How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
I’ve been eating so much squash lately, I fear I’m going to turn orange. But that isn’t going to deter me since the bright flesh of this hearty vegetable is home to a boatload of vitamin A, along with good-for-you phytochemicals and fiber, all without making much of a dent in your daily caloric intake. Plus, squash of every stripe is so very versatile, as long as you know what to do with it. I’m going to help you simplify your squash prep with an easy technique for how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave.How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
1. Start by Choosing a Firm Squash that is free of soft spots and cracks.
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise using a large sharp knife.
3. Use a sturdy metal spoon to scoop out the seeds.
Tip: you can rinse and roast them just like pumpkin seeds.
4. Set the spaghetti squash flesh-side-down in a baking dish and add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan.
Tip: Feel free to cook just one half and save the other half for another day.
5. Microwave the squash, uncovered, on high for 10 to 15 minutes until the squash deepens in color and a little knife can slide easily into the flesh. Sometimes it takes longer depending on the size and density of the squash.
6. Let cool enough to handle and run the tines of a fork through the squash to unearth the spaghetti-like threads.
How to Serve Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash is an incredibly versatile vegetable, so there’s no shortage of ways to use it:
- Keep it simple and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Serve it as a low-cal, low-carb sub for standard spaghetti in any number of dishes.
- Use it in a frittata along with beaten eggs and a flavorful cheese.
- Top with Meaty Mushroom Marinara Sauce
- Use it in this crowd-pleasing Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
- Have a look at these 10 Tasty Spaghetti Squash recipes
- Try Tex Mex Spaghetti Squash from Danielle Omar
- Or Spaghetti Squash Chicken Parm by Damn Delicious
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
Instructions
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Use a large sharp knife and cut the squash in half through the stem.
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Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Roast the seeds, if desired, or discard.
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Set the squash flesh-side-down in a baking dish and add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan.
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Microwave uncovered on high for 10 to 20 minutes until the color deepens and you can easily slide a little knife into the flesh. The time can vary considerably.
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Let cool enough to handle and run the tines of a fork through the squash to unearth the spaghetti-like threads.
Comments
06.06.2017 at4:07 PM #
Penny Ransom
Thank you this worked perfect!!
06.06.2017 at4:07 PM #
Katie Morford
Oh Good! I love hearing feedback like that.
08.14.2017 at10:21 AM #
Leah Jackson
Worked great,and let some garlic spread melt over it is the “bomb”!
08.14.2017 at10:21 AM #
Katie Morford
oooh…that sounds delicious.
10.20.2017 at4:14 PM #
Harriet
Great! Worked perfectly! I put some orange-infused olive oil I brought back from Itsly and covered with Dubliner cheese- having only jarlsberg inmy refrig as an alternative. Excellent! Thsmks!
01.05.2018 at4:00 PM #
Angela
Thank you!! Was so easy!
01.28.2018 at12:36 PM #
Monica
Can I microwave whole not cut?
01.28.2018 at12:36 PM #
Katie Morford
I’ve never tried it whole. I’ve done whole squash in the oven, but I worry it might explode in the microwave. Only one way to find out! I would recommend poking holes in the squash if you want to try microwaving it whole.
03.12.2018 at3:33 PM #
Kristin
How do I save the other half?
03.12.2018 at3:33 PM #
Katie Morford
Wrap it in plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
03.23.2018 at2:03 PM #
Betty Graffis
It’s next to impossible with my weakening wrists to cut a squash in half. I am blessed to have a wonderful produce staff in my local grocery store who cuts it in half and rewraps both halves for me. He even offered to clean out the center but I’m able to do that
03.23.2018 at2:03 PM #
Katie Morford
That is so lovely to hear! And a great tip.
04.27.2018 at3:54 PM #
Catherine Cook
website was helpful
05.28.2018 at9:28 AM #
Lois
Can I freeze it to use later?
05.28.2018 at9:28 AM #
Katie Morford
Hmmm. I’ve never frozen spaghetti squash before. I would think if wrapped well it would work, but there’s only one way to know for sure. Try it!
06.03.2018 at5:03 AM #
Linda Warnol
This all sounds good, but I simple wash my spaghetti squash pierce with a sharp fork and microwave 12
minutes. Works great after it cools I cut it open and remove the seeds and rake the spaghetti out with a fork. Season as desire.
06.03.2018 at5:03 AM #
Katie Morford
Thanks for sharing your technique. I do this with butternut squash in the oven. Now I will try it with spaghetti squash in the microwave!
06.29.2018 at6:37 AM #
Theresa Santangelo
Caution!!! This method blew out the Thermostat on my Microwave Oven!! TOO HOT!
I would do it on the stove; it may take longer but you’ll save yourself the cost of either a Repairman or a replacement Microwave.
06.29.2018 at6:37 AM #
Katie Morford
Oh goodness. Sorry to hear that. Hope you microwave is on the mend. I’ve not had an issue with my microwave with this recipe and it’s one of my most popular on the site. Perhaps the long cooking time was too much for your machine.
08.19.2018 at1:33 PM #
MsTonya
I’ve used this method exclusively when cooking spaghetti squash for many years and never had a problem with the microwave overheating. Maybe the thermostat was faulty and it had nothing to do with cooking squash? Now I did set fire to a microwave once trying to bake a potato! What a mess! 😂
08.19.2018 at1:33 PM #
Katie Morford
Thanks for weighing in MsTonya. I’ll be careful with potatoes going forward 🙂
10.11.2018 at11:36 AM #
Barbara Seaton
Can I add tomatoes fresh garlic broccoli and canola oil
10.11.2018 at11:36 AM #
Katie Morford
Do you mean to the finished spaghetti squash?
10.14.2018 at5:26 AM #
Jim
My brother blew up his microwave trying to cook one whole. If you don’t cut it in half, be sure to make deep punctures or cuts clear to the center to vent the steam adequately.
10.14.2018 at5:26 AM #
Katie Morford
Good tip. Thank you!
10.16.2018 at3:40 PM #
Roger sorensen
Prior to cutting squash, heat in microwave a couple of minutes.this will make cutting the squash a whole lot easier.
10.16.2018 at3:40 PM #
Katie Morford
Thanks for the tip!
10.17.2018 at6:49 AM #
Barbara Seaton
Monica, I have tried to cook it whole instead of cut and it doesn’t work well. Even if you poke wholes in it the heat from the microwave doesn’t get down into the core and you have a stringy mess after it is done.
10.17.2018 at6:49 AM #
Katie Morford
I think some folks polk holes and par-cook it just enough to get it easier to cut in half. I think if you cook it whole in the microwave for much longer you run the risk of it exploding (and potentially not cooking properly as you point out).
10.23.2018 at1:33 PM #
Shea
If you cut the squash cross-wise instead of length-wise you’ll get longer strands of squash, like spaghetti. 😀 I like to mix it with actual pasta, so it’s nice when they’re similar lengths.
10.23.2018 at1:33 PM #
Katie Morford
Great tip. I will have to try that out. Love the idea of mixing in with regular spaghetti.
11.06.2018 at5:38 PM #
Susan Price
I have hesitated to try spaghetti squash becaiof the time involved in preparing it so decided to try this method. It could not have been any easier! I definitely will be using this tip many times over, thanks for sharing it.
11.06.2018 at5:38 PM #
Katie Morford
Love hearing that!
11.08.2018 at12:59 PM #
Ann
I “broke “ a New microwave by cooling a Sweet Potatoe. All the cabinets surrounding the microwave scorched & had to be replaced. I told the handsome fireman I used the button marked “potatoe” when he asked what kind of potatoe I was cooking. He told me he hoped it wasn’t a sweet potato because they should Never be cooked in microwave!?? Too much moisture or something… (lol)
Anyway the builder of the condo had to replace only because the microwave had a designated “potato“ choice. Very scary & flames everywhere- be careful out there!
11.08.2018 at12:59 PM #
Katie Morford
Interesting! Never heard that one about sweet potatoes. Handsome firefighters are a nice consolation prize for scorching the microwave 🙂
11.14.2018 at4:49 PM #
Ramona
I always cook sweet potatoes in microwave without any problems whatsoever. Hmmm! I’ll knock on wood now.
11.14.2018 at4:49 PM #
Katie Morford
I think as long as you cut it in half, it shouldn’t be a problem.
11.21.2018 at6:28 AM #
Bonnie
Meijers grocery sponsored a cooking class on Spaghetti squash. You slice off both ends before you put the whole thing in the microwave. Or you could slice it down the middle and cook half at a time. Also sweet potatoes take like 1/3 the length of time to cook as a regular potato in my experience. Thanks everyone have a great Thanksgiving!
12.27.2018 at2:54 PM #
Sue
I cook a sweet potato in the microwave but I do cut off the tip of each end of the sweet potato first. I just poke a fork in the ends of a bake potato . I’ve never had a problem cooking either in the microwave.
03.07.2019 at9:23 PM #
JojoLives
Love your Microwave Method & all of the other Ideas or ways of Cooking Spaghetti Squash Too!
If we all try & Remember that Squash & Root Veggies are basically comparable to delicious, though Solid, Moisture Filled Bombs, that Have To Be Vented when Microwaved! I think that we’ll stop blowing up Microwaves! It cuts out meeting “Handsome Firemen” (sorry) & Having to Replace our Microwaves too!
I’ve always cooked Acorn Squash & Sweet Potatoes in my Microwave. I not only Cut Off the ends, I also Poke Holes, with a Knife, all over to Allow Steam to Vent.
I also love Sweet Potato Skins Crispy, so I stick a fork in my Cooked Sweet Potato (Microwaved) & Put it in my Counter Top Convection Oven for 5-7 Minutes.
I don’t know if this makes a difference or not, but I do Dry Out the Condensation created by Microwaving Squash & Sweet Potatoes, B4 I shut it’s door.
Yes, cooked Spaghetti Squash Can Be Frozen. I like to put it in the Fridge the night B4 I’m going to Reheat it. I also Freeze it in Single or Double Portions. I use Small Baggies & put the Single/Double Portion Baggies inside Freezer Baggie..
To Reheat, I empty Baggies Contents into Glass & Microwave or I Add it to Olive Oil & Diced or Sliced Garlic or Whole Roasted Cloves Garlic & Olive Oil! There never seems to be enough!!
I wash out the Used Baggies & Dry, then Reuse. I Reheat Single Portion for 1 to 1.5 Minutes in Microwave, after overnight in Frigid (from Freezer).
I cut top off Head of Garlic, Pour Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper over exposed Garlic. Then, fold Foil up into a point & twist. Bake in 325 Convection Oven until Garlic Carmelizes! I store in Foil, in Glass Containers until I need.
I just squeeze out Roasted Cloves, as needed. I squeeze Roasted Garlic, onto Toast & Have with Bison Meatloaf. Umm, yum! (I use grated carrots instead of bread crumbs.)
Thank all of you for your Ideas & Stories. Sorry, to those who had frightening experiences! Nothing’s worse with checking, what’s in Microwave, every 5 Minutes & Rotating what’s cooking! Or, forking for Doneness! Enjoy your Good Eats!
03.07.2019 at9:23 PM #
Katie Morford
You are just a well of great ideas. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
04.09.2019 at4:35 PM #
Phyllis Dufrene
Cooked this tonight!!! So quick and easy… I love Spaghetti squash but never ate it because it took so long
06.23.2019 at7:37 AM #
Pamm
Trying this tonight. With my clam sauce.
And I have always had the produce or butcher cut my squash in half.
06.23.2019 at7:37 AM #
Katie Morford
That is so darn smart!
07.14.2019 at10:44 AM #
Vick
How long can you keep the half of spaghetti squash wrapped up in plastic in the refrigerator?
08.06.2019 at3:21 PM #
Luz cruz
I cook the spaghetti squash whole in microwave 15 to 30 minutes cut it in half and is easier to take the seeds out
08.06.2019 at3:21 PM #
Katie Morford
Thanks for the tip!
09.02.2019 at4:02 PM #
Lisa
I tried freezing cooked spaghetti squash. It didn’t work well. The end product was a stringy watery mess so the texture was unappetizing.
09.02.2019 at4:02 PM #
Katie Morford
Good to know. Thanks for sharing.
11.21.2019 at10:05 AM #
walter
Like to give some advice on safety issues using a microwave oven for cooking….
First you have to understand what a microwave is.. IT is a frequency like the sound of a note on a piano or your voice …. but it is ultra high and you do not hear it… What the microwave does is to vibrate molecules. When you vibrate a molecule it creates heat. IN FOOD the water ( H20) is the first one to vibrate. So the microwave heats up the water to over 212 degrees( boiling ).. When you BOIL water you change it to a vapor which is 1600 time more volume than the water.
This vapor causes high pressures in a closed container and will explode the container ( bomb). When cooking you must pierce some foods that are high in water content so the vapor can escape. Never microwave an egg in the shell.. you will have mess to clean up. Now for Squash… if you insist on cooking any squash WHOLE in the microwave. Pierce it with a fork or knife deeply at list a dozen time.. cook for 10 minutes.. TEST for doneness. Cook again if need be but at 2 minute intervals. Check to see if your microwave feels wet or you see steam.
when you test each time. ALL microwave are not equal. Some have power settings. READ your manual for other safety tips. IN my opinion it is safer to split the squash and cook in a dish with water. A microwave is not to be used like an gas or an electric oven for long periods of cooking. Those waves bounce around in the cavity and can heat up the plastic and metal and cause damage. Dry foods in a microwave will BURN when the water is driven out of them.. When you “nuke” BACON… your heating up the FAT in the bacon and drying out the meat. EASY to start a fire…. READ your manuals.
11.21.2019 at10:05 AM #
Katie Morford
Wow! Thanks for all the information. I’m sure this will be helpful to many!
07.21.2021 at6:15 PM #
Carol Forestiere
I use also as substitute for pasta, gluten free, and I put fenel in my sauce and lots of onion and garlic sweet basil from garden..the usual tomato sauce paste and chopped tomatoes italian seasoning and pinch of sugar italian spice mix parmeson cheese, himalayan salt and ground pepper. Leave squash a little on crisp side. So good! Add smidge of tobacco sauce
07.21.2021 at6:15 PM #
Katie Morford
Sounds great!
07.21.2021 at6:19 PM #
Carol Forestierey see
I use hamburger and fresh mushrooms too sorry forgot that