Spaghetti squash is a healthy, tasty substitute for pasta. One of the most popular types of winter squash, it’s both gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Here are our Test Kitchen’s best tips for how to make spaghetti squash.
How to Make Spaghetti Squash
This simple step-by-step guide will show you how to make spaghetti squash in the oven. In a time crunch? You can also microwave spaghetti squash or make Instant Pot spaghetti squash.
Step 1: Prepare the squash
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Choose a squash that feels heavy for its size and has a hard, deep-colored rind that’s free of blemishes. Carefully cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. (Here’s how to cut winter squash.)
Editor’s Tip: You can roast and eat squash seeds exactly like you roast pumpkin seeds.
Step 2: Bake the squash
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Place the squash cut-side down on a greased baking dish or pan. Bake at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes or until you can easily pierce the skin with a fork. Cool slightly.
Step 3: Scrape out the “noodles”
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Now it’s time for the fun part: Rake a fork through the inside of the squash and pull out the strings of “pasta.” Toss with your favorite pasta sauce, olive oil, butter or a hearty shower of shaved Parmesan.
Don’t know how to store it properly? Learn how to freeze spaghetti squash.
Common Spaghetti Squash Questions
How do you cut spaghetti squash before cooking?
For a method that doesn’t rely on just strength, use a rubber mallet and a large knife, such as a chef’s knife. Start by covering the mallet with a food storage bag and securing it with a rubber band or twist tie. Then insert the knife lengthwise into the middle of the squash and carefully hit the top of the blade with the mallet. Continue until the squash is cut in half.
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Can I make slow-cooker spaghetti squash?
Yes—to make slow-cooker spaghetti squash, cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
Is spaghetti squash healthy?
Yes, spaghetti squash is healthy! Roasted spaghetti squash has fewer carbohydrates and calories than pasta, and it offers extra fiber, antioxidants and vitamin A. One cup of cooked spaghetti squash has about 10 grams of carbs, compared to 45 grams in a cup of regular spaghetti.
How do I serve spaghetti squash?
Per its name, spaghetti squash works great as an alternative to noodles in your favorite pasta dishes. Toss it with homemade tomato sauce and lots of veggies in this Garden Harvest Spaghetti Squash recipe or bake a layered Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole.
Spaghetti Squash Recipes to Love
Taste of Home
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
Look no further than this TikTok spaghetti when you need a quick and easy dinner.
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!
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.
Spaghetti Squash BoatsWho needs a bowl when you have spaghetti squash? With cheese, mushroom, onion and pepper, this ground beef dinner is a hit!
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.
Spaghetti Squash & Sausage Easy MealEasy meal? Say no more. This 30-minute sausage dinner is made simple with pico de gallo. Who knew!
Italian Spaghetti SquashThese oregano-seasoned spaghetti squash bowls are the perfect change-of-pace meal. It's like a bread bowl, but better!
Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce and TomatoYou'll win over hearts with this garlic dish. The sauce is so nice and thick, you'll forget there's spaghetti squash underneath!
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.
Salsa Spaghetti SquashThis Tex-Mex spaghetti squash is the meal you didn't know you were looking for. It's as colorful as it is tasty!
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.
Turkey Stroganoff with Spaghetti SquashMeet your new favorite comfort food! This turkey stroganoff is healthy and creamy.
