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Learn how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave (the right way!). Microwaving is my faster, mess-free method for cooking perfectly tender spaghetti squash every time.
I love spaghetti squash on its own and it’s a great low-carb substitute for pasta. Cooking it in the microwave is mess-free and super easy! Plus, it leaves my oven free to make baked meatballs to serve over top.
Learning how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave is one of my favorite kitchen hacks. As someone who’s constantly wearing many hats, I love a good shortcut. Using your microwave to cook spaghetti squash results in a faster cooking time and longer strands. Tried and true. IMHO! If you’ve never tried spaghetti squash before, or if you’re used to roasting it, you’ll love this easy microwave recipe.
Reasons to Love Spaghetti Squash
- A veggie-packed alternative to pasta. They don’t call it “spaghetti” squash for nothing! Once cooked, the flesh inside a spaghetti squash can be flaked/shredded into long, noodle-like strands (thus the name). The difference here is that squash is low in carbs and 100% veggie!
- It goes with EVERYTHING! Spaghetti squash has a mild taste and takes on the flavor of any pasta sauce you pair it with. I’ll serve it with everything from Bolognese to Alfredo sauce, just like traditional spaghetti. This squash is also delicious stuffed, zucchini boat style.
- It cooks quickly in the microwave. This microwave method is by far one of the fastest and easiest ways to cook spaghetti squash that I’ve tried. If you’re a fan of squash and cook it all the time like I do, you need this cooking method in your life! And if the oven is more your thing, I have you covered with baking directions, too.
What You’ll Need
The only ingredient you need for this tutorial is (you guessed it) spaghetti squash! Choose a squash that’s free of spots and blemishes, without any cracks.
You’ll also need a microwave-safe baking dish that fits inside your microwave, and a bit of water so the squash can steam. Before you cook the squash, you’ll want to wash, dry, and halve it. See below.
How to Cut Your Squash In Half
I’ve tried the method where you simply poke the skin and microwave the squash whole, but I find that I get better results when I halve the squash first.
While spaghetti squash can be tricky to cut due to its thick walls and hard skin, a sharp chef’s knife makes it easier. You’ll also want to use a non-slip cutting board. Here’s how to slice a spaghetti squash in half:
- Lay the squash horizontally on the cutting board.
- Hold the squash firmly in place with one hand. With your other hand, use the knife to trim off the top and bottom ends of the squash. Keep your supporting hand as far from the knife as possible.
- Next, turn the squash upright on the cutting board, making sure it’s stable. Starting at the top, slice the squash downward, cutting it in half lengthwise. Tada! Always be careful and seek extra help if you need it.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
In my experience, microwaving spaghetti squash this way yields perfectly cooked squash and longer strands when serving. Winning! Follow the steps here:
- Prep the squash. Rinse the outside of the squash and dry it well. Then, follow the directions above to slice it lengthwise down the middle. Use a spoon to scrape out any seeds.
- Assemble. Place your squash halves cut-side down in about 1” of water inside a 9×13” baking dish.
- Cook. Microwave the squash for 15-20 minutes, until it’s soft enough to pierce with a fork. Afterward, let it rest a beat before you shred it.
- Shred. Use a fork to shred the spaghetti squash flesh into long, thin strands. Alternatively, you can fill the squash with something delicious. See the section further on for serving ideas!
Oven Method
If you’d prefer to bake your spaghetti squash in the oven, that’s fine, too. The method is a little different (and it takes longer) but the squash turns out just as tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds as directed.
- Use your hands to rub a little olive oil over the inside. Season with salt and pepper if you’d like.
- Place the squash cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast at 400ºF for about 40 minutes, until the squash is tender. Afterward, shred as usual for serving.
Find detailed instructions for roasting spaghetti squash in my creamy spaghetti squash recipe.
Recipe Tips
- Get the amount of water right. A little water in the baking dish helps the spaghetti squash steam, but too much water will make it mushy with shorter strands.
- Don’t overcook. The squash doesn’t need to be super soft to be shreddable. Overcooking makes the spaghetti strands mushy. I always find it tastes best when it’s cooked al dente!
- The squash will be steaming hot. Be careful when removing the squash from the microwave. Give it a few minutes to cool afterward before you take a fork and peel away the spaghetti strands.
- Run the fork in the same direction as the strands. This is the best way to create long, pasta-like “noodles”.
Spaghetti Squash Serving Suggestions
You’ll see, spaghetti squash’s long, thin strands make it a great alternative to real spaghetti. I’ll serve it with homemade Bolognese sauce for spaghetti squash Bolognese, or dress it with pesto, like in my basil pesto spaghetti squash pasta. Spaghetti squash is also delicious with classic Italiano-style slow cooker spaghetti sauce and a topping of freshly grated parmesan and veggie meatballs.
Another easy way to serve spaghetti squash is to stuff it. Get creative with fillings like ground meat, veggies, rice, or other grains. Try these Mediterranean squash boats for inspiration!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate. Store spaghetti squash airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to use leftover spaghetti squash to make squash fritters!
- Reheat. To reheat the squash, warm it in the microwave again or you can sautée it in a skillet before adding your choice of sauce.
More Squash Recipes
- Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
- Roasted Acorn Squash
- Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Baked Butternut Squash
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Pin ItHow to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Microwave Method)
Ingredients
- 2 pound spaghetti squash
- water
- glass baking dish
Instructions
- Prep the squash. Wash the outside of the squash, then slice it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
- Add water. Next, place the squash face down in a 9×13 glass or heat-proof baking dish. Fill the dish with about an inch of water.
- Cook. Microwave the squash on HIGH for 15 minutes. Check to see if the squash is soft enough using a fork. If it's not thoroughly cooked, microwave for 5 more minutes.
- Cool. Carefully remove the squash from the microwave and let it stand for a few minutes.
- Shred. Use a fork to shred the spaghetti squash into strands.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Delicious Thank You
I’ve cooked spaghetti squash in the microwave many times. Pierce it with a fork several times and cook 3 to 4 minutes and it makes it easier to cut in half.
Hi Peggy! Thanks SO much for that tip!
What?? Did not even cross my mind. I use my microwave as a breadbox. 🙂 I will try this!! What a time saver.
LOL!! That’s hilarious!! 😀 I’ve seen my mom do the same. hehe
Say what? I am so going to try this Kate!
‘Cause sometimes the microwave is our friend. :o). And what a great trick to making this delicious squash!
Oh you must be reading my mind- I bought one last week, cooked it in the oven for like….an hour and I poked it with a fork and it splattered everywhere. Waste of time and I burnt my finger. Now…I shall win the battle 😀
I don’t own a microwave but my mother-in-law makes spaghetti squash all the time, I’ll pass this along to her!! Great idea!
Perfect timing for this! I was just eyeing some spaghetti squash at the store yesterday but hesitated because I wanted to research some ways to prepare it first. I know what I’m picking up the next time I go 😀