3 ways!}

Two plates of spaghetti squash topped with fresh tomato sauce, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

5 from 3 votes

How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash {3 ways!}

Learn How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash three different ways. Spaghetti squash has a nutty flavor, that is light and buttery. Prepared spaghetti squash noodles are perfect topped with a little butter and parmesan or keep it vegan by adding extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 84kcal

Author: Tristin @ Home Cooked Harvest

Ingredients

1 spagetti squash 3 lbs
1 teaspoon olive oil
salt and pepper

Instructions

For the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Using a sharp knife make a dotted line with small cuts where you are wanting to cut your squash. Also, pierce the whole squash all over about 10 times. Cut in half using a sharp knife and mallet or place the whole squash in the microwave for 3-4 minutes but not any longer as squash may explode.
Pull spaghetti squash out of the microwave and slice it along dotted line. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pieces.
On a baking sheet covered in parchment, place the squash cut side down.
Bake the spaghtetti squash in the preheated oven for 40 - 60 minutes, until the skin is browned on the outside but tender on the inside. The strands should pull away easily but will still be firm. Use a fork to separate the squash into noodles. The cooking times may vary based on the size of the squash.

Microwave

Using a sharp knife make a dotted line with small cuts where you are wanting to cut your squash. Also, pierce the whole squash all over about 10 times. Cut in half using a sharp knife and mallet or place the whole squash in the microwave for 3-4 minutes but not any longer as squash may explode.
Pull spaghetti squash out of the microwave and slice it along dotted line. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pieces.
Add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of a casserole dish or glass baking dish. You only want enough water to steam the squash, too much water will make it mushy. Place squash cut side down and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Microwave on HIgh for 8-10 minutes.
Remove squash from the microwave and remove plastic wrap carefully as hot steam may escape. The strands should pull away easily but will still be firm. Use a fork to separate the squash into noodles. The cooking times may vary based on the size of the squash.

Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker

Using a sharp knife make a dotted line with small cuts where you are wanting to cut your squash. Also, pierce the whole squash all over about 10 times. Cut in half using a sharp knife and mallet or place the whole squash in the microwave for 3-4 minutes but not any longer as squash may explode.
Pull spaghetti squash out of the microwave and slice it along dotted line. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pieces.
Add 1 cup of water and a steamer basket or trivet to the Instant Pot. Place cut squash pieces with the cut side up on top of the steamer basket and secure the lid.
Using the manual button, set the pressure cooker to cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. The pressure cooker will need about 10 minutes to build up adequate pressure. A bigger squash will need more cooking time
When cooking time is complete, turn the steam valve to venting to release steam. When the venting knob has dropped, remove the lid. Squash is done when strands pull away easily. Use a fork to separate the squash into noodles.
Top the noodles with home made tomato sauce or use it in your favorite recipes. Store cooked spaghetti squash in airtight container in the fridge and use within 5 days. The cooking times may vary based on the size of the squash.

Notes

Cooking times may need to be longer if spaghetti squash is more than 3 lbs.
Store cooked spaghetti squash in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking it in the microwave is a good way of how to cook spaghetti squash fast.

* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.

Nutrition