Here’s how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. You can slice it in half or cook it whole! Only takes 12 minutes in the microwave!
Today, I am sharing how to microwave spaghetti squash. I’ve found that the microwave is the easiest and 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.
Tonia’s Notes
One of my favorite vegetables is spaghetti squash, and my family likes it too! I’m not going to try to tell you that it is just like pasta because it isn’t.
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, so keep that in mind when choosing a sauce.
How To Cook Sliced Spaghetti Squash In The Microwave
The advantage of cutting the spaghetti squash before cooking is that removing the pulp and seeds from the squash is easier. 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: Add Water and Cover
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 In The Microwave
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. Then, 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: Scrape The Spaghetti Squash
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 it 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 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
More Spaghetti Squash Recipes
- Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash
- Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash
- Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
- Mac and Cheese Spaghetti Squash
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.
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