How to Make Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Updated: Jan. 11, 2023
You can microwave spaghetti squash for a great low-carb side dish or entree. This cooking method is the quickest way to get those tender and fluffy noodle-like strands.
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite bases for weeknight meals—spaghetti squash! When cooked, spaghetti squash transforms into soft-tender strands that have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. I’ll walk you through how to microwave spaghetti squash for the ultimate quick and easy dinner.
Gone are the days of baking spaghetti squash and waiting around for 40 minutes. While roasting the squash means some caramelized strands, it also means warming up the kitchen and an increased cooking time.
Making spaghetti squash in the microwave is fast, doesn’t heat up the house or require any extra kitchen appliances.
Microwave Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Ingredients
- Spaghetti squash
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the squash
Using a fork, pierce the spaghetti squash all around the outside. Scoring the squash lets steam escape while cooking.
Step 2: Microwave the squash
Transfer the squash on a microwave-safe plate and place in the microwave. Microwave for 5 minutes. Rotate the squash, then microwave for another 5 minutes. Let sit for about 5 minutes, or until cool enough to touch.
Step 3: Scoop and shred the squash
Cut in half, scoop out the seeds, then use a fork to shred the squash stands.
How to Serve Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash can be served as a side dish or main dish. Season it with olive oil, salt and pepper to keep things simple. The flavor also pairs perfectly with store-bought sauce for a low-carb spaghetti night. However, one of my favorite ways to enjoy cooked and shredded spaghetti squash is tossed in a skillet as a stir-fry with other vegetables.
For more ideas, check out our collection of spaghetti squash recipes.
Tips for Making Microwave Spaghetti Squash
How long does it take to microwave spaghetti squash?
It takes just 10 minutes to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. You’ll want to flip the squash halfway through to ensure it cooks properly.
You’ll also want to account for the time it takes to slice the squash in half, remove the seeds and rake the strands into pasta-like noodles. It takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
What to do if your squash is undercooked?
If you slice into your squash and realize it’s not fully cooked, continue to cut the squash open and remove the seeds. Place each half, one at a time, in a microwave-safe bowl along with a touch of water. Microwave until fork-tender, about an additional 2-3 minutes for each half.
What happens if you overcook spaghetti squash?
Overcooked squash has a spongy texture, rather than the soft bite of a properly cooked squash. If you overcook the spaghetti squash, place the squash halves cut-side down on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Let sit for at least 5 minutes to help remove the excess liquid. This trick will help improve the texture and taste.
Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We're crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Garden Harvest Spaghetti Squash
I was in the grocery store one day and spotted this interesting looking yellow hard squash, the Spaghetti squash. I just had to try it, so I took it home and cooked it according to the label on the squash. I topped it with my favorite vegetables for pasta, and it was a instant family favorite. —Veronica McCann, Columbus, Ohio Feeling inspired by these recipes? Learn how to make spaghetti squash the right way.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Spaghetti squash, like zucchini, can take over a garden. This is an excellent way to put that abundance to good use. I got the original recipe at a cooking class, and I've made it many times since. It's unique and tasty. —Mina Dick, Boissevain, Manitoba
Chicken Parmesan With Spaghetti Squash
I grow spaghetti squash and herbs in my garden every year, so this recipe is the perfect way to use them up. —Kristina Krummel, Elkins, Arkansas Swapping pasta with spaghetti squash is a great way to keep your dinner low-carb. Discover more healthy spaghetti squash recipes.
Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
When my mom and I cooked spaghetti squash with meat sauce, all we could do was grin and say "Wow!" It's fun to separate the noodle-like strands from the squash shell, but eating it is the best part! —Lina Vainauskas, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina
Spaghetti Squash Casserole Bake
One of our daughters shared this recipe along with squash from her first garden. —Glenafa Vrchota, Mason City, Iowa
Mushroom & Bacon Spaghetti Squash Bowl
This spaghetti squash bowl has a light cream sauce, along with fresh sage and crispy bacon. I love spaghetti squash but get tired of having it with a tomato-based red sauce. This recipe will make you and your family excited about spaghetti squash again! —Emily Montgomery, Madison, Alabama
Spaghetti Squash with Apples, Bacon, and Walnuts
I've always loved spaghetti squash as an alternative to pasta and enjoy it in the classic marinara style, but I wanted a new recipe so my family and I could enjoy it more often. The savory, salty and sour flavors combine perfectly with a hint of sweet spice. While the squash is baking, prep the rest: It will take only minutes to finish after you shred the squash. —Jeff Tori, Johnstown, Colorado
Chorizo Spaghetti Squash Skillet
Get your noodle fix minus the pasta with this spicy one-dish meal. It's a fill-you-up dinner that's low in calories—which makes it a weeknight winner in my book! —Sherrill Oake, Springfield, Massachusetts. Don’t forget to check out our collection of low-carb spaghetti squash recipes.
Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Squash
This quick casserole is called "cheesy" for a reason. Stir in any kind you've got. —Jean Williams, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Spaghetti Squash Lo Mein
My colorful Lo Mein is a lighter version of the classic Chinese dish that everyone at our table loves. Try it with a squirt of Sriracha. —Loanne Chiu, Fort Worth, Texas
Harvest Bow Ties
Spaghetti squash and bow ties make this meatless dish hearty and filling. Add a can of black beans if you'd like more protein, and switch up the tomatoes for variety. Try using Italian diced tomatoes or diced tomatoes with mild green chiles. —Anne Lynch, Beacon, New York
Chicken Florentine Meatballs
Served over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Spaghetti Squash & Sausage Easy Meal
My son’s favorite dish uses homegrown spaghetti squash, kielbasa, and pico de gallo or salsa. —Pam Mascarenas, Taylorsville, Utah
Italian Spaghetti Squash
This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin
Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce and Tomato
I have reduced grains and other starches in my diet due to health reasons, so I was looking for filling, comforting meals without pasta or potatoes. When I was tinkering with this spaghetti squash recipe, I discovered something fun to eat! —Becky Ruff, Mc Gregor, Iowa
Beef and Black Bean Spaghetti Squash
I've been working on developing healthier recipes that still taste fabulous—and keep me satisfied. This squash tossed with beef, beans and kale has so much flavor it's easy to forget it's good for you! —Charlotte Cravins, Opelousas, Louisiana
Salsa Spaghetti Squash
If you want spaghetti, but are eating gluten-free or trying to keep a lid on carbs, there's always spaghetti squash as a flavorful alternative. Subtly sweet, tender and satisfying, this is one colorful dish. —Clara Coulson Minney, Washington Court House, Ohio
Turkey Stroganoff with Spaghetti Squash
My twin sister and I came up with this entree after we both successfully lost weight but still wanted to indulge in comfort food. Spaghetti squash is a fantastic healthy alternative to pasta, and we use it in many recipes. —Courtney Varela, Aliso Viejo, California
