In 20 minutes or less, you can microwave spaghetti squash for the most epic low-carb dinners. Check out the simple steps and, of course, the best recipes to use it!
Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Microwaving spaghetti squash is my favorite cooking method when I’m in a hurry. I love how it turns out when I cook it in the oven or use the crockpot, but when I only have 20 minutes to solve dinner, the microwave is the easier fix. It turns out tender and perfectly cooked to shred and use in your favorite recipes.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Check out the steps and the recipe video below to see how easy this is:
- Prep the spaghetti squash.
Slice the squash lengthwise and scrape the seeds out. Pierce the skin 6 to 7 times with a fork to ensure even cooking. - Add water.
Place the squash halves into a microwave-safe dish that is a few inches deep. Fill with about half an inch of water.
- Cook it
Microwave your spaghetti squash for 15 to 20 minutes until the skin is tender. - Shred it.
Allow it to cool down before shredding the squash with a fork.
Laura’s Tips for Cooking Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
After 15 to 20 minutes on high, your squash should be soft and tender, but not all squash are the same, so check doneness by poking with a fork. If there’s very little resistance and the skin is soft, then it’s cooked.
The microwave is notorious for trapping steam when cooking spaghetti squash because it cooks for a long time inside. To keep it from getting soggy, open the microwave door a few times during the cooking process, and once it’s finished cooking, use a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture before shredding it with a fork.
Yes! You can reheat cooked spaghetti squash in the microwave as you would do with pasta, no sticking risk! Warm it up for about one minute, stir, and keep microwaving until it’s heated through.
What to Serve with This Side
One of my favorite main dishes to serve with spaghetti squash is garlic butter chicken. If you ask my kids, they tell you these spaghetti squash lasagna boats can’t be beaten. It’s also a great side for baked salmon, pork loin roast, or meatballs.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeds scooped out
- Water
Instructions
Prep:
- Wash the spaghetti squash with warm soapy water and dry it with a clean kitchen towel.
- On a flat surface, carefully slice it lengthwise. With a spoon, scrape the seeds out and discard. Pierce the skin of the squash with a sharp knife -this helps the heat go through the squash layers.
- Place one-half of the squash into a microwaveable-safe dish that is a few inches deep. Then, top it with the other half. Fill the bottom of the dish with water, about half an inch.
Microwave:
- Microwave the spaghetti squash for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the skin is soft and you can poke it with a fork with little resistance. Opening the microwave at the 10-minute mark to let some of the steam out and carefully swap the positions of the spaghetti squash. Remove from the microwave.
Serve:
- When ready to serve, remove the squash from the dish onto a cutting board, and with a fork, separate the squash shreds from the skin and transfer them onto a plate. Top it with your favorite sauces or use it in a recipe.
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Emily says
I tried to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave as you explain and it totally works!! Thanks for sharing this quick and easy method!
Tiffany says
On days I don’t feel like cooking for my family, Laura reminds me it’s not lazy to cook things in the microwave, it’s efficient LOL
Ana says
I didn’t know it’s possible to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, but this came out perfect! Thank you!
Andrea says
Omg!! What a lifesaver! Spaghetti Squash in the microwave….EPIC!!
Janet says
This made cooking spaghetti squash so quick and easy! My first time trying it but I will definitely make it again, now that I know it can be so quick!