how to microwave spaghetti squash
Here is a step by step guide to show you just how easy it is to microwave spaghetti squash. I have photos for each step, including how to cut it in half, how to scoop it out and how to check if it is done too. Next week, I’ll have a delicious new recipe to share with you featuring spaghetti squash.
Purchasing Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti Squash is harvested in the fall and is a great storing crop.
Look for it in the market from the fall through most of the winter. Choose spaghetti squash that is smooth and firm. Make sure it doesn’t have any rot which first appears like small round spots.
How to Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Cut the Squash in Half
To soften the spaghetti squash to make it easier to cut in half, you can microwave it whole for 20 to 30 seconds. Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise with a large chef’s knife. Break it apart at the stem.
Scoop out the Seeds
Open the squash. Inside you’ll see the center cavity is filled with seeds and pulp. You’ll have to scoop that out before cooking the squash. To scoop out the seeds and pulp, use a spoon and scrape down to the hard flesh of the spaghetti squash. This is sort of like cleaning out a pumpkin for a jack o’ lantern.
Don’t be afraid to scrape away all of the thready pulp!
Arrange the Squash in Baking Dish
Place the squash halves, cut side down, in a large microwave safe casserole dish. I used a 9 by 13-inch pyrex lasagna dish. Pour 1 cup tap water over the squash.
Cover and Microwave the Squash
Layer parchment or wax paper over the squash. Then cover with plastic wrap. The parchment or wax paper keeps the plastic from touching the food. The plastic wrap seals in the steam. Microwave the squash until it is done.
How to Tell When Spaghetti Squash is Cooked
How do you when the spaghetti squash is done?
After the first 5 minutes, carefully press your fingertip into the squash to see if the skin has softened. (Careful it will be hot!)
If the squash is still hard, continue cooking in 5 minute intervals. Smaller squashes will be done more quickly.
Once the skin soft enough that it gives when you press on it, test to make sure it is fully cooked by removing the plastic and parchment. Then use a fork to scrape up the strands. If the strands closest to the shell are still hard, continue microwaving in 2 minute intervals until they are softened.
Note that you don’t want to over cook it, because it will become watery and the threads will be mushy.
Step By Step Photos
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- Step 1. Microwave the spaghetti squash for 20 seconds to soften it before cutting. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
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- Step 2. Scrape out the seeds and pulp.
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- Step 3. Set cut side down in a microwave safe baking dish. Add one cup water.
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- Step 4. Cover with parchment and plastic wrap.
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- Step 5. Microwave for 5 minutes. Test if softened. Repeat cooking in 5 minute intervals until the squash is soft to the touch.
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- Step 6. Carefully remove the plastic wrap and parchment. The steam will be hot!
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- Step 7. Test if the squash is tender by lifting up the strands of spaghetti squash with a fork. If the squash is not tender all the way to the shell, microwave again in 2 minute intervals until the squash is fully tender.
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- Step 8. Scrape up the strands with a fork. Use a kitchen spoon to scoop up any remaining strands from the shell.
More Spaghetti Squash Recipes:
This is comforting and clean at the same time Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage Ragu.
I love the little kick of heat in this Spaghetti Squash with Amatriciana Sauce.
This yummy side dish can double as a light main course: Spaghetti Squash with Chèvre and Lemon Thyme Dressing.
This vegan and grain free recipe for Spaghetti Squash with Mushroom Rosemary Sauce gets its flavor from stove-top roasted garlic.
And Classic Pesto is delicious on it and only takes 5 minutes to make. Or this 10 minute Puttanesca Sauce would also be a great fast sauce to use.
If you make this recipe, please come back and let me know by leaving a star rating and review.
Happy Cooking!
~Katie
Print
how to microwave spaghetti squash
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Microwaved
- Cuisine: American
Description
This step-by-step guide tells you how to microwave spaghetti squash, how to tell when it’s fully cooked, and how to scoop out the seeds.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti squash
- Water
Instructions
- Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise with a large chef’s knife. Break it apart at the stem.
- Open the squash and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
- Place the squash halves, cut side down, in a large microwave safe casserole dish. (I used a 9 by 13-inch pyrex lasagna dish.) Pour 1 cup tap water over the squash.
- Layer parchment or wax paper over the squash. Then cover with plastic wrap.
- Microwave the squash until it is done. To be safe, microwave the squash in 5-minute intervals (smaller squash will cook faster, while larger squash might need up to 15+ minutes). If you can’t tell if your squash is done, see my notes in the post above for tips on testing the doneness of the squash.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 31 cal
I will never make mine in the oven again. It came out so perfect!
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Wohoo! Glad it was a success for you! Thank you for letting me know.
Such a genius move! Being able to have spaghetti squash done in the microwave is a great kitchen hack!
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Hi Lindsay. So glad you agree!
Thank you so much for the tips! This is really great to know!
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Thank you Toni! I am happy you found this post useful!
Thank you so much for this. We love spaghetti squash so I am saving this post!
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That is great to hear!
I have a small microwave, so I did 1/2 of the squash in an 8×8 glass dish. I think I cooked 1 minute too long, but I have the other 1/2 to cook for tomorrow with the leftover Crockpot Turkey Bolognese Sauce I made this afternoon too! Perfect autumn food. Thanks Katie!
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I have been doing half at a time this fall too. I started with eight minutes then added on two minute increments. Hope the second half worked better for you.
Hey! It’s a great tips, this made easier to prepare squash 🙂 ..Lovely!
Great! This is a helpful tips for my cooking. It’s so easy to do. And It seem to be delicious. I will try.
I am glad you think this is helpful!
I love this microwave trick, Katie! I must admit, I tend to stay away from spaghetti squash because it takes so long to cook in the oven. I need to try this soon!
I am not great about planning ahead, and a lot of nights we walk in the door right before dinner, so this trick saves me a ton of time.
I love spaghetti squash but hate the time it takes to bake in the oven. Love this quicker microwave cooking technique.
The oven does take longer for sure. Thanks for stopping by Brandy.
Nice alternative! I will try it. I usually (like last night) bake it whole with knife slits in the oven for 80 minutes (turning 1/2 way through). Then, I split it open (once cooled) and I scoop out the seeds.
Thats a great way to do it. I’ll have to try that some time.
Dear Katie, I love the tutorial. This is the same way I prepare mine, but I would never have thought of using the microwave! What a great time-saving idea. xo, Catherine
That’s great Catherine. It sure helps to know about this trick when you’re in a rush! Thanks so much for coming by.
Love your step by step instructions! It definitely makes it more doable for everyone to see it in action 🙂
Yeah, it is so easy to do and save so much time. Leaves more time for the important things… like Pinterest. Ha ha. 🙂 Have a great day my friend.
This is so neat! Gotta give it a try next time when spaghetti squash is available here.
Thank you so much for visiting Angie!
“Science Oven” One of the best lines of that movie! We’ve been eating a lot of spaghetti squash these days so this technique will come in handy! Thanks for sharing!
We laugh about that line too and call the microwave that often. Ha ha.
I had no idea you could do this! This is a great tip!
That’s great Michelle. I love this technique. It’s so easy!