How to Cook Spaghetti Squash to Perfection

As fall arrives, so does the season for winter squash. The abundance of vibrant gourds at the grocery store or farmers' market brings the same cozy feeling as the changing autumn leaves. But alongside the fun shapes and earthy flavors comes a bit of intimidation, too.

Cooking a large, hard winter vegetable like spaghetti squash may seem like a challenge you’re not quite ready to take on. But don’t worry – with just a few simple tips, you can easily enjoy spaghetti squash in your own kitchen.

How to Select Your Spaghetti Squash

For many, the hardest part of cooking spaghetti squash starts at the store. Those massive, tough-skinned gourds might look more like autumn decor than food, right? But don’t worry – picking one out is far easier than it appears.

Once you've spotted the bin of spaghetti squash, it's time to pick the perfect one. Like other winter squashes, avoid any with soft spots, bruises, or cuts. Just like watermelons, spaghetti squash should feel heavy for its size. As for color, look for shades of yellow to deep golden. Also, check the stem: it should be dry, brown, and firmly attached.

Spaghetti Squash Servings

Spaghetti squash comes in different sizes, but typically weighs around 3 to 3 ½ pounds. After cooking, that 3-pound squash will yield approximately 4 to 5 cups of tender "spaghetti" strands. While most spaghetti squash recipes call for this size, you can cook it without a specific recipe – just follow our guide.

How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Take to Cook?

The cooking time for spaghetti squash varies depending on the method (baking, microwaving, etc.) and the size of the squash. For an average 3-pound spaghetti squash, it will take about 1 hour to bake in the oven and around 15 minutes in the microwave.

How Do You Know When Spaghetti Squash Is Done?

Just like other winter squashes with tough skin, spaghetti squash is done when you can easily pierce the skin and flesh with a sharp knife.

How to Cut and Prepare Spaghetti Squash Before Cooking

Step One: Clean and Trim the Ends

Rinse the squash under cold, running water to remove any dirt or debris. Trimming the ends gives the squash a flat, stable base for easier cutting (see Step Two below).

Step Two: Slice the Squash in Half Lengthwise

Place one flat side of the squash down on the cutting board and use a sharp chef's knife to slice from top to bottom. Tip: To prevent the board from sliding, place a damp paper towel underneath it for stability.

Step Three: Remove the Seeds

Take a spoon and scoop out the seeds and most of the stringy fibers from the center of each squash half.

How to Roast Spaghetti Squash in the Oven

Oven roasting is widely regarded as the best method for cooking spaghetti squash, whether you’re preparing it for a recipe or simply serving it as a tasty, seasoned side dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to roasting it perfectly.

Step One: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment, coat the sheet generously with nonstick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step Two: Coat With Oil

Any basic cooking oil will work well for roasting spaghetti squash, but avoid using delicate finishing oils like walnut or pistachio oil. These oils are better suited for drizzling over salads or finished dishes, not for high-temperature roasting.

Simply pour your chosen oil over the cut sides of both squash halves and use your hands to rub it in, ensuring an even coat across the surface.

Step Three: Add Seasoning to the Squash

Salt and pepper are the go-to seasonings for a simple spaghetti squash, but don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite spices for extra flavor.

Step Four: Roast with the Cut Side Down

Before roasting, flip the squash halves so the cut sides are facing down on the prepared baking sheet. This method creates a beautiful caramelization on the flesh where it touches the sheet, bringing out the squash’s natural sweetness.

Step Five: Bake for 1 Hour

A typical spaghetti squash will need about an hour to bake. To be sure, start checking after 45 minutes. If it's not tender yet, put it back in the oven and continue baking for up to 15 more minutes.

Step Six: Let Cool and Scrape

Move your baking sheet to a wire rack and let the squash cool for about 15 minutes, or until it's cool enough to handle without burning your hands.

Take a fork and gently scrape the soft flesh from the skin, creating long, spaghetti-like strands. Make sure you have a large bowl ready to catch the strands as you scrape.

Other Ways to Cook Spaghetti Squash

There are several alternative ways to cook spaghetti squash. The microwave is one of the fastest options, taking only about 15 minutes. You can also try cooking it in the air fryer, or for a nearly hands-off approach, use a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Ways to Use Cooked Spaghetti Squash

Now that you're mastering the art of cooking spaghetti squash, it's time to get creative with recipes. As the name suggests, spaghetti squash is a fantastic, veggie-packed alternative to traditional pasta. Pair it with your favorite pasta sauces or pesto, or try this delicious recipe for Italian Sausage Spaghetti Squash.

It's also a wonderful base for comforting side dishes, like this Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin. Plus, its versatility shines in tacos and casseroles, making it a great ingredient for a variety of dishes!

Ready to dive in? Explore our full collection of spaghetti squash recipes to get started!