How To Cook Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash is a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta. Let me show you how to cook Spaghetti Squash in the oven, and just how easy it is.

Top the spaghetti squash with garlic butter shrimp, marinara sauce or simply add butter for a delicious and nutritious meal. 

Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Whether it’s spaghetti squash season (early fall through winter) or you’re just looking for an easy method to cook spaghetti squash, I’m positive you’re going to really enjoy it.

Why Is It Called Spaghetti Squash?

This bright yellow vegetable is filled with luscious strands of squash that closely resemble spaghetti. Due to it’s stringy insides, this squash is a great alternative to pasta for those that are seeking a gluten-free diet or are watching their carb intake.

Personally, I love the flavor and texture of the spaghetti squash and would happily eat it any day of the week.

How To Cook Spaghetti Squash

Just like any squash, there are several ways to cook it. 

I’m going to show you how simple it is to bake the squash in the oven. All you need is a little olive oil, salt and pepper.

CUT SQUASH IN HALF

The trickiest thing about the spaghetti squash is that the outside can be very firm, making it difficult to cut through. 

What If Spaghetti Squash is Too Hard To Cut?

• Use a fork or knife to pierce the skin along the line you would like to cut.
• Pop the squash in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Use a sharp knife to slice around the pierced skin.

When I roast the squash in the oven, I like to cut it in half from stem to end, creating two squash boats. This makes it real easy to serve the food inside the squash as a little dish.

SCOOP OUT SEEDS

Next, use a sturdy spoon to scoop out the seeds and membranes of the squash. You can roast the seeds, as you would with pumpkin seeds, or simply toss them. 

OIL AND SEASONINGS

Once the insides of the squash are removed, you can brush the flesh with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 

I’m keeping this recipe very basic, so you can use the squash as a vessel for many other recipes or toppings. Feel free to play around with your favorite herbs and spices.

ROAST FLESH-SIDE DOWN

Once the squash is seasoned, turn the squash flesh side down on a baking sheet (line with foil for easy clean up). 

Cooking the spaghetti squash with the flesh side down will help keep the squash moist and tender, while giving a slightly roasted and caramelized flavor to the flesh that is touching the hot pan.

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, carefully flip the squash over using tongs and finish cooking.

SHRED INSIDES WITH FORK

Finally, the funnest part is shredding the spaghetti squash to reveal it’s long spaghetti-like fibers once it’s cooked. 

Spaghetti squash should have an al dente texture to it when it’s cooked. If it’s mushy, it was cooked too long. 

How To Tell If Spaghetti Squash Is Cooked?

Since all spaghetti squash comes in different sizes, it’s best to pay attention to this little trick to tell if it’s ready.

When you’re baking the spaghetti squash in the oven with the skin-side facing up, and the flesh-side facing down, you should be able to easily pierce a fork through the skin.

If the fork doesn’t go through the skin easily, it will need to bake a little longer. 

What To Eat with Spaghetti Squash?

Think of spaghetti squash as a pasta with just a slightly sweeter taste. You can serve it with just about anything! Here are a few of my favorite options…

• Garlic Butter Shrimp (pictured below)
• Marinara Sauce or Italian Meat Sauce
• Sausage Gravy (trust me!)
• The Best Chili Recipe

Ways to Prepare Spaghetti Squash

Cooking spaghetti squash in the oven is a simple, no-fail way of making this late summer squash. You could also cook spaghetti squash in the slow cooker, which is super easy and mega delicious.

Grilling the spaghetti squash is also a fun way to prepare the vegetable, just make sure to grill it on low so it doesn’t dry out while cooking.

How To Store Spaghetti Squash

• Uncooked spaghetti squash can last for up to 3 months when stored in a cool and dry environment. 
• Cooked spaghetti squash can be stored in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 5 days. The texture is best when served fresh.
• You can freeze the cooked spaghetti squash “noodles” in a zip close bag for up to 3 months. 

Think of all the yummy possibilities there are for making spaghetti squash! If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a go. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how tasty it is!

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How To Cook Spaghetti Squash

Step by step instructions on how to cook Spaghetti Squash in the oven perfectly.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time50 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 71 kcal

Author: Shawn

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste

Spaghetti Squash Filling Ideas

• Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Marinara Sauce
• Swedish Meatballs
• Chicken Tikka Masala

Instructions

• Pre heat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Cut spaghetti squash in half from stem {top} to the opposite end.
• Use a sturdy spoon to scoop out the fibrous membranes and seeds in side and discard them.
• Brush the insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Turn squash upside down in a casserole dish coated with non stick cooking spray, and bake for 30-40 minutes. The squash should be fork tender, if not, continue cooking until a fork inserted in the back goes in easily.
• Turn the squash right-side up and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven and use a fork to shred the insides of the squash.
• Enjoy with your favorite toppings such as garlic butter shrimp, marinara sauce, gravy, chili, etc.

Notes

Nutrition facts are for spaghetti squash only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 193IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords: spaghetti squash

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