Learn how to cook microwave spaghetti squash for a quick side with fast cleanup.
Holly’s Speedy Squash Highlights
- Flavor: Microwave spaghetti squash has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with butter and herbs.
- Recommended Tools: A sharp knife, a cutting board with a wet cloth underneath (to prevent it from slipping), a Tovolo squash tool to scoop out the seeds, a microwave glass dish, and a fork are all helpful in making this squash.
- Swaps: This is a great gluten-free replacement for pasta. And better yet, it tastes like it has been roasted in the oven for hours.
- Serving Suggestions: Match the menu and season spaghetti squash with a taco blend, or a simple garlic and herb seasoning. If they fit, you can also cook butternut and acorn squash in your microwave. It is a fast side dish to serve with a weeknight main. Nothing beats easy meal prep.
Squash Staple Ingredients
- Spaghetti Squash: Look for firm, whole squash that are golden in color without any soft spots or discolorations.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper and butter are all that is needed for delicious squash.
Squash Switch-Ups
- Some butter swaps include leftover bacon grease in place of butter will give spaghetti squash a smoky flavor. Coconut oil, olive, ghee, avocado oil, or a garlic herb spread would also be delicious options.
- Instead of salt and pepper, add garlic powder and chili flakes, everything bagel seasoning, parmesan cheese, or lemon zest.
- Some flavor boosters include fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme, crumbled bacon or pancetta, toasted nuts (like pine nuts or almonds) for crunch, and cheese like Feta, goat cheese, or cheddar, all pair well.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
- Prepare the squash (full recipe below).
- Place the half squash cut side down in a microwave-safe dish with water.
- Cover with plastic wrap and cook.
- Fluff the flesh with a fork, and serve with butter and desired seasonings.
Speedy Secrets
- Spaghetti squash is tough to cut raw. Microwave the whole squash for 3–5 minutes first (poke a few holes in it with a knife or fork to let steam escape). This softens the skin and makes it much easier and safer to cut.
- Cut it the right way. Cutting lengthwise gives longer “noodles” but slightly less evenly cooked. Cutting crosswise (width-wise) makes more evenly sized strands and fits better in small microwaves.
- Place the halves cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish with a little water (about ½ inch). This creates steam, which helps cook the squash faster and keeps it moist.
- Check doneness by piercing the skin. If it goes in easily, it’s done. You can also check the strands with a fork.
Second Serving Squash
- Keep leftover spaghetti squash in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilled spaghetti squash is delicious when it’s added to a zucchini pasta salad or with a simple vinaigrette.
- Reheat portions in the microwave, stir it into soups, or use it to create a spaghetti squash casserole.
- Freeze cooled portions in zippered bags for up to six months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Enjoy Spaghetti Squash with Sauce
Did you enjoy this Microwave Spaghetti Squash recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Savor the mild and nutty taste of spaghetti squash cooked in minutes without using the oven.
Equipment
9 x 13-inch inch Baking Dish microwave safe
Ingredients
- 1 whole spaghetti squash
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Carefully cut the squash lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds.
- In a microwave-safe dish, place the two halves cut side down. Add water to the bottom of the dish and cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Microwave for 6-10 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- Remove from microwave and carefully remove plastic wrap. Use a fork to shred the squash into long strands.
- Serve with butter, salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- If the squash is difficult to cut, poke it with a fork several times and microwave it for 3-4 minutes before cutting it in half.
- Be sure to use a sharp knife to cut the squash. Placing it on a towel when cutting prevents the squash from sliding as much.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.05g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 92mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 0.03g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.01mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
©Easy Low Carb. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
REPIN this Microwave Spaghetti Squash recipe
