You can freeze spaghetti squash to save leftovers or make meal prep even simpler.
Spaghetti squash is one of our favorite types of winter squash. It has the most unique texture! Instead of becoming soft and mushy like other winter squash, cooked spaghetti squash shreds and turns into skinny squash noodles. It tastes delicious in casseroles and stir-fry dishes, and it’s an excellent low-carb, high-fiber substitute for pasta.
If you’re like me, you probably load up on spaghetti squash when it’s in season at the farmers market or on sale at the store. It’s easy to buy too many, but we have good news: Not only can you freeze spaghetti squash, it’s also an easy way to prep spaghetti squash recipes.
Can You Freeze Cooked Spaghetti Squash?
Yes—and it freezes exceptionally well.
It’s easy to cook spaghetti squash—about 40 to 60 minutes in a 350°F oven, depending on the vegetable’s size—but that’s too long for a quick weeknight dinner. Even Instant Pot spaghetti squash takes a while; the squash cooks in seven minutes, but that doesn’t account for all the time to build and release pressure. Having frozen spaghetti squash on hand speeds things up!
Every pound of spaghetti squash makes about 1-1/4 cups of spaghetti squash strands, so a four-pound squash should make about five cups of cooked squash. Freeze the cooked squash in 2-1/2 cup bags to make portion sizing easy upon reheating.
How to Freeze Spaghetti Squash
There are two factors to remember to keep the right texture. For starters, spaghetti squash must be cooked first to prevent the cell walls from breaking down in the freezer, leading to a pile of mush when it’s thawed. The second secret is to drain the cooked squash before popping it in the freezer. This removes excess moisture and ensures the texture will be perfect.
After cooking, run a fork through the squash to release the strands. Place the squash in a colander and set it over a bowl in the refrigerator. Let the squash sit overnight before packing the strands into freezer-safe bags. Frozen spaghetti squash will retain its best quality in the freezer for about six months.
How to Thaw Frozen Spaghetti Squash
For most recipes, you don’t even need to thaw the spaghetti squash! Since it’s been previously cooked, you can add it to a simmering sauce (like this delicious meat sauce) and let the heat of the sauce do the work for you. You can also take it out of the freezer the night before you plan to use it, and the squash will thaw in about 12 hours in the refrigerator.
Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
This veggie-packed version of spaghetti and meatballs is about to rock your world. With collared greens and spinach, it has a lot more flavor than the traditional dinner. You can even throw the leftovers over some eggs for a fun breakfast!
Go to Recipe
Garden Harvest Spaghetti SquashThis will instantly become a new family favorite! You can use the vegetables you have on hand for this harvest pasta-inspired dish.
Spaghetti Squash CasseroleThis make-ahead casserole is just what the doctor ordered! Reviewers have tried this recipe with sausage, ground turkey and even ground elk with wonderful results.
Chicken Parmesan With Spaghetti SquashThis simple Chicken Parmesan can be thrown together in just 30 minutes. The quick dinner can even be made with Alfredo sauce!
Spaghetti Squash with Meat SauceChili powder and some green pepper give this meat sauce a bit of a kick! The meat sauce really complements the squash in a way that's much more fulfilling than pasta.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole BakeThis well-seasoned cheesy mushroom dinner is about to be the star of your next big family dinner. Kids and adults alike will be scrambling for seconds, and even thirds!
Mushroom & Bacon Spaghetti Squash BowlTired of tomato-based spaghetti squash recipes? Let me introduce you to your new favorite dinner. This light cream sauce seasoned with sage, mushrooms and bacon will get you excited about spaghetti squash again.
Spaghetti Squash with Apples, Bacon, and WalnutsThis sweet and savory take on spaghetti squash is everything you've been looking for and more. Nothing goes better together than pork and apples, and bacon is no exception.
Chorizo Spaghetti Squash SkilletThis spicy one-pot dinner is a weeknight winner! Taco seasoning gives the dish a nice Tex-Mex taste that only makes it easier to crave.
Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti SquashCheesy? Bacon? Do you need any more convincing? The hint of brown sugar in this dinner really goes well with the smoky bacon.
Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes and OlivesThis olive and tomato side dish is so simple but so delicious! Adding a meat, like canned tuna, can make this go from a side dish to a main dish.
Chicken Florentine MeatballsThese chicken meatballs will make you wonder how anyone ever eats anything else! The chunky mushroom-tomato sauce only sends it over the edge.
Beef and Black Bean Spaghetti SquashThis squash tossed with beef, beans and kale has so much flavor you won't notice it's healthy! The Louisiana hot sauce really adds that extra oomph.
Spaghetti Squash Lo MeinSpaghetti squash recipes don't have to skew Italian. This Chinese-inspired dish uses spaghetti squash in place of lo mein noodles for a healthier twist.
Lindsay is a professional chef, recipe developer, writer and developmental editor. After years of working in restaurant kitchens, she turned to writing to share her skills and experience with home cooks and food enthusiasts. She's passionate about using local, organic ingredients and teaching others how to incorporate seasonal food into their diet. Lindsay still cooks professionally for pop-up events, writes for several publications and is the co-author of two books about Ayurveda.
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Updated: Jan. 12, 2023
