• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

our recipes + your inbox = the eatmail

Join now

Subscribe for new recipes + 3 fan-favorite ebooks

  • About
  • Contact

Live Eat Learn

Easy vegetarian recipes, one ingredient at a time

free ebook

Subscribe for new recipes + 3 fan-favorite ebooks

  • Recipe Index
  • Vegetarian 101
  • Travel
  • Meal Plans
  • Course
    • Breakfasts
    • Lunches
    • Dinners
    • Appetizers
    • Sweets
    • Drinks
  • Diet
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Low Carb
    • Paleo
    • Raw
    • Vegan
  • Season
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
  • Ingredient
    • Avocado
    • Bean
    • Cauliflower
    • Chickpeas
    • Eggplant
    • Mushroom
    • Tofu
    • Quinoa
    • View All
  • Collections
    • All Time Favorites
    • Air Frying
    • Budget Friendly
    • Comfort Food
    • High Protein
    • Meal Prep
    • Meatless Monday
    • View All
  • Visit our kombucha site
    Visit our dog food blog
Home Vegetarian Cooking 101 Ingredient Guides

Spaghetti Squash 101

Share
Share on:
By: Sarah BondUpdated: Jan 24, 2023 14 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

Cooked spaghetti squash on a white background
How to cook spaghetti squash on a white background

Everything you need to know about spaghetti squash, including buying tips, varieties, and how to cook it in 4 different ways.

Cooked spaghetti squash on a white background

I remember my first spaghetti squash experience. I’d previously thought, “meh, I guess I should try this stuff out but…how cool can it really be?” But then when it came time to rake the inside to separate the spaghetti strands, everything changed. It was pure, cathartic, spaghetti squash joy.

You suddenly feel like the chef of all chefs and as you gently rake at it with a fork and spaghetti is just magically appearing in front of you and there’s no end and the idea of ever cooking normal spaghetti again has instantly become so obsolete…

So in case you’re curious about this low carb vegetable we call spaghetti squash, read on for everything you need to know about it!

Spaghetti squash on a white background

How to pick spaghetti squash

Choose a spaghetti squash that is heavy for its size and is free of blemishes or soft spots. The yellow-er it is, the riper it is!

Though this is technically classified as a winter squash, with a season spanning autumn and winter, you’ll likely be able to find this squash year round due to its growing popularity.

And while it’s almost universally known as spaghetti squash, you may also hear it called “vegetable spaghetti”, “noodle squash”, or “vegetable marrow”.

Spaghetti squash on a white background

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

There are a few ways to cook the squash, but first you’ve got to prepare it correctly. And if you’ve ever made spaghetti squash, you probably did it wrong.

Spaghetti squash cut in half on a white background

Rather than cutting lengthwise, cut horizontally (hamburger style). You’ll get longer spaghetti strands!

Spaghetti squash with seeds scooped out on a white background

Then simply scoop out the seeds and gunk, leaving the thick yellow flesh intact. Finally, prick the outside of the squash with a fork to help the heat penetrate the squash, promoting more even and quick cooking.

Poking holes in spaghetti squash on a white background

Next up, cook it! There are many ways you can cook spaghetti squash. My favorite method is baking it, which bring out the natural sweetness of the squash. To cook spaghetti squash quickly, you can also microwave it! Here are a few easy methods:

Bake: Place discs on a lightly greased sheet and drizzle with a touch of olive oil over the insides of the discs. Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes, or until strands easily pull apart from squash when raked with a fork.

Boil: Submerge discs in boiling water until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Though slightly quicker, you’ll lose more water-soluble vitamins with this method.

Microwave: Set discs on a microwave-safe dish and fill the dish with about an inch of water. Microwave on high for 10 minutes, or until strands easily pull apart from squash, flipping the pieces at 5 minutes.

Crock-Pot: Plop the whole squash in a crock pot, poke some holes in it with a fork, cover with about 2 cups of water and set on low for 6 to 8 hours. Slit open, remove seeds, and rake out spaghetti.

Cooked spaghetti squash on a white background

After cooking, allow squash to cool just enough to touch, then gently rake at the inside with a fork to release the spaghetti strands.

Cooked spaghetti squash on a white background

How to store spaghetti squash

Uncooked spaghetti squash that is stored in a cool (60 degrees F) and dry place can stay good for up to 3 months. Once cut, store in an airtight container in the fridge.

You can also freeze leftover cooked spaghetti squash. Just portion the “noodles” out into sandwich bags, squeeze out the air, and freeze! Simple thaw a few portions at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.

Best Spaghetti Squash Recipes

  • Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese
  • Goat Cheese & Mushroom Spaghetti Squash
  • Pesto Spaghetti Squash Bowls
  • Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls
Cooked spaghetti squash on a white background

Spaghetti squash nutrition information

Spaghetti squash is an incredibly healthy type of squash (even dogs can eat spaghetti squash!). Here is the nutrition information per 2 cups of cooked spaghetti squash.

  • Calories: 84
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g, 18% Daily Value (DV)
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 0g
  • 18% DV of Vitamin C:  A water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant to fight against potentially damaging free radicals (molecules with unshared electrons that float around wreaking havoc) and an important cofactor in collagen synthesis.
  • 16% DV of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): A water-soluble vitamin that works behind the scenes as a coenzyme in many important reactions within your body, including protein metabolism and red blood cell formation, among countless other functions.
  • 16% DV of Manganese: A trace element that plays a role in healthy brain and nervous system function.
  • 12% DV of Niacin (Vitamin B3): A water-soluble vitamin that is a precursor to NAD, a coenzyme important for breakdown of macronutrients into fuel. Niacin may also reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • 10% DV of Potassium: A key mineral and electrolyte involved in countless processes, including healthy nervous system functioning and contraction of the heart and muscles.
  • 6% DV of Vitamin A: Provides the provitamin version of this fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it comes from a plant source and your body converts the plant pigment into active Vitamin A. It is essential in many components of healthy vision, as well as immunity and cell growth/differentiation.
  • 6% DV of Iron: A major component of hemoglobin, the proteins that make up red blood cells and carry oxygen around the body. This is a non-heme source, meaning it does not come from an animal. It is not absorbed as well as heme iron.

You may also like...

  • 8 Spaghetti Squash Recipes for Dinner Tonight
  • vegetarian fall recipes collage
    17 Vegetarian Fall Recipes
  • 6 Ways to Cook with Spaghetti Squash
  • Roasted acorn squash on a white background
    Acorn Squash 101
Previous Post
Next Post

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Rate this Recipe:




  1. Yes says

    Posted on 6/28 at 10:27 pm

    This might be a silly question… can you cook spaghetti squash like any other type of squash? For example cut it into cubes and cook on the stovetop, or is it only good for noodles? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      Posted on 6/29 at 9:44 am

      That’s a good question! I’ve only ever made noodles from it, and I don’t think the texture would keep them held together in cubes. I think they would probably noodle-ify once cooked.

  2. Victor says

    Posted on 7/19 at 5:04 pm

    Excellent ideas. I can’t wait to try them. Any advise for sauces to use with this squash?

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      Posted on 7/20 at 4:54 pm

      I love it with alfredo, marinara, or pesto!

  3. Deborah Boardman says

    Posted on 7/19 at 8:05 pm

    I live in South Africa – is Spaghetti Squash the same as butternut Squash?

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      Posted on 7/20 at 4:57 pm

      Hi Deborah! No, spaghetti squash is yellow and oval shaped, with stringy insides. Butternut is oblong with a solid orange center. You may have trouble finding it in some places, though I’m not sure about SA.

  4. Victor says

    Posted on 7/23 at 4:07 pm

    Sarah,

    These tips were excellent. Much better result than the many ways I have tried in the past. No more soggy squash, yes! Nice job Sarah.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      Posted on 7/23 at 4:25 pm

      Nice! So happy to hear it, Victor! 😀

  5. Joan says

    Posted on 3/25 at 9:57 am

    How long will a spaghetti squash casserole last in the fridge ?

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      Posted on 3/25 at 6:27 pm

      About 4 to 5 days! 😀

  6. Laural says

    Posted on 8/9 at 3:19 pm

    Do you need to shred cooked spaghetti squash if you want to make it ahead of time and refrigerate? Can you just cook it and wrap it to be reheated and shredded later?

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      Posted on 8/9 at 7:54 pm

      You should be able to store it unshredded! 😀

  7. Monica says

    Posted on 8/31 at 8:35 pm

    13×9 Glass cake pan.
    Butter & brown sugar
    Plastic wrap

    Cut Speghetti squash lengthwise, de-sead, and place open side up.
    Place 2 tablespoons butter and a sprinkle or 3 of brown sugar.
    Cover with plastic wrap.
    Cook on high in microwave for 20-25 minutes.
    Let set 5 minutes.
    Unwrap and using a fork remove speghetti

    Reply
  8. Jeff says

    Posted on 9/24 at 7:27 pm

    Oh my God this spaghetti squash is off the easy for cheesy low in carbs low in fat high in fiber not going to plug you up like some pasta I’m 57 and I just discovered this my friend told me about it 20 years ago and I didn’t believe him the older I get the less that I realized that I know when I was 20 I new everything

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hello

I'm Sarah

A flavor-loving nutritionist and sensory science specialist showing you how to make easy vegetarian recipes, one ingredient at a time.

Let's Meet

Freebie alert!

3 reader-favorite cookbooks delivered straight to your inbox.

Get in now!

Subscribe for new recipes + 3 fan-favorite ebooks

Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Plate full of crispy chickpeas with a wooden spoon.

15 Minute Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Personal size mozzarella pizza cooked in an air fryer

Air Fryer Pizza

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Brussels sprouts on a plate with wooden serving spoons.

The Best 15 Minute Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Kale chips on a white plate.

10 Minute Air Fryer Kale Chips

Dinner This Week

Vegan tikka masala with naan and rice in a white bowl

M

Chickpea Tikka Masala

Roasted Chickpea Gyros

T

Roasted Chickpea Gyros

Vegan Thai red curry in a bowl on a red background

W

Thai Vegetarian Coconut Curry

Vegan nachos on a black plate on a white background - These vegan nachos are piled high with easy mushroom BBQ "pulled pork" and a cashew-based queso cheese sauce that will knock your dairy-free socks off.

R

BBQ Mushroom Pulled Pork

Roasted Cauliflower Street Tacos

F

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Lemon risotto in a bowl with basil on a yellow background

S

Lemon Basil Risotto

As featured on:

3 bonus books!

Join our Eatmail newsletter to get free copies of our top 3 cookbooks, new recipes, exclusive meal plans, and more!

Follow Along

  • Easy Vegetarian Facebook Group
  • Kombucha Brewers Facebook Group
Back to Top
  • Web Stories
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Collaborate
© 2023 Live Eat Learn
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Support by Foodie Digital
182 shares