Baked spaghetti squash is the perfect healthy alternative to pasta that is fluffy and delicious, and if you want to learn how to cook spaghetti squash in the oven, microwave, instant pot, or even the air fryer, you've come to the right place!
Roasted spaghetti squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes and is low in calories and high in nutrients.
Contents
🌟 Why this recipe works
When it comes to flavor, baked spaghetti squash is light and mild, making it the perfect canvas for a variety of flavors. Whether you want to keep it simple with a classic tomato sauce or get creative with flavorful herbs and spices, this dish is sure to please.
As for the cooking method, baking spaghetti squash is hands-down the best way to cook this healthy veggie. Not only does it result in perfectly cooked spaghetti squash, but it also brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, making it even more delicious.
With just a bit of butter or olive oil, salt, and pepper, you can have a delicious and healthy side dish or main course that is ready in no time. The cooking method is simple as well. Bake the squash in the oven until tender, then use a fork to separate the strands into “spaghetti.” Add your favorite sauce and toppings, and enjoy!
Whether you are looking for a gluten-free alternative to pasta or simply trying to add more vegetables to your diet, cooked spaghetti squash is a great option. It is low in calories and carbs but high in fiber and vitamins A, C, and B6.
If you're looking for an easy and foolproof method, baking is the way to go! Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
🍽 Key ingredients
Roasting spaghetti squash is easy and doesn't require any special ingredients or equipment. It's so delicious and the fluffed-up squash strands can be used in your favorite spaghetti squash recipes.
Spaghetti squash - You only need one large squash for this recipe. Look for a squash that is uniform in color and free of blemishes.
Butter - This adds flavor and helps to tenderize the squash.
Salt and pepper - Salt helps to bring out the flavor of the squash, and pepper adds a bit of heat.
Substitutions
Butter
You can also use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil as a substitute for butter.
🔪 How to make
How to cook spaghetti squash in the oven is a simple process that any home cook can follow with ease that takes less than an hour.
Preparations
Step 1
Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a chef's knife.
Step 2
Scoop out the spaghetti squash seeds and cut butter into cubes and place it into the two spaghetti squash halves.
Step 3
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cooking instructions
Step 4
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Step 5
Prepare uncooked spaghetti squash by wrapping them in aluminum foil and layering them on a rimmed baking sheet.
Step 6
Bake spaghetti squash in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until fork tender but still a little firm. Cooking spaghetti squash perfectly will vary depending on the size of your squash, so you may need an extra 10 minutes to cook the squash if it is big.
Step 7
Once the baked spaghetti squash is fork tender, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
Step 8
When it is cool to the touch, use a fork to make spaghetti-like strands from the sides of the squash.
Step 9
Use the spaghetti in your favorite recipes, eat on its own, or store it for later.
💭 Cooking tips
Don't overcook the spaghetti squash
It is important to cook spaghetti squash until it is fork tender but still a little firm. This will ensure that the strands of spaghetti are not mushy.
Add flavor
If you want to add flavor to the spaghetti squash, you can add garlic powder, dried herbs, or spices to each squash half before cooking.
📖 Variations
There are many ways you can roast spaghetti squash, and if don't want to use the oven or are in a hurry, here are a few variations to suit your preferences.
How to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave
If you're short on time, you can also cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place the squash cut side down in a microwave-safe baking dish with a bit of water.
Cook on high for 8 to 10 minutes until tender, and let the squash cool before using a fork to separate the strands.
How to cook spaghetti squash in an instant pot
Cooking spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to get perfectly cooked squash in just a few minutes. Simply add a cup of water to the pot, then place the squash on the steamer basket.
Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Once the pressure has been released, use a fork to separate the strands and enjoy!
How to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer
Air fryers are a great way to get crispy, delicious food with minimal effort. And they can also be used to cook spaghetti squash!
Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and brush with a bit of olive oil. Place it cut side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
🥗 What to serve with
If you love spaghetti squash as much as we do, you'll want to use it all of the time with many recipes for lunch or dinner. Here are some of our favorites from the best spaghetti squash recipes.
Spaghetti squash enchiladas
Three ingredients are all you need for this recipe. The squash shells are used in place of flour tortillas, and the spaghetti squash is mixed with enchilada sauce, chopped green onions, and topped with shredded cheese. They are perfect for a light lunch.
Garlic and herb spaghetti boats
Once the squash is cooked, make the strands with a fork and mix them with a teaspoon of minced garlic and two tablespoons of chopped parsley. Mix it together and bake for 10 minutes.
This spaghetti squash recipe is also one of the perfect side dishes for ham to put on your table in holiday season!
Spaghetti squash pizza bowls
This recipe is a delicious way to make a healthy version of pizza using your favorite pizza toppings. Cook a cup of spinach until wilted, and mix it with the spaghetti squash strands and marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 10 minutes.
Meat
Buttery spaguetti squash is the perfect side dish for juicy and tender meat like my smoked beef plate ribs and my smoked beef back ribs.
Looking for steak recipes? I've got you covered with my collection of best bottom round steak recipes and best round steak recipes.
🙋 Frequently asked questions
How to cut spaghetti squash?
Cutting spaghetti squash can be a bit tricky, so it's best to use a sharp knife. Start by cutting off the stem, then cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds, then use a fork to separate the strands when cooked.
How to cook spaghetti squash whole?
If you want to cook the squash whole, pierce the skin with a paring knife and bake in the oven at 400F on a prepared baking sheet for 45 minutes. Cut in half lengthways, remove the seeds, and fluff the squash with a fork.
How many carbs in spaghetti squash?
One cup of cooked spaghetti squash contains around 7 grams of carbs, making it a great low carb alternative to pasta.
🧊 Storing and ♨️ reheating
Roasted spaghetti squash is an amazingly versatile vegetable that goes in many recipes and is also easy to store and reheat for later use.
Fridge - Leftover spaghetti squash will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer - Once it has completely cooled, you can freeze spaghetti squash for up to 3 months in the freezer in a freezer container. Make sure to strain any excess juices from the squash before freezing to prevent excess moisture from turning it mushy.
Reheating - To reheat, simply place the leftover spaghetti squash in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2 minutes on high power.
👪 Serving size
One serving of roasted spaghetti squash is typically ½ a squash or about 1 cup of cooked strands. This recipe will yield 2 servings for 1 large squash, or you can scale it up to make more.
That's all there is to know about roasted spaghetti squash! Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or want to meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe on how to cook spaghetti squash is a great option.
And because it's so versatile, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. So go ahead and give it a try!
📋 Recipe
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparations
- Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a chef's knife.
- Scoop out the spaghetti squash seeds.
- Cut butter into cubes and place it into the two spaghetti squash halves
- Sprinkle salt and pepper.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare uncooked spaghetti squash by wrapping them in aluminum foil and layering them on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake spaghetti squash in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until fork tender but still a little firm. Cooking spaghetti squash perfectly will vary depending on the size of your squash, so you may need an extra 10 minutes to cook the squash if it is big.
- Once the baked spaghetti squash is fork tender, remove them from the oven and let them cool.
- When it is cool to the touch, use a fork to make spaghetti-like strands from the sides of the squash.
- Use the spaghetti in your favorite recipes, eat on its own, or store it for later.
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