How To Cook Spaghetti Squash

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash, 7 easy ways to cook spaghetti squash including how to microwave spaghetti squash, how to bake spaghetti squash, how to roast spaghetti squash, how to make spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot, how to make spaghetti squash in a slow cooker or crock pot, how to grill spaghetti squash, and how to steam spaghetti squash on the stovetop.

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I’ve grown to love spaghetti squash over the years.  I was never much of a squash person, but now enjoy squash regularly. I get a lot of questions on the best ways to cook spaghetti squash especially for my popular spaghetti squash recipes, including Asian Peanut Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry and Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Squash. So I’ve done a little research and giving tips on 7 easy ways on how to cook spaghetti squash. 

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash – 7 Ways

There are A LOT of different ways to cook spaghetti squash. If you’re looking for a few quick tips and how to cook spaghetti squash, I have some of the most popular options for you listed below all in one handy post.

One quick note, be sure to be careful when cutting a spaghetti squash in half. It is very hard and can slip so be sure to use a sharp knife.

Ready to learn how to cook spaghetti squash? Check out these ideas…

How to Microwave Spaghetti Squash:

1. With a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half. Remove seeds with a spoon.
2. Place squash, cut side down in a microwave safe pan (such as a glass 13×9-inch baking dish). Cover with plastic wrap.
3. Microwave on high for about 10-15 minutes, or until spaghetti squash is soft. Cool slightly.
4. Remove squash from pan and place on cutting board or work surface. Using a fork, remove squash in long strands.

How to Bake Spaghetti Squash:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. With a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half. Remove seeds with spoon. Place squash on prepared baking sheet. (You can also leave the squash whole, but using a sharp knife, cut slits all around the squash to allow steam to escape.)
3. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil on top of squash and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Turn squash so it’s cut-side-down on prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until soft. Using a fork, remove squash in long strands.

How to Roast Spaghetti Squash:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. With a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half. Remove seeds with spoon. Place squash on prepared baking sheet. (You can also leave the squash whole, but using a sharp knife, cut slits all around the squash to allow steam to escape.)
3. If desired, drizzle a little olive oil on top of squash and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Turn squash so it’s cut-side-down on prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 25-40 minutes or until soft. Using a fork, remove squash in long strands.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash in an Instant Pot:

1. With a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half. Remove seeds with spoon.
2. Add 1 cup of water to your Instant Pot.
3. Place the spaghetti squash in Instant Pot, stacking the squash on top of each other if necessary, cut side up.
4. Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the vent and lid is closed.
5. Cook the spaghetti squash on manual for high pressure for 5-7 minutes.
6. After 5 minutes, release the steam by turning the vent according to manufacturer’s direction.
7. Wait about 5-10 minutes for steam and pressure to release. Using a fork, make sure squash is soft. If not, repeat for a few more minutes.
8. Remove the spaghetti squash from the Instant Pot. Using a fork, remove squash in long strands.

Check out my Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash for more details.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash in a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot:

1. Poke holes all around the spaghetti squash with a sharp knife. You do not need to cut in half unless it won’t fit in your slow cooker.
2. Place about 1 1/2 – 2 cups of water in your slow cooker. Place the whole squash on top.
3. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours or until squash is soft.
4. Carefully remove the spaghetti squash from your slow cooker and place on a cutting board or work surface. With a sharp knife, cut the squash in half. Scrape out the seeds with a large spoon. Using a fork, remove squash in long strands.

How To Grill Spaghetti Squash:

1. Preheat your grill to medium.
2. With a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half. Remove seeds with spoon. Place squash on prepared baking sheet.
3. Drizzle a little olive oil on top of squash and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place squash cut-side-up on hot grill.
4. Bake for about 15-25 minutes, with grill lid down, or until squash is starting to soften. Carefully, flip squash over, and cook an additional 5-15 minutes or until soft.
5. Carefully remove squash from grill and cool slightly. Using a fork, remove squash in long strands.

How to Steam Spaghetti Squash on the Stovetop:

1. Prepare a vegetable steamer or steamer basket over water on top of stove. Place whole spaghetti squash in steamer, and cover pan with lid. (You could also cut the squash in half, remove seeds, and place in steamer.)
2. Bring water to boil. Steam for about 25-45 minutes or until spaghetti squash is soft.
3. Remove squash from pan and cool slightly.
4. Carefully cut squash in half and remove seeds with large spoon. Using a fork, remove squash in long strands.

Do you have a favorite way how to cook spaghetti squash? Or have some tips not listed? Would love to know in the comments below!

Spaghetti Squash Recipes

How about a few spaghetti squash recipes? Give these a try:

• Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Squash – great vegetarian option or side dish.
• Asian Peanut Spaghetti Squash Stir-Fry – delicious stir-fry with chicken, veggies, and an easy peanut sauce.
• Pesto Alfredo Spaghetti Squash – perfect for when you’re craving Italian comfort food.