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

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How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave

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. Here you'll find a quick and easy technique for how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. Feel free to cook just one half at a time, wrapping and storing the second half for another day.

Course Vegetable Side

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 53 kcal

Author Katie Morford

Ingredients

• 1 spaghetti squash

Instructions

1. Use a large sharp knife and cut the squash in half through the stem.
2. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Roast the seeds, if desired, or discard.
3. Set the squash flesh-side-down in a baking dish and add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan.

4. 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.

5. Let cool enough to handle and run the tines of a fork through the squash to unearth the spaghetti-like threads.