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Using the slow cooker to cook your spaghetti squash is one of the most convenient ways to enjoy this delicious veggie, you’re going to love it.
Cooking Spaghetti Squash in the Crockpot
In a veggie versatility contest, spaghetti squash is a favorite. You can serve as a side and also make a low-carb swap for pasta. Yes, only zucchini can outshine it! That’s why I love to make all kinds of recipes with spaghetti squash, but not all nights are the same.
When I need to solve dinner fast, I usually microwave the squash, but if I have time to set the slow cooker and just forget about it, I don’t hesitate. The spaghetti squash turns out perfectly cooked and ready to be shredded and used in any meal. #EasyPeasy
This is my favorite method for cooking spaghetti squash. Well, it’s my favorite way to cook lots of dinners. I mean, you place the ingredients, push a few buttons, and the magic happens. What not to love about it?
What You Need
If your slow cooker is ready to do its duty, then you just need to grab two things:
- Spaghetti squash: halved and seeds scooped out.
- Water: a few cups for cooking.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash in the Slow Cooker
Making spaghetti squash in the slow cooker is super simple, just follow the tips below to cut it and cook it so it turns out perfect every time:
- Wash the squash
Washing the skin with warm soapy water is essential for prep. - Cut the squash
Slice it in half, vertically, and scrape out the seeds. - Cook
Add liquid to the slow cooker to create steam and cover. You can cook it on low or high heat. - Shred
Use a fork to separate the squash shreds from the skin.
Check out this video to see 3 easy ways to make spaghetti squash, including the slow cooker method:
Is Spaghetti Squash Healthy?
Yes! Spaghetti squash is a fantastic healthy side dish or substitute for pasta that's low-carb, gluten-free, high in fiber, and rich in potassium, folic acid, and vitamin A!
Just one cup of spaghetti squash yields nearly 10% of the daily recommended values of vitamin C, B6, manganese, and 2.2 grams of fiber. All of this with very few calories!
And I don't know about you, but I don't have any problem eating two servings in one sitting.
Make-Ahead Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a great veggie for meal prep. You can make it ahead in the slow cooker (or in the oven or the microwave, too), shred it, and refrigerate the strands in an airtight container or zip bag for up to four days. Remember to let it cool down to room temperature before storing it.
How to Serve Spaghetti Squash with Dinner
The debate still remains at my house, but I'm a firm believer that even keeping spaghetti squash simple by topping the cooked strands with Parmesan cheese and butter and serving it as a side dish is simply delish. I like to throw it together and serve it with chicken pieces, steak, or sausage and peppers.
You can also try it out with classic meatballs and sauce or this Garlic Butter Chicken & Spaghetti Squash recipe. That garlic butter sauce is the bomb.com.
Another favorite at my place is these Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats with beef, tomato, and tons of cheese! Delicious!
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 ½ cups 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 and 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.
Cook the spaghetti squash:
- Place the spaghetti squash halves in the slow cooker and pour in the water.
- Cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours, until the meat separates easily from the skin with a fork.
- When ready to serve, remove the squash from the slow cooker 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.
Allison R. says
I’ve been seeing these slow cooker ideas on tiktok and found your recipe online. The slow cooker is a GAME CHANGER!! Laura’s recipes are the real deal.