Are you wondering how to cook spaghetti squash? Maybe you saw it on sale at the grocery store but you don’t know how to prepare it. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Learn how to cook spaghetti squash in the oven or microwave for a tasty low-carb side; eat it as is or pair it with a protein and other toppings to create a full meal.
What is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is a yellow vegetable harvested in the early fall. When cooked, the insides shred easily into thin strands mimicking angel hair pasta; its superpower is taking on the flavor of whatever it cooks in, so use spaghetti squash as an alternative to spaghetti, Pad Thai, or even ramen.
How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash
Cut the Squash: Slice off the stem and bottom ends to create a stable base. Stand it upright and carefully cut it in half lengthwise.
Remove the Seeds: Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Oven
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the spaghetti squash halves on a rimmed baking sheet. Use a fork to poke holes in the flesh. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Turn them over so the insides are face down on the baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes until you can pierce the flesh with a fork.
Step 3: Remove the squash from the oven and set it aside to cool. Use a fork to fluff and separate the strands. Transfer them to a mixing bowl.
How long to bake spaghetti squash at 350°F (176°C)?
I usually roast spaghetti squash in the oven, but you can bake it at 350°F (176°C) for 50-60 minutes.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Step 1: Use a fork to poke holes in the flesh. Prepare the halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add 1 inch of water to a microwave-safe dish and place one-half of the squash suspended over the water.
Prep Tip
Depending on your dish size and microwave, you may need to cook the halves in batches.
Step 2: Microwave for 10 minutes and check for doneness. Continue microwaving in 2-minute increments until it’s fork tender.
Step 3: Carefully remove the squash from the microwave and set it aside to cool. Use a fork to fluff and separate the strands. Transfer them to a mixing bowl.
If you enjoy the article, pair the spaghetti squash with one of these dinner recipes!
What to Pair with Spaghetti Squash?
- Spices: Taco Seasoning, Curry Powder, Slap Ya Mama Seasoning Recipe
- Sauce: Sugo al Pomodoro, Alfredo Sauce, Pistachio Pesto, Skhug, Butter, Enchilada Sauce
- Toppings: Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon Bits, Feta, Chopped Olives
- Protein: Black Beans, Ground Beef, Shrimp, Dutch Oven Pulled Chicken, Chicken Sausage
What To Do With Leftovers
- Storage: Squash keeps in cool, dry spaces like a pantry for up to 2 months.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does spaghetti squash taste like?
It has a neutral flavor known to take on the flavor of what it cooks with, though I think it has a slightly sweet profile.
How long to cook spaghetti squash?
Oven-Roasted: 40-45 minutes 400°F (204°C).
Oven-Baked: 50- 60 minutes at 350°F (176°C).
Microwave: 10-15 minutes.
More Kitchen Tips:
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
- Microwave-Safe Dish
- 1 medium (3 pounds) spaghetti squash, halved and prepared
- extra-virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- coarse black pepper
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the spaghetti squash halves on a rimmed baking sheet. Use a fork to poke holes in the flesh. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Turn them over so the insides are face down on the baking sheet. Roast for 40 minutes until you can pierce the flesh with a fork.
- Remove the squash from the oven and set it aside to cool. Use a fork to fluff and separate the strands. Transfer them to a mixing bowl.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave:
- Use a fork to poke holes in the flesh. Prepare the halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add 1 inch of water to a microwave-safe dish and place one-half of the squash suspended over the water.Tip: Depending on your dish size and microwave, you may need to cook the halves in batches.
- Microwave for 10 minutes and check for doneness. Continue microwaving in 2-minute increments until it’s fork tender.
- Carefully remove the squash from the microwave and set it aside to cool. Use a fork to fluff and separate the strands. Transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Roma
Saturday 4th of June 2022
Great and helpful tips.
Tressa Jamil
Sunday 12th of June 2022
Thanks, glad it was a good resource.
Bianca
Friday 3rd of June 2022
Just made spaghetti squash for the first time and it was delicious. I did the fist method with the oven.
Tressa Jamil
Friday 3rd of June 2022
We do the oven method most often as well; I am so glad it worked out for you.
Giangi
Tuesday 31st of May 2022
I was always reluctant to make spaghetti squash but thanks to your easy-to-follow directions my family and I enjoyed a great meal last night, thank you. Easy and so yummy!
Tressa Jamil
Friday 3rd of June 2022
I am glad our page made it easy for you to try spaghetti squash.
Olga Veiga Gonzalez
Monday 30th of May 2022
Such a good recipe! Thanks so much.
Tressa - Jamil Ghar Team
Monday 30th of May 2022
I am happy you found this resource helpful.
fede
Monday 30th of May 2022
I find this recipe for cooking spaghetti squash very clear and the result was excellent. Will make it again.
Tressa - Jamil Ghar Team
Monday 30th of May 2022
I am glad this resource could help you out! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.