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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.

Cooked spaghetti squash in a baking dish
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How to Microwave Spaghetti 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

What is Spaghetti 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 - spaghetti squash, butter, salt and pepper

Ingredients: 

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

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in 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
  • Step 5 – Scoop Squash – Scoop out the seeds from each half of the squash.  
Removing the seeds from the spaghetti 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. 
Spaghetti 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.

Cooked spaghetti squash in a baking dish

How to Season a Spaghetti Squash:

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

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.

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

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

Print Recipe here for Microwave Spaghetti Squash:

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How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave

5 from 2 votes
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

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  • Score the spaghetti squash along the sides of the squash (where you will cut the squash in half) approximately 1/8-¼ inch deep. 
  • 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.
  • Place the squash in a baking dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes.  Do not microwave the squash for longer than 5 minutes.
  • Then cut the squash in half lengthwise.  Be careful as the squash will be hot, so you will likely need to use oven mitts.  Scoop out the seeds from each half of the squash.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!

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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Learn How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave with these easy steps. Turn a spaghetti squash into tender noodles for a tasty 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. #eatingonadime #howtocookspaghettisquashinthemicrowave #microwavespaghettisquash

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Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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