Figuring out how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave is pretty simple, with a few basic bits of advice under your belt.
When autumn rolls around, everyone who’s trying to slow down their carb intake breathes a sigh of relief, remembering that it’s spaghetti squash season. These large squash, whose flesh separates into long, firm noodle-like strands, are a great way to enjoy all the saucy foods you love while not carb-loading with a 1/4 pounds of flour-based pasta. And since you can cook them in the microwave, that makes these lower-carb squash a SUPER quick and easy meal to prepare during the week. (Especially if you’ve got your favorite spaghetti sauce made ahead and frozen in dinner-size portions!)
When you know how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, you can officially kiss those quick, high-carb meals goodby at the end of a long day. There’s a world of difference in how I feel after a standard pasta meal, and the exact same meal made with spaghetti squash instead. I’ll bet you can guess which version I feel better after eating, especially when it’s a lighter sauce like this incredibly fast and simple pesto sauce.
How do you cook spaghetti squash in the microwave?
Thankfully, it’s super easy to cook squash in the microwave! It’s also a hell of a lot faster than cooking it in the oven… though I do have to say, cooking a fresh squash in the oven is still lovely if you’ve got the time — this stuffed chipotle acorn squash recipe with ricotta and pecans is a great example.
You do have a choice, though. There are a few different ways you can microwave a spaghetti squash, and the big difference is how to cut the squash (or don’t cut the squash) before cooking:
1. Leave the squash whole
Benefit: it’s easier! Cutting a raw squash can be tough.
Drawback: the squash can explode in the microwave. It’s not NEARLY as funny as it sounds (and it doesn’t sound that funny). Luckily you can avoid this by poking holes in the squash beforehand.
2. Cut the squash the long way
Benefit: Pretty easy, because you only have to cut the squash once.
Drawback: you end up with short “noodles,” because the strands of the spaghetti squash go around the squash the short way… so you’ve basically cut all your noodles in half.
3. Cut the squash the short way, into slices
Benefit: You get long, gorgeous noodles, because the strands of the spaghetti squash go around the squash the short way. This method allows your to scrape the noodles in a circle around the middle of the slices, making for long noodles.
Drawback: you have to slice through the squash several times, which can be tough depending on the size.
I’ve provided instructions for options 1 and 3 below, because those are my favorite way to cook spaghetti squash. What can I say? I love long noodles!
Cooking times for squash
The amount of time you cook your spaghetti squash depends on how big the squash is, and which method you use. I’ve outlined the steps below on how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, but also provided instructions so you can cook your exact squash perfectly. Basically, that means you’re going to microwave it for a few minutes and check it, then microwave it again if necessary. It’s a lot better than nuking your squash into a puddle, right?
Also, news flash — you can make spaghetti squash BOWLS! Check out this cajun-spiced squash bowl. Pretty awesome, right?
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Paring knife
- Chef's knife
- Microwave
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash 3 or 4 pounds
Instructions
How to microwave spaghetti squash whole
- Give the spaghetti squash a quick rinse in the sink to get rid of any dirt or debrit on the surface. Dry the squash completely and set on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp paring knife to STAB THE HOLY HELL out of your spaghetti squash. I mean it — channel your inner Freddie Krueger! The reason you're doing this is because microwaving a whole spaghetti squash can cause it to explode from pressure. Stabbing a bunch of holes in it allows the pressure to release. Seriously, you want like 20 DEEP holes all over the squash.
- Set the squash on a plate and set in the microwave. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Carefully turn the squash over (it make be hot!) and cook on high for another 5 minutes. The squash is done when you can very easily pierce it with a fork and the fork goes all the way in. If there is any resistance when you stick it with a fork, microwave for an additional 2 minutes.
- A 3-pound spaghetti squash should take about 11 minutes. A 4-pound squash can take up to 14 or 15 minutes.
- The squash will be SUPER hot, so grab your heat-proof kitchen mits and set the squash on a cutting board. Use a chef's knife to cut the squash in half, lengthwise, or in 3-inch slices if you prefer longer noodles. The squash should be soft and very easy to cut.
- Use a spoon to remove the seeds, which you can discard. Use a couple of forks to scrape the inside of the spaghetti squash the long way to create long noodles.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing noodles to season evenly. Add sauce and serve immediately.
How to microwave spaghetti squash in slices for longer noodles
- Give the spaghetti squash a quick rinse in the sink to get rid of any dirt or debrit on the surface. Dry the squash completely and set on a cutting board.
- Using a large 8-inch chef's knife, shave off a flat spot on one side of the squash to keep it from rolling around. It doesn't need to be a big spot, just enough to stabilize it, which will make it a lot safer to cut!
- Once the squash is stabilized and won't roll around, cut the squash into 3-inch thick slices, so that you end up with several round disks of squash. Scoop out the seeds in the middle.You can also cut the spaghetti squash the long way, but you will end up with shorter "noodles" and it will take longer to cook in the microwave.
- Place the spaghetti squash slices on a glass baking dish or microwave-proof plate and slide the plate into the microwave. Microwave squash for 2 minutes on high.
- Remove the squash from the microwave and flip the slices over. Use a fork to scrape the interior flesh of the squash and see if it comes apart in strands. If it does not, place the squash slices back in the microwave and cook for another 2 minutes on 50% strength. Continue repeating this process until your spaghetti squash is completely cooked and you're able to easily create "noodles" with a fork.
- When the spaghetti squash is completely cooked, use a fork to scrape around the inside of the slices, creating long, luxurious noodles. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing noodles to season evenly. Add sauce and serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition