How to Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Prep Time
3 minsCook Time
8-9 minsFree Time
to repot a succulent
Cooking spaghetti squash in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare this versatile vegetable. The microwave softens the squash's tough outer skin, making it easier to cut and scrape out the spaghetti-like strands. Surprisingly, microwaving preserves the squash’s flavor and nutrients better than steaming or roasting, resulting in a tasty, healthy dish.
Microwaving spaghetti squash is also less messy and time-consuming than using the oven or stovetop. A Large Deep Anyday dish is perfect for this task. Its tall, sloped sides accommodate the halved squash, and the silicone-lined lid traps moisture, yielding tender spaghetti-like strands.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Extra Large Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- ½ (8 oz- 225g) spaghetti squash
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt & pepper
Preparation
- Using a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half around the middle (width-wise).
- Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste, if desired.
- Place in an Anyday Large Deep Dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted). If the lid does not close, trim the bottom or stem off of the spaghetti squash half.
- Cook in the microwave for 8-9 minutes, or until the strands of the squash come off easily from the sides.
- Discard seeds. Using a fork, peel away the strands of the spaghetti squash from the peel.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs: Use spaghetti squash as the base for a healthy, veggie-packed version of spaghetti and meatballs.
- Spaghetti Squash Carbonara: Mix spaghetti squash with eggs, bacon, Parmesan cheese and pepper for a delicious carbonara-like dish.
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Mix spaghetti squash with cheese, cream, vegetables, and herbs to make a delicious casserole.
- Spaghetti Squash Fritters: Mix steamed spaghetti squash with eggs, flour, and herbs to make crispy, pan-fried fritters.
Recipe notes
- Cut the squash into smaller pieces to fit more squash and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If the squash is taking longer to cook, add a little water to the dish. This will generate steam and help the squash cook quickly.
- Use a fork to test the tenderness of the squash before removing it from the microwave: It should be easy to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands when it's cooked through. If it's not tender enough, microwave it for a few more minutes.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Spaghetti Squash
See for yourself— microwaving spaghetti squash is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 6-8 mins |
| Oven* | 50 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 15 mins |
Step-by-Step: Microwaving Spaghetti Squash
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Spaghetti Squash
How long does spaghetti squash take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1/2 (200g) spaghetti squash | 8-9 mins |
| 1 (400g) spaghetti squash, halved | 19-20 mins |
Spaghetti squash can be cooked in the microwave in about 6-8 minutes. Place in an Anyday Large Deep Dish and cover with the lid (knob lifted). If the lid does not close, trim the bottom or stem off of the spaghetti squash half. After cooking, let it cool for a few minutes before scraping out the spaghetti-like strands with a fork.
How to tell when spaghetti squash is cooked through
One way to tell if spaghetti squash is cooked through is by piercing it with a fork or knife. If the knife easily pierces the skin, the squash is tender and cooked through. You can also press the skin of the squash with your thumb — if it gives easily, it is cooked through.
How to freeze a microwaved spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash can be frozen to extend its shelf life. First, cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Then, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands into a bowl. Spread the hot spaghetti strands into an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to cool completely. Transfer the strands to an Anyday dish or Freezer Trays, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. The spaghetti squash can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to easily cut into a hard winter squash
Cutting into a hard winter squash can be a bit challenging, but with the right technique, it can be done safely. First, place the squash on a cutting board and use a large, sharp knife to slice off the top and bottom of the squash to create a flat surface. To make the cutting process easier, you can also poke a few holes into the surface of the squash and microwave the squash whole for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the knife to pass through the skin more easily.
How to replace noodles with spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash can be a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional pasta noodles. To use spaghetti squash as a replacement for noodles, you'll need to cook it first. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and then microwave it until tender, about 6-8 minutes per half. Once the squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands. Use the cooked spaghetti squash as a replacement for pasta in most recipes, such as spaghetti and meatballs or Carbonara.
