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Have you ever wondered how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave? I’m going to show you just how easy it is to cook spaghetti squash.
You know I LOVE spaghetti squash – right?
I’ve made a few recipes on the blog over the years and you all seem to really dig them! Like my Southwest Taco Stuffed Spaghetti Squash, Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Spaghetti Squash, Air Fryer Southwest Spaghetti Squash, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash, or my Ground Chicken Fajita Spaghetti Squash.
I mean, what’s not to love about a winter squash that literally shreds like pasta?
Now, usually, I roast my squash BUT I’m here to share a secret with you today.
YOU CAN MICROWAVE IT!
That means cooking spaghetti squash just got even easier!
I used a lot of exclamation points up there. Sorry, I’m basically Elaine Benes.
How to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave
Listen, all you need is the following:
- spaghetti squash (obviously)
- sharp knife
- 9×13 glass microwave-safe dish
- water
That’s it! How freaking simple is that?!
I often get asked how to make spaghetti squash so this post has been a long time coming.
The first you want to do is cut that spaghetti squash in half.
I’m always relieved when I manage to cut through a squash without chopping my hand off. I seriously wonder what the statistics are on people who lose fingers because they were just trying to cut a squash in half.
I’m betting hundreds.
If you’re terrified of cutting into the squash, you can stab it all over with a fork (making little vent holes) and put it in the microwave for about 4 minutes.
This will help soften the outer skin and make it easier to cut through the squash.
After cutting your squash in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy insides.
I’m betting you could roast those seeds and make a pretty killer snack.
A few years ago I made sweet salty roasted pumpkin seeds, and now I have a craving to try this with my spaghetti squash seeds.
I love being able to use all the squash.
After your spaghetti squash is cut in half you put it cut side down into a 9×13 glass pyrex dish.
My microwave is wide enough to fit a dish this size but if you own a smaller microwave you can easily do each half separately in an 8×8 or save the other half for later in the week.
I love the idea of saving half for later in the week because I can almost never finish a whole squash.
It’s so good but I’m not that much of a beast.
How long to cook spaghetti squash?
One of the most important steps to making this whole “how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave” recipe actually works is adding water.
You’re looking for about 1 inch of water in the dish before it goes into the microwave.
This helps steam the squash so it turns out soft and delicious.
My microwave takes about 15 minutes to fully cook but that timing should be adjusted for the size of your squash and the wattage of your microwave.
Also, make sure you don’t run out of water in your pan.
How to make spaghetti squash?
After your squash is ready you just use a fork to shred the inside flesh.
I pull it in from the sides and bottom and it should all come off from the outside shell.
It’s sort of amazing to see it all pull off and just throw away a thin squash shell.
That’s it. That is how you cook spaghetti squash in the microwave.
And shredding is all you have to do to “make” the squash.
Easy peasy.
What to make with spaghetti squash?
Here are a few recipe ideas from the blog!
- Southwest Taco Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Sausage and Peppers Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Spaghetti Squash with Sauce
- Air Fryer Southwest Spaghetti Squash
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Ground Chicken Fajita Spaghetti Squash
More easy dinner recipes
- One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Easy Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles
- Honey Spiced Glazed Chicken
- Buttermilk Cornbread Topped Chili
- Stuffed Honeynut Squash
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 4 pound spaghetti squash
- 1 cup water, may more be needed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut your squash in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy insides of the squash.
- Lay the spaghetti squash, cut side down, into a 9×13 microwave safe glass pan.
- Pour the water into the dish. You want about an inch of water in the dish so add more if needed.
- Add squash to the microwave and cook for anywhere from 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the squash and the wattage of the microwave.
- The squash is ready when it can be easily pierced with a fork and the inside flesh of the squash shreds like noodles.
- Carefully remove from the pan, shred the inside of the squash with a fork and season with desired amount of kosher salt and black pepper.
Video
Notes
- Always be careful cutting squash in half as it’s an easy way to lose a finger.
- I like to cook my squash for 10 minutes and then test to see the doneness. In my 950watt microwave it takes 15 minutes for a 4 pound squash.
- If you microwave cannot hold a 9×13 pan you can cook them separately in an 8×8 pan or save a raw half for the next day.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I don’t even do the cutting in half step. I just make cuts all around the spaghetti squash with a knife, then place in microwave on medium-high in 15 minute. It’s shoulb be rotated spaghetti squash every 5 minutes until soft. After remove from microwave, let it cool a bit then cut it in halfs and scoop out the seeds. Finally, scrape out the spaghetti-like strands with a fork and serve with cheese kosher salt and black pepper. It’s so good!
@Mary Walton, does cooking the squash that way without water does it have less water? I don’t like steaming it in water because of the moisture content when it’s cooked in water
@Mary Walton, problem with that is that it is much easier to get the seeds out of an uncooked squash and you don’t accidentally throw away good squash besides it it pretty hot to handle.
So many ways to make spaghetti squash and I love these directions on how to cook in the microwave!
My favorite way to cook spaghetti squash! So easy!
These are on my must-make list!
Thanks for all the great tips!! I love Spaghetti and will be trying some of the different post here.
I’ve never tried to cook it in the microwave, but it sounds like a yummy and easy way!
This looks totally awesome! The flavor looks incredible
I love spaghetti squash! I have to try your method!
I have spaghetti squash that I need to use! Trying this method soon!
Awesome share.!!!!!!!! .Your article will help me. Thanks for sharing this amazing post.