When you cook spaghetti squash, it transforms into pasta-like "noodles." Here's how to make spaghetti squash so you can whip up healthy versions of your favorite pasta recipes.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Updated on Oct. 03, 2024
Spaghetti squash is a healthy, tasty substitute for pasta. One of the most popular types of winter squash, it’s both gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Here are our Test Kitchen’s best tips for how to make spaghetti squash.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash
This simple step-by-step guide will show you how to make spaghetti squash in the oven. In a time crunch? You can also microwave spaghetti squash or make Instant Pot spaghetti squash.
Step 1: Prepare the squash
Choose a squash that feels heavy for its size and has a hard, deep-colored rind that’s free of blemishes. Carefully cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. (Here’s how to cut winter squash.)
Editor’s Tip: You can roast and eat squash seeds exactly like you roast pumpkin seeds.
Step 2: Bake the squash
Place the squash cut-side down on a greased baking dish or pan. Bake at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes or until you can easily pierce the skin with a fork. Cool slightly.
Step 3: Scrape out the “noodles”
Now it’s time for the fun part: Rake a fork through the inside of the squash and pull out the strings of “pasta.” Toss with your favorite pasta sauce, olive oil, butter or a hearty shower of shaved Parmesan.
Don’t know how to store it properly? Learn how to freeze spaghetti squash.
Common Spaghetti Squash Questions
How do you cut spaghetti squash before cooking?
For a method that doesn’t rely on just strength, use a rubber mallet and a large knife, such as a chef’s knife. Start by covering the mallet with a food storage bag and securing it with a rubber band or twist tie. Then insert the knife lengthwise into the middle of the squash and carefully hit the top of the blade with the mallet. Continue until the squash is cut in half.
Look no further than this TikTok spaghetti when you need a quick and easy dinner.
Can I make slow-cooker spaghetti squash?
Yes—to make slow-cooker spaghetti squash, cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
Is spaghetti squash healthy?
Yes, spaghetti squash is healthy! Roasted spaghetti squash has fewer carbohydrates and calories than pasta, and it offers extra fiber, antioxidants and vitamin A. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash has about 10 grams of carbs, compared to 45 grams in a cup of regular spaghetti.
How do I serve spaghetti squash?
Per its name, spaghetti squash works great as an alternative to noodles in your favorite pasta dishes. Toss it with homemade tomato sauce and lots of veggies in this Garden Harvest Spaghetti Squash recipe or bake a layered Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole.
Spaghetti Squash Recipes to Love
Garden Harvest Spaghetti SquashI was in the grocery store and spotted a perfectly ripe spaghetti squash. I knew I had to try it, so I cooked it according to the label. I topped it with my favorite vegetables for pasta, and it was an instant family favorite. —Veronica McCann, Columbus, Ohio
This will instantly become a new family favorite! You can use the vegetables you have on hand for this harvest pasta-inspired dish.
Spaghetti Squash CasseroleSpaghetti squash casserole is a hearty, low-carb comfort food. Loaded with cheese, vegetables and ground beef, this recipe packs in all the flavor.
This make-ahead casserole is just what the doctor ordered! Reviewers have tried this recipe with sausage, ground turkey and even ground elk with wonderful results.
Chicken ParmesanChicken Parmesan, an Italian-American classic of shallow-fried cutlets topped with melty cheese and rich tomato sauce, is a homey dish that never fails to please.
Spaghetti Squash with Meat SauceWhen 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
Chili powder and some green pepper give this meat sauce a bit of a kick! The meat sauce really complements the squash in a way that's much more fulfilling than pasta.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole BakeOne of our daughters shared this recipe along with squash from her first garden.—Glenafa Vrchota, Mason City, Iowa
This well-seasoned cheesy mushroom dinner is about to be the star of your next big family dinner. Kids and adults alike will be scrambling for seconds, and even thirds!
Spaghetti Squash with Apples, Bacon, and WalnutsI'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
This sweet and savory take on spaghetti squash is everything you've been looking for and more. Nothing goes better together than pork and apples, and bacon is no exception.
Chorizo Spaghetti Squash SkilletGet 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
This spicy one-pot dinner is a weeknight winner! Taco seasoning gives the dish a nice Tex-Mex taste that only makes it easier to crave.
Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti SquashThis quick casserole is called "cheesy" for a reason. Stir in any kind you've got. —Jean Williams, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Cheesy? Bacon? Do you need any more convincing? The hint of brown sugar in this dinner really goes well with the smoky bacon.
Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes and OlivesThis squash is outstanding as a side dish, but you can also top it with canned tuna to create a simple, healthy main dish. It's easy and so tasty! I like to use my own canned tomatoes for the best flavor. —Carol Chase, Sioux City, Iowa
This olive and tomato side dish is so simple but so delicious! Adding a meat, like canned tuna, can make this go from a side dish to a main dish.
Spaghetti Squash BoatsLove noodles but want to eat fewer carbs? Our beef-stuffed spaghetti squash boats have a similar texture and a fun presentation.
Who needs a bowl when you have spaghetti squash? With cheese, mushroom, onion and pepper, this ground beef dinner is a hit!
Chicken Florentine MeatballsServed over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
These chicken meatballs will make you wonder how anyone ever eats anything else! The chunky mushroom-tomato sauce only sends it over the edge.
Spaghetti Squash & Sausage Easy MealMy son’s favorite dish uses homegrown spaghetti squash, kielbasa, and pico de gallo or salsa. —Pam Mascarenas, Taylorsville, Utah
Easy meal? Say no more. This 30-minute sausage dinner is made simple with pico de gallo. Who knew!
Italian Spaghetti SquashThis 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
These oregano-seasoned spaghetti squash bowls are the perfect change-of-pace meal. It's like a bread bowl, but better!
Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce and TomatoI 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
You'll win over hearts with this garlic dish. The sauce is so nice and thick, you'll forget there's spaghetti squash underneath!
Turkey StroganoffIn this turkey stroganoff, juicy and economical turkey thighs braise in a creamy tarragon sauce until tender. This makes for an easy and mostly hands-off slow-cooker supper served over cooked egg noodles.
