How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
First things first: cut it in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.
Before slicing your squash in half, if it’s too tough to cut, give it a little tenderizing in the oven or microwave.
- Option 1: Roast the squash whole. Use a fork to prick the entire thing, then bake it at 400°F for ten minutes, or until it’s tender enough to cut into two pieces.
- Option 2: Microwave the squash. Use a fork to prick it all over, then microwave it in 1-minute intervals until it becomes soft enough to cut.
After that, chop the squash in half and continue making the recipe!
Scoop out the seeds with a spoon after slicing the squash in half.
Then, lightly brush the insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Just a light drizzle and a light sprinkle will do because I find that adding too much oil and too much salt at this point makes the squash a little watery.
After that, use a fork to make a few holes in the squash’s skin, then put it cut side down on a baking sheet. Pop it in a pre-heated 400°F oven.
Roasting my squash for too long was a mistake I used to make. I now roast it for 30 to 40 minutes instead of an hour or longer as I used to. I used to believe that the squash had to be extremely soft and fork-tender for the strands to “spaghetti,” but as time goes on, I’ve come to realize that I actually prefer my strands to be more al dente, or less mushy, and that the one-hour mark was excessive. Of course, how long it takes will depend entirely on how big your squash is and how hot your oven is. Additionally, it can differ from squash to squash, so be sure to modify the cooking time.
After it’s roasted and cool enough to handle, scrape the strands off with a fork. I prefer to fluff them up as I go in, starting from the outside.
And that’s it! Serve it as a simple vegetable side dish, adding a little more salt and pepper to taste.
Benefits of Using Spaghetti Squash for Noodles
Spaghetti squash is a lot healthier than regular noodles, which is one of its main advantages. Selecting squash means you’re substituting a hearty helping of veggies for processed flour.
Spaghetti squash offers a double nutritional boost because it is high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Anticipate adequate levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, and other healthy minerals.
If you would rather watch than read, this page has a video that will walk you through the entire process of cooking spaghetti squash.
Squash can be cooked in a variety of ways, but I think baking it in the oven brings out the most flavor. Although the question of whether microwaving retains nutrients is still up for debate (I believe it does), roasting spaghetti squash in the oven will always produce the best flavor and texture.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Optional: For easier cleanup, line a baking sheet with silicone baking sheet or parchment paper (not wax paper).
