Not only is spaghetti squash an incredible pasta substitute, it’s also a painless way to get more veggies on your table–no fancy kitchen tools required. Here’s everything you need to know to love it; from how to cut, to how to cook, plus a handful of spaghetti squash recipes no one should be without. Here’s why these are my favorite veggie noodles.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
Is Spaghetti Squash Healthy? Keto? Low Carb?
Spaghetti squash is suprisingly low in calories, yet 1 cup contains 8% of the DV of fiber. As far as it’s carb count goes, 1 cup of spaghetti squash has 6 grams of carbs, making it a great low carb vegetable to add your keto meal rotation.
How to Cut Spaghetti Squash
You’ll need a sharp knife and a thick cutting board for this firm veggie. I always place a damp paper towel under my cutting board to prevent it from slipping.
How to Cut Squash for Baking:
When baking spaghetti squash in the oven, you’ll want to cut it in half. Here’s how:
- Remove the top and bottom. The stem is super thick, and is nearly impossible to cut in to. Remove it first for easier cutting.
- Slice in half. Place a flesh edge of your squash down on your cutting board, and slice it in half through the center. Cutting this way prevents the squash from rolling as you try to slice it in half.
If you want to keep the ends of the squash intact for a prettier picture, slice the squash in half as carefully as possible through the center. Placing a towel over the squash to keep it in place may help to prevent it from rolling as you slice.
How to Cut Squash for Microwaving:
You’ll want to keep the squash whole, with the skin pierced several times. You’ll then slice it in half after it’s mostly cooked, which is way easier to do.
How do you Cut Spaghetti Squash for Long Strands?
For longer strands cut your squash into rings–this will give you super long, spaghetti style noodles. When roasting spaghetti squash rings, I like drizzle both sides with olive oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
How to Remove the Spaghetti Squash Seeds:
These should come out easily with a metal spoon, just scrape along the raw edge to loosen and discard. I find this is easiest to do before baking–once the squash bakes, the flesh will fall off along with the seeds.
How to Bake Spaghetti Squash
Now that you’ve sliced and prepped, it’s time for the easy part: baking your spaghetti squash in the oven.
- Drizzle the flesh of your squash with oil.
- Place cut side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake until the flesh is tender enough to flake with a fork.
How Long Do You Bake Spaghetti Squash?
This will depend on the size of your squash and desired doneness. Keep in mind, that overbaked squash will be mushy! While underbaked will have a veggie like texture. We prefer our spaghetti squash a little al dente–just test to see what works for you!
Somewhere between 35-45 minutes is usually just right. 35 for small squash, and 45 for larger ones.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Microwaving squash is an easy way to get noodles in minutes. Here’s how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave:
- Pierce spaghetti squash with the tip of a sharp knife all over.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Use oven mits (will be hot!) to flip the squash onto the other side.
- Microwave for another 5 minutes for a small squash, and 6-7 minutes for a large.
- Allow squash to sit on the counter for 5 additional minutes before slicing and shredding.
Common Questions
- How do you cook spaghetti squash so it is not mushy? Be careful not to overbake your squash, this is the easiest way to make it mushy. Try flaking the squash with a fork periodically while it bakes–we like ours a little al dente.
- How long will squash last? Store leftover spaghetti squash in the fridge, and be sure to eat it within 3-4 days.
- Can I cook spaghetti squash whole? The easiest way to keep squash whole is to cook it in the microwave. You’ll want to pierce the skin all over to allow air to release as it bakes.
Recipes Made with Spaghetti Squash
- Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
- Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole
- Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
- Spaghetti Squash Pizza
- Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
- Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash
- Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash
- Pesto Spaghetti Squash
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 Spaghetti Squash
- Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Option to line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Remove the top and bottom of the spaghetti squash. Then cut the squash through the center. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard and seeds.
- Drizzle the flesh of the squash with olive oil, and place them cut side down on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until the flesh shreds into "spaghetti" easily with a fork. Bake times will vary depending on the size of your squash–for a small squash, check at 30 minutes. For a large squash, around 45. We like a little al dente here, rather than mushy squash.
- Once cool enough to handle, flip the squash and flake it using a fork into spaghetti noodles. Enjoy!
