Here’s how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. It can be sliced in half before cooking or cooked whole and it only takes 12 minutes in the microwave!
Another one of my favorite vegetables these past few months, is spaghetti squash. While I haven’t quite convinced my family to eat it with me, I will often have spaghetti squash for dinner. I’m not going to try to tell you that it is just like pasta, because it isn’t.
But the spaghetti squash strands remind me of spaghetti noodles and I like that I can eat it with the same sauces that I would use for pasta. Spaghetti squash has a sweeter flavor and a crunchier texture than pasta.
Today I am sharing how to microwave spaghetti squash because I’ve found that it is the microwave easiest and the fastest way to cook spaghetti squash.
There are two options for cooking spaghetti squash in the microwave.
- Cook the spaghetti squash after slicing it and removing the seeds and pulp
- Or cook the whole spaghetti squash and remove the pulp and seeds afterward.
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How To Cook Spaghetti Squash In The Microwave – SLICED
The advantage of cutting the spaghetti squash before cooking is that it is easier to remove the pulp and seeds from the squash. The disadvantage is that it takes a little more time upfront. This is my preferred method.
Step One: Soften the Spaghetti Squash
I’ve found that softening the spaghetti squash in the microwave by cooking it for a few minutes makes it a million times easier to cut in half.
Pierce the spaghetti squash in several spots with sharp knife and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes.
Step Two: Cutting the Spaghetti Squash
Use a sharp, heavy-duty knife to cut it in half, slowly working your way around the squash. Some of the spaghetti squash I’ve made have been harder to cut than others.
Step Three: Seeds and Pulp
Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center.
You can discard the pulp and seeds. Or save the seeds for roasting in the same way you can roast pumpkin seeds.
Step Four: Water
Place both halves in a baking dish with the cut side down. Add 3/4 to 1 inch of water and cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Step Five: Cook
Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, (turn your dish halfway through cooking if your pan can’t turn in the microwave) until you can easily pierce the squash with a fork. The length of cooking time will depend on the size of the spaghetti squash and your microwave.
Step Six: Spaghetti Squash Strands
Drain the water and allow the spaghetti squash to cool enough that you can touch it.
Scrape the spaghetti squash strands out of the squash using a fork.
And just like that, your spaghetti squash is ready to eat! Add your favorite pasta sauce or toppings and enjoy.
How To Cook A WHOLE Spaghetti Squash In The Microwave
The advantage of cooking the whole spaghetti squash is that there is less time spend upfront. The disadvantage is that it is harder to separate the pulp and seeds from the spaghetti squash strands.
Step One: Pierce Spaghetti Squash
Start by piercing the spaghetti squash in several places with a sharp knife.
Step Two: Microwave
Cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave on high for 12 minutes.
Step Three: Slice
Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to transfer the spaghetti squash to a cutting board.
Cut the spaghetti squash in half with a sharp, heavy-duty knife.
You can see that pulp and seeds are still inside. It is harder to separate and remove the pulp and seeds from the strands of spaghetti squash using this method.
Once the spaghetti squash has cooled enough to touch, remove the pulp and seeds from the middle of each half.
Step Four: Spaghetti Squash Strands
Once the pulp and seeds have been removed, use a fork to scrape out the strands of spaghetti squash.
The spaghetti squash is ready to eat! I love spaghetti squash topped with brown butter sage sauce, alfredo sauce, spaghetti sauce or with butter and parmesan. You can store leftover spaghetti squash, in an airtight container, in the fridge for a few days.
Looking For More Spaghetti Squash Recipes?
Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Try one of the following recipes next.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash from The Gunny Sack: This Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash is a low carb recipe the whole family will love! This baked spaghetti squash casserole is pure comfort food full of flavor and cheesy goodness.
Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash from The Gunny Sack: Easy Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash with Chicken recipe is a delicious low carb comfort food full of veggies! Your family won’t even miss the pasta!
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash from The Gunny Sack: This Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash recipe is low carb comfort food that is easy to make. Your family won’t even miss the pasta!
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Spaghetti Squash from Recipe Runner: Spaghetti Squash stuffed with a creamy, cheesy, chicken and broccoli filling and topped with more melted cheese!
Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs from The Gunny Sack: Skip the carbs and try this recipe for spaghetti squash with meatballs. This healthy dinner recipe for squash boats is a great way to eat extra vegetables!
Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- Water
Instructions
Microwave Spaghetti Squash Sliced In Half
- Pierce the spaghetti squash in several spots with sharp knife and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and use a sharp, heavy-duty knife to cut it in half, slowly working your way around the squash.
- Use a large metal spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center.
- Place both halves in a baking dish with the cut side down.
- Add 3/4 to 1 inch of water and cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes (turning your dish halfway through cooking if your pan can't rotate in your microwave) until you can easily pierce the squash with a fork. The length of cooking time will depend on the size of the spaghetti squash and your microwave.
- Drain the water and allow the spaghetti squash to cool enough to touch. Scrape the spaghetti squash strands out of the squash using a fork.
Microwave Whole Spaghetti Squash
- Start by piercing the spaghetti squash in several places with a sharp knife.
- Microwave on high for 12 minutes.
- Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to transfer the spaghetti squash to a cutting board. Cut the spaghetti squash in half with a sharp, heavy-duty knife.
- Allow the spaghetti squash to cool enough to touch. Carefully remove the pulp and seeds from the middle of each half while leaving the spaghetti squash strands intact.
- Use a fork to scrape out the strands of spaghetti squash.
Joli says
Your on the right track with microwaving to cook squash. Although, first begore cutting I always microwave a few minutes then take out and cut in half (can be cut with a butter knife at this point) and scope put seeds and proceed with cooking squash cut side down in enough water to cover 1/2 inch up sides of squash. Do not need to cover. When cooked scrape out with knife. No plastic needed.
Marquita says
I use some left over spaghetti squash from another recipe. The sauce is great but there was too much for the amount of squash I had. Love love loved the sage. Will reuse this recipe. Made the squash way better.