My microwave spaghetti squash recipe is so easy. With only a few steps you can cook spaghetti squash in the microwave oven. I show you how to turn a squash into tender noodles for an amazing side dish.

The microwave spaghetti squash recipe served in a baking dish.
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How to Microwave the Squash

Microwave Spaghetti Squash is a quick and easy side dish that is a great substitute for your favorite pasta. After cutting the spaghetti squash and removing the seeds, season the squash and microwave for about 15 minutes.

Using a fork, shred the cook squash into strands of noodles. This is a low carb option to top with your favorite pasta sauce. We have even topped it with parmesan cheese for a delicious side dish.

If you are looking for an easy way to make your favorite yellow vegetable, make it in the microwave. The results are tender, cooked strands of squash that is cooked perfectly.

Cooked spaghetti squash in a baking dish with a fork shredding the squash.

Spaghetti Squash has been referred to as the noodle squash. It is a winter vegetable that is oblong in shape and is yellow. It has a hard outer rind and is medium size.

Because the spaghetti squash is not flavorful it makes the perfect addition to your tomato based sauces or cream base sauces. But can also be served with a little butter and parmesan cheese.

If you are looking for a low carb option to eat with your spaghetti, make Spaghetti Squash.

Ingredients needed for recipe: spaghetti squash, butter, salt and pepper.

Ingredients: 

  • Spaghetti Squash (3-4 pounds) 
  • Butter 
  • Salt 
  • Pepper 

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in Microwave: 

Follow along with my simple instructions to learn how to make spaghetti squash in a microwave.

  • Step 1 – Score the Squash – Score the spaghetti squash along the sides of the squash (where you will cut the squash in half) approximately 1/8-1/4inch deep. 
  • Step 2 – Poke the Squash – Then poke the squash in a few places with a knife or dinner fork to allow steam to escape during the cooking of the squash. 
  • Step 3 – Microwave Squash – Place the squash in a baking dish cut side down and microwave on high for 5 minutes.  Do not microwave the squash for longer than 5 minutes. 
  • Step 4 – Cut Squash – Then cut the squash in half lengthwise.  Be careful as the squash will be hot, so you will likely need to use oven mitts. 
Cutting the squash in a dish.
  • Step 5 – Scoop Squash – Scoop out the seeds from each half of the squash.  
Removing the seeds from the squash.
  • Step 6 – Place squash in microwave safe dish – Place the squash halves upside down in the baking dish.  Place approximately 1 inch of water in the dish with the squash.  Microwave on high for 5 minutes. 
Squash face down in a baking dish.
  • Step 7 – Check Squash – Then check the squash.  A fork should easily poke through the skin of the squash.  If it’s not done yet, continue to cook for 2-5 more minutes until done. 
  • Step 8 – Scrape squash to create noodles – Remove the squash from the baking dish and use a fork to scrape the strands of squash from the inside.  Move to a serving bowl and toss with butter.  Season with salt and pepper.  Enjoy! 
Cooked spaghetti squash in a baking dish.

How Long to Cook Spaghetti Squash:

Spaghetti Squash is easy to cook in the microwave with these easy steps. After cooking the squash for about 5 minutes as a whole squash, then it is cut. Then cut the squash and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

The squash is fully cooked when the squash can be shredded with fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your squash.

You can also cook squash in the oven or the instant pot. Bake spaghetti squash is easy to make.

Two baked squash sitting in a baking dish.

Seasoning Instructions

This winter squash can be seasoned many different ways. We have served as a main dish or as a side dish. Here are some of my favorite ways to season this squash.

  • Butter – You can season the squash with butter and it is an amazing side dish.
  • Fresh Herbs – Season with fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme with olive oil is full flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese -My favorite is to top it with a little parmesan cheese. Cheese makes everything better.
  • Seasoning Blend – Salt and pepper is simple but feel free to add some seasoning blends such as Italian Seasoning.
Cooked spaghetti squash in a baking dish.

What to Serve with Microwave Spaghetti Squash:

  • Marinara SauceIt really is that simple and easy to make marinara sauce from scratch. Not only does it taste better but the savings will add up when you make this at home. Delicious served over spaghetti squash recipe.
  • Alfredo Sauce RecipeUnlike traditional pasta sauce, Alfredo sauce is not made with any tomatoes. This is a creamy white sauce that is made with a combination of parmesan cheese, butter and cream. Make this delicious alfredo sauce and add some chicken for an amazing chicken alfredo dish.
  • Pesto Sauce – Top the spaghetti with some pesto sauce for a delicious meal idea.
Shredding the cooked squash using a fork.

How to Cut a Spaghetti Squash:

The best way to cut a spaghetti squash is right down the middle. It will take a sharp chef’s knife and a cutting board to cut it. Be careful as the skin on the squash is very tough.

There are two ways to cut the squash, widthwise or lengthwise. We usually cut lengthwise as it easier to cut. It all depends on the size of strands you want.

Once it is cut in half then you can start removing the seeds and squash strands so you can begin cooking.

Two cooked yellow squash in a dish.

How to Store Leftovers:

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.  

Cooked spaghetti squash in a baking dish with a fork shredding the squash.

Microwave Spaghetti Squash Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Estimated Cost: $4.84 Recipe, $0.81 per Serving
Learn How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave with these easy steps. Turn a spaghetti squash into tender noodles for an amazing side dish.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 84
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Ingredients

  • 1 Spaghetti Squash 3-4 pounds
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper

See how we calculate recipe costs.

Instructions

  • Score the spaghetti squash lengthwise where you plan to cut it in half, cutting about 1/8–¼ inch deep.
  • Pierce the squash in several places with a knife or fork to allow steam to escape.
  • Place the squash in a microwave-safe baking dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Do not microwave for longer than 5 minutes at this stage.
  • Carefully remove the squash from the microwave. Using oven mitts, cut it in half lengthwise along the scored line. Scoop out and discard the seeds.
  • Place the squash halves cut-side down in the baking dish. Add about 1 inch of water to the dish.
  • Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing the skin with a fork. If needed, microwave for an additional 2–5 minutes, until tender.
  • Carefully remove the squash from the baking dish. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
  • Transfer the squash to a serving bowl and toss with the butter, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 84kcal, Carbohydrates 11g, Protein 1g, Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 10mg, Sodium 445mg, Potassium 180mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 312IU, Vitamin C 3mg, Calcium 40mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie Barnard — a professional food blogger with over 14 years of experience helping busy families make dinner fast, easy, and affordable.

At Eating on a Dime, I share simple, budget-friendly recipes that are tested in my own kitchen and approved by my 8 kids. With millions of readers each month, I’m here to help you cook real food for real families — without the stress.

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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