The Best Ways to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is so versatile. It’s one of my favorite dishes to prepare and I think it’s highly underrated! There are just so many ways to use it and it’s super easy to prepare. One of the best and tastiest ways to prepare it is roasted in the oven. This is my personal favorite! However, you can also prepare it in the microwave or the slow cooker. All three options work great, so it’s just a matter of how much time you have! To eat, you can simply enjoy it drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper or treat it like a pasta alternative and serve it topped your favorite bolognese sauce, Slow Cooker Beef Ragu or marinara sauce. I also love it in this cheesy baked Spaghetti Squash “Mac” and Cheese and this Spaghetti Squash Lasagna.
How Do You Pick a Good Spaghetti Squash?
When choosing the best spaghetti squash, look for the following things:
Super versatile. This winter squash can be used in so many ways. It’s most commonly known for being a pasta replacement but it makes a lovely side dish or entree on its own too. 3 ways to cook it. Roasted it, microwave it and even make it in the slow cooker. Healthy. Spaghetti squash is a low-calorie food with a high fiber content which makes it filling. Naturally Gluten-Free
Firm skin with no soft spots Golden yellow color No cracks on the outside Firm and dry stem
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (3 Ways)
Roasting is my preferred method, but you can also cook it in the microwave or slow cooker.
In the oven
Roasted spaghetti squash is my favorite way to cook this squash. It turns out perfect every time!
In the microwave
If you need spaghetti squash in a pinch, the microwave is a great option.
In the slow cooker
The slow cooker method is an easy set-it-and-forget-it way to make spaghetti squash:
How Do You Know When Spaghetti Squash is Done?
You can tell when roasted spaghetti squash is done as when the skin gives easily under pressure and the flesh is tender. For microwaved and slow cooker spaghetti squash, it’s almost the same. You should be able to easily pierce the skin with a fork and when cutting the squash, there should be no resistance. If there is, you can microwave it for a few more minutes.
Ways to Use Spaghetti Squash
One reason I love roasted spaghetti squash so much is that there are so many different ways to use it. It can be lightly seasoned and served as a side dish, used as a vegetable “noodle” for a low-carb option, or even served as the main entree. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
Topped with tomato sauce or marinara sauce for a quick & easy “pasta” dinner Topped with other ingredients to make “boats” – like my turkey taco spaghetti squash boats, enchilada spaghetti squash boats, and spaghetti squash lasagna boats As a low-carb mac and cheese In the Instant Pot with a beef and mushroom ragu Seasoned with butter and garlic as a side dish
Proper Storage
Fridge. Roasted spaghetti squash will last for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Freezer. This also freezes well. Cool completely then transfer to freezer storage bags. I like to divide it up by how much my family will eat in one meal. Be sure to squeeze as much air as possible out of the bag. Thaw in the fridge. Reheat. The microwave is the easiest way to reheat leftovers, though you can also warm them up on the stovetop.
