How To Cook Spaghetti Squash In The Microwave
This post may contain affiliate links which will not change your price but will share some commission. Please read my privacy policy.
Learn How To Cook Spaghetti Squash In The Microwave! Make any low carb spaghetti squash recipe quick and easy with this method.
Microwave Spaghetti Squash is convenient and delicious!
Spaghetti squash has got to be one of the best discoveries ever, it’s my favorite substitute for pasta. Spaghetti squash is also Whole30 approved! I eat it weekly whenever I do a Whole30 diet.
If you’re like me and legit wondering who discovered spaghetti squash, now that I brought it to your attention here is all the info you could ever want about this wonderful veggie!
Why Cook Spaghetti Squash in Microwave?
There are plenty of spaghetti squash recipes out there, but I am going to give you what I think is the easiest way to make it. This one is a real time saver.
Roasted spaghetti squash is so flavorful but I don’t always have time for that. When you want your spaghetti squash and you want it now, this is the quickest way.
After removing the strands, you’ll be able to season it any way you please so it won’t be lacking any flavor! Roasting a spaghetti squash takes 30-45 minutes, but this spaghetti squash recipe will teach you how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave (without causing it to explode) in less than 15 minutes.
Why you will love Cooking Spaghetti Squash in Microwave
This spaghetti squash recipe only requires three ingredients and can be seasoned any way you like! It makes a great base for any sauce or side dish for your favorite protein.
My favorite way to make it is with mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, and scallops with a light lemon herb cream sauce. I make this Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe all the time!
What you’ll need to make Spaghetti Squash in Microwave
- Spaghetti squash: This low carb squash is great as a side dish or a replacement for regular pasta.
- Olive oil: Any kind of neutral oil works, so you could also substitute avocado oil or whatever you have on hand.
- Salt and pepper: I start with a simple combo of salt and black pepper, but you cane easily add other spices and herbs to your taste.
HOW TO COOK SPAGHETTI SQUASH IN THE MICROWAVE
When making spaghetti squash, you want to be careful not to overcook it. Spaghetti squash noodles should be slightly firm and a bit crunchy, like al dente but for squash. Not chewy/smooth like a noodle. Remember, it’s still a vegetable!
When you cut the spaghetti squash open for the first time, you will notice it’s light in color. When the spaghetti squash is cooked, it will be darker in color. If your squash is a pale yellow color, it’s not done yet.
Many recipes will tell you to just cut your spaghetti squash right open, like it’s easy or something. No. This is a good way to slice your hand open and no one wants that.
Here’s how it’s done:
- Start by carefully poking a few holes around the spaghetti squash with a pairing knife or a fork. This allows the steam to come out while it’s in the microwave and prevents an explosive disaster.
- Place the spaghetti squash in the microwave and microwave on high for 5 minutes to soften the shell.
- Remove the squash from the microwave and slice it open lengthwise. You can use an oven mitt to protect your hands from the heat. Then scoop out the seeds using a spoon and toss. Or save them for roasting!
- Season the squash with salt and pepper, and place in the baking dish cut side down. Add about 1 inch of water to the baking dish, just enough to partially submerge the squash and create steam in the microwave. Place back in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. You may need to do this in two rounds, depending on the size of your baking dish and spaghetti squash.
- Continue microwaving for an additional 2-5 minutes as needed until completely cooked. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your squash. When it’s done, you will be able to easily poke holes in it with a fork.
- Remove the baking dish from the microwave using oven mitts and transfer spaghetti squash to a cutting board. Scrape the squash strands from the inside and transfer squash strands to a medium sized mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss.
You can serve it as a simple vegetable side dish or incorporate it into your favorite spaghetti squash recipes.
What to serve with this Spaghetti Squash Microwave Recipe
- Cornish Hens With Creamy Mushroom Bacon Gravy
- Pistachio Crusted Air Fryer Salmon
- Jalapeño Lime Steak
- Air Fryer Chicken
Storing Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Cooked squash will keep for a good week or so in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. You can also store it in the freezer for up to 8 months.
More Healthy Recipes To Try
- Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
- Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
- Air Fryer Zucchini
- Broccolini With Marcona Almonds
- Blackened Shrimp
WANT TO TRY COOKING SPAGHETTI SQUASH IN THE MICROWAVE?
PIN IT to your spaghetti squash recipes, low carb recipes, or healthy recipes board to save it for later!
Find me on Pinterest for more great recipes. I’m always pinning!
Did you make this recipe? Post a photo on Instagram and tag me @JZEATS or #JZEATS so I can see! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, too!
Cooking Spaghetti Squash in Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- Olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- With a sharp knife, poke several holes all around the spaghetti squash, this creates vents that allow the steam to escape during the initial cooking. Microwave the spaghetti squash on high in a microwave safe baking dish for 5 minutes to soften the shell. Do not microwave the squash longer than 5 minutes – the steam can build up, creating a dangerous situation.
- Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise with a chef’s knife. You can protect your hands from the heat with oven mitts or let the squash cool for several minutes before cutting it open.
- Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and toss – or save for roasting!
- Season the squash with salt and pepper, and place in the baking dish flesh side down. Add about 1 inch of water to the baking dish, just enough to partially submerge the squash and create steam in the microwave. Place back in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. You may need to do this in two rounds, depending on the size of your baking dish and spaghetti squash.
- Check the squash, if done, you will be able to easily poke holes in it with a fork. Continue microwaving for an additional 2-5 minutes as needed until completely cooked.
- Remove the baking dish from the microwave using oven mitts and transfer spaghetti squash to a cutting board. Scrape the squash strands from the inside and transfer squash strands to a medium sized mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss.
I never eat spaghetti squash before. I Googled how to cook it and was disappointed to see it needed to be cooked in the oven because my Oven broke LOL further in my search I found this website for microwave oven. Delighted I tried it. I will never cook a spaghetti squash in the oven because this preparation was not only easy but extremely delicious. Did exactly how you posted it. It wasn’t slimy soggy soft it was just right! so thank you for posting this. Any other recipes? 🙂 nice job!
So glad to hear you loved it!