What is Spaghetti Squash?

Ever found yourself wandering the vegetable aisle and finding a spaghetti squash? If you’re curious about What is Spaghetti Squash and how to cook spaghetti squash, then this is the place for you. I’ve got several ways that you can cook up this tasty gourd.

Spaghetti squash is a winter squash with a hard outer shell and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. When cooked, its flesh transforms into spaghetti-like strands, which makes it a popular low-carb alternative to pasta. Try our Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash for an excellent recipe. You may also be interested in What is Opo Squash?

What Does It Taste Like?

It has a delicate taste with a hint of sweetness, similar to that of butternut squash. Its texture is slightly crunchy yet tender, providing a satisfying bite that pairs well with a variety of sauces and seasonings.

The best thing about this gourd is that since it doesn’t have a strong taste on its own, it can take on the taste of so many different sauces to give you a great meal with a healthy vegetable.

How To Pick Ripe Squash

When it comes to picking a spaghetti squash, look for one that is heavy for its size and has firm, unblemished skin. The color should be a golden yellow or pale orange. Avoid squashes with green patches, as they are not fully ripe and will lack flavor.

Woman cutting spaghetti squash on table in kitchen, closeup.

How To Cut It

Cutting this winter squash can be a little tricky due to its thick and hard outer shell. Here’s a simple method to make the process easier:

Start by washing and drying the squash.
Then cut the squash down the middle using a very sharp knife.
If that seems intimidating, then cut off both ends of the squash.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise, from top to bottom.
Scoop out the seeds with a spoon or ice cream scoop, just like you would with a pumpkin.
Then, you are ready to cook your squash!

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

There are several ways that you can cook this hearty winter squash. From the oven to the slow cooker, I’ve got all the ways to cook up this vegetable.

Cooked spaghetti squash with fork in dish.

Baking

Baking is my favorite way to make this gourd. Then I can pop it in the oven and spend the rest of my time in the kitchen working on other things.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the halved and deseeded squash on a baking sheet cut-side down.
Use a fork to prick the skin all over both halves.
Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
Once cooked, let it cool for a few minutes before removing the strands.

Cooked spaghetti squash and fork on table.

Microwave

The microwave is the quickest and easiest way to make spaghetti squash. It’s a great way to get this done and ready to serve in a pinch.

Poke holes in the skin on both halves.
Place the halved squash cut side down into a microwave-safe dish.
Add about an inch of water to create steam, and cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a fitting microwave-safe lid.
Microwave on high for approximately 6 – 10 minutes or until it is tender.
Let it cool slightly before removing the strands.

Slow Cooker

The slow cooker method is another great way to cook this winter squash. It’s a no-fail method that you can set and forget for a little while and go about your day.

Use a fork to poke holes in the outside of the spaghetti squash. No need to cut it!
Add about 1 cup of water for moist cooking.
Cook on low for about 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Once soft, carefully remove it, let it cool, then slice it in half, remove the seeds, and scrape out the strands.

Serving This Tasty Gourd

One great thing about spaghetti squash is that it goes so well with so many different sauces. Use a fork to remove the strands once the squash is cool enough to handle.

Then, add it to a skillet with your choice of sauce. Meat sauce, alfredo sauce, and even stir fries are great ways to use this winter squash. Or just add some butter, salt and pepper, and it is a great side onto its own.

Overhead of spaghetti squash with one cut in half.

Storing Spaghetti Squash

You can store fresh and uncooked squash in a cool, dark place for up to a month. Cooked squash can be kept in the fridge for about 3-5 days.

I’ve tried to freeze it; however, I wasn’t a fan of the texture change. It can be frozen for up to three months if you don’t mind a softer texture.

Whichever method you choose for cooking spaghetti squash, it is relatively easy. If you ask me, the hardest part is cutting the spaghetti squash because that requires a little bit of muscle and effort. But once you get it opened, it’s super easy.