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.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Updated on May 17, 2023
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.
Our Best Spaghetti Squash Recipes
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!
Beef and Black Bean Spaghetti SquashI'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
This squash tossed with beef, beans and kale has so much flavor you won't notice it's healthy! The Louisiana hot sauce really adds that extra oomph.
Salsa Spaghetti SquashIf 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
This Tex-Mex spaghetti squash is the meal you didn't know you were looking for. It's as colorful as it is tasty!
Spaghetti Squash Lo MeinMy 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
Spaghetti squash recipes don't have to skew Italian. This Chinese-inspired dish uses spaghetti squash in place of lo mein noodles for a healthier twist.
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.
