How to Cook Spaghetti Squash? (Quick And Tasty)

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Spaghetti squash, often hailed as nature’s pasta, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be a delightful addition to any meal. With its mild flavor and unique stringy texture, it serves as a healthy alternative to traditional pasta. Cooking spaghetti squash is easy and can be done in a variety of ways, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness in numerous dishes.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

Cooking spaghetti squash involves a few simple steps. Start by cutting the squash in half and removing the seeds. You can then bake, boil, microwave, or even use a slow cooker to cook the squash until it’s tender. Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out the strands, which can then be used in place of pasta in your favorite recipes. Spaghetti squash is not only low in calories but also packed with vitamins, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 93 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sharp Knife
  • 1 Spoon
  • 1 Baking Dish
  • 1 Microwave-Safe Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 spaghetti squash (1.5 to 3 lbs)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided, plus more to serve
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt divided, or added to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper divided, added to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the spaghetti squash into 1 1/2-inch thick rounds. If it’s too hard to cut, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it.
  • Scoop out the seeds using a spoon or melon baller.
    How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
  • Place the squash rounds on a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until tender.
  • Let them cool, then use a fork to separate the strands from the skin.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • When cutting, make sure your knife is freshly sharpened and use extreme caution. Also, take note of my warning regarding microwaving in the directions.
  • It is preferable to cook spaghetti squash slightly al dente as opposed to overdone and mushy.
  • especially if you want to keep it or mix it with other ingredients in a recipe where it might cook through.
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Nutrition Facts

NutritionValue
Calories93kcal 
Carbohydrates15g
Protein1.5g
Fat4 g
Saturated Fat0.6g
Sodium60 mg
Iron0.81 mg
Calcium48.9mg
Vitamin A255.75IU
Potassium272mg

What Is a Good Way to Eat Spaghetti Squash?

Tossing the cooked spaghetti squash with vegan pesto makes for a fresh and flavorful side dish. It can also be used as a healthy replacement for pasta in any noodle dish. Additionally, you can incorporate it into skillet meals, or casseroles, or use it as a low-carb base for pizza or meatball subs for a delicious and nutritious meal.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

How Do You Cook and Preserve Squash?

Choose young squash with tender skins. Wash and cut into ½-inch slices. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes; cool in ice water for at least 3 minutes. Drain and package into freezer bags or freezer containers, leaving ½-inch headspace.

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Lily Walker

Hi! I’m Lily Walker

Lily Walker is a California-born chef with roots in the Central Valley's farming community, transforming salads from diet staple to culinary art. After training in San Francisco's farm-to-table restaurants, she now collaborates with Noah Baker on Freshman, creating recipes that celebrate fresh, vibrant ingredients and challenge everything you thought you knew about salads.

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