My family absolutely loves pasta dishes. Now that we eat the paleo way, we’ve replaced grain-based noodles with spaghetti squash. Not only is it low in calories and full of vitamins and minerals, but it makes a great base for familiar dishes.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Microwave Method)
There are many ways to dress up this humble piece of produce, but I’m going to only focus on one thing today: how to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. It doesn’t have to be complicated. I hope you will give it a try!
Step 1: Slice your squash in half length-wise.
Step 2: Scoop out seeds.
You can keep the seeds and roast them like you would pumpkin seeds if you would like. 🙂
Step 3: Place cut side down in a microwave-safe dish and pour in 1/4 cup water.
Step 4: Cover with food grade plastic wrap and microwave for 7-10 minutes.
I usually do mine for about 8 minutes. It’s fine to allow it to just sit in the microwave for several minutes while you prepare other things for your meal. It will continue to cook a bit and will stay hot for you! It’s pretty forgiving.
Step 5: Remove plastic covering and carefully flip your squash over.
I usually use a fork to gently lift up an edge and flip it over, because you’ll need a fork in the next step anyway. Remember, this is piping hot, so use pot holders as needed when handling the dish!
Step 6: Using a fork, scrape from the outside in to create spaghetti strands from your squash.
If your spaghetti squash seems uncooperative and is still more of a pale yellow all over or in specific spots, it may still be a little undercooked. Flip it back over, re-cover, and cook a tad longer (1-2 minutes or maybe longer for an especially large squash.)
If your squash is VERY dark, it may be overcooked and might not make the spaghetti strands as easily. It’ll still taste great, though!
Step 7: Scoop your spaghetti squash strands out and top with your favorite sauce!
If it’s just you and one other person (and you love ginormous servings), you could serve your meal IN the spaghetti squash shell. It’s up to you! Here is how I use spaghetti squash to make a yummy paleo spaghetti!
Heather Buen says
I have always wanted to learn how to cook this. It’s so healthy for you and it’s a hearty squash too.
Heather Buen recently posted…The 2013 Mazda3 i Grand Touring is a fun to drive package
Cris says
Wow! I have never tried spaghetti squash. I will have to try this soon. Thanks for sharing!
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Jana says
I LOVE spaghetti squash & we make chicken Parmesan for ours. It’s DELISH! Cooking it in the microwave is going to save me sooo much time. I’ve been putting off cooking mine for the time reason alone. This just made my day!
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Jamie says
This made me so hungry!! I love spaghetti squash but I’ve never actually had it as a pasta with pasta sauce. I’ll have to try that.
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Ned says
never tried this before.. but it looks real simple to make and healthy!
Kenny says
I also cook mine in the microwave, but leave off the water and the plastic wrap. It cooks the same way, but is a little less “moist” when finished—which is great for better absorption of whatever is added to it after cooking (tomato-based sauce, alfredo-type sauce, cinnamon & brown sugar mix, veggie stir-fry, whatever). And I love your site! Thank you!