How to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave in less than 10 minutes

It’s a little known fact that you can cook spaghetti squash in the microwave. I had been roasting in the oven for YEARS before I realized this shortcut.  In this video I’ll show you how how easy it is!

Is Spaghetti squash healthy and low carb?

At about 40 calories per cup (cooked) and 6 net carbs, yes – it’s low carb, low calorie and super healthy.  The texture is so fantastic that it’s almost as versatile as cauliflower. I cook a big one on Sundays and use it all week for my breakfast (with 3 fried eggs) at lunch (drizzled with olive oil and sea salt) and dinner (with pasta sauce and some ground protein).

How to spaghetti squash in the microwave

1. Cut it lengthwise. Cut the squash from root to end rather than through the middle. This makes it faster to cook.
2. Clean out the insides. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and guts. You can also do this once it’s cooked, but it’s easier when it’s raw.
3. Place it cut-side down in the microwave (one side at a time!). You can put it in a casserole dish for this step or just place it right in your microwave on the central plate.
4. Set the microwave for 6 minutes.
   • Check it by squishing the exterior. Is it softening?
   • Check the consistency with a fork if it doesn’t flake into strands easily, cook for another 2 mins (repeat as needed).
5. If you think it’s getting close to done, flip it over to flake with a fork.

Helpful Tips on Microwaving Spaghetti Squash

• How to know when a spaghetti squash is ready? It flakes easily into strands.
• Can you eat spaghetti squash raw? You can, but I wouldn’t imagine that it would taste very good.
• Is spaghetti squash healthy? Yes! Only 40 calories per cup and 6 net grams of carbs.

What NOT to do when microwaving Spaghetti Squash

Please don’t put a whole, uncut and unpierced spaghetti squash in the microwave as it will explode from pressure and potentially destroy your device (or make a very large mess).

That is literally it!

How to microwave spaghetti squash in the microwave without cutting it

I wouldn’t recommend this practice, but if it’s too hard to cut when it’s raw, you can stab it with a knife a few times or poke with a fork (be careful) and then microwave it for a few minutes until it starts to soften, then try cutting it again. If you watch my video, you’ll see how I work with a hard-to-cut spaghetti squash. It’s not supposed to end up on the floor, however 🙂

How long will Spaghetti squash last?

An uncooked spaghetti squash will last in your pantry for weeks. There’s no need to refrigerate it.  Once cooked, I store my spaghetti squash in the fridge for up to 5 days, but it never lasts that long.

Can you freeze spaghetti squash?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer bag, but I think it’s best enjoyed fresh.

3 Healthy and yummy ways to eat spaghetti squash

• Spaghetti squash Pizza Casserole
• Spaghetti squash Greek Casserole with Olives and Feta
• Spaghetti squash lemon pesto (<-sooo good!)