How to Prep Spaghetti Squash [+ Recipes!] (2024)

Wondering how to prep spaghetti squash in your Instant Pot, Crock Pot, or Oven? Here are several easy ways to prep spaghetti squash as a healthy, low carb alternative to pasta and a bunch of my favorite Spaghetti Squash recipes for the 21 Day Fix and the 2B Mindset!This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.

Spaghetti squash is a perfect food to include in your diet when you’re following the 21 Day Fix. It’s low cal, low carb, high fiber, and so voluminous…aka you get a BOMB ass portion. True story – you get triple the amount of spaghetti squash that you would pasta or other grains for the same amount of calories.

Spaghetti Squash is also the perfect veggie to pair with so many other dishes as it has a very mild taste that won’t compete with other flavors. I love it with sauces, pesto, stir fry dishes, with Mexican flavors, Italian spices, you name it! And, to save time, I prep my spaghetti squash in advance! It heats up perfectly!

Today I’m sharing my favorite ways to prepare spaghetti squash. These are simple methods that cook it perfectly every time, no matter what appliances you have in your kitchen!

How to Prep Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot

Did you know you can cook a spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot without losing a finger cutting it first? Yup! So easy and quick this way! Just be sure to choose a squash that will fit in your IP…a small to medium squash should fit, no problem!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Carefully stab the squash all over with a paring knife about 10-15 times.
2. Add a cup of water to the bottom of your Instant Pot, then place your trivet on top of the water. Place squash on the trivet.
3. Lock lid and set Instant Pot for 20 minutes on manual/pressure cook.
4. When the cook time is up do a quick release. Carefully open the lid and allow the squash to cool slightly before removing it from the Instant Pot. Place on a cutting board.
5. Give the squash at least an additional 10 minutes to cool before halving, removing the seeds, and shredding.

How to Prep Spaghetti Squash in the Crock Pot

Just like the Instant Pot method, you can cook a WHOLE Spaghetti Squash in your Slow Cooker! And the benefit of this method is most squashes will fit in the standard crock pot!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Carefully stab the squash all over with a paring knife about 10-15 times.
2. Cook on Low 4 to 6 hours. Carefully remove squash and place on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes or until cool to the touch.
3. Cut the squash in half, remove seeds and shred!

How to Prep Spaghetti Squash in the Oven

You can cook Spaghetti Squash in the oven whole or cut in half…but if I am going to cook it in the oven, I always cut it in half and roast it…because this is how spaghetti squash really shines!

Now, you can cut it long ways or down the middle, as shown in the picture above. My trick? I always cut itdown the middle now.

Why do I cut it this way? Simple – the strands of Spaghetti Squash are longer and more Spaghetti like this way!

People also ask if they should cook their Spaghetti Squash cut side up or cut side down. My answer?

Down. Always. Because then the liquid from the squash will release into the pan and you will get some beautiful caramelization.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Carefully slice through the middle of the squash to cut in half.
3. Scoop out the spaghetti squash seeds and discard them. Drizzle the insides of each squash half with 1 teaspoon olive oil and rub it all over the inside and sprinkle with salt. Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your squash…you will know it’s finished when the sides are caramelized and you can easily remove the “spaghetti” strands with a fork.
5. Once the squash is done baking, fluff the interiors with a fork to make the insides spaghetti-like to serve as a bowl, or remove spaghetti strands and serve with your favorite dishes!

How to Prep Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave

Did you know you could make Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave? It’s SO easy…and I actually made a video showing you how way back when I thought I might start a You Tube Channel. You can check it out here if you promise not to laugh!

So easy, right?

Here’s how to do it:

1. Stab your Spaghetti Squash all over with a pairing knife.
2. Place it in your microwave for 5 minutes to start, adding time until it’s done! You will know it’s ready when it’s soft to the touch – similar to a ripe avocado.
3. Carefully remove squash and place on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes or until cool to the touch.
4. Cut the squash in half, remove seeds and shred!

Healthy Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ideas

And now for some tasty ways to use and serve spaghetti squash…

21 Day Fix Spaghetti Squash Lasagna – oneof the most popular recipes on my site! I would use your Instant Pot or Crock Pot to prep your spaghetti squash to make this recipe even easier.

21 Day Fix Instant Pot Beef Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash– for this recipe, the squash cooks right in the sauce!

21 Day Fix Greek Spaghetti Squash Boats {Gluten-free}– the homemadetzatziki dressing is to die for in this recipe…a great way to eat your veggies!

Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Boats with Chicken & Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce| The Foodie and the Fix – Make your squash ahead of time to make this simple and delicious recipe even easier.

2B Mindset Cauliflower Taco Meat – I love serving my leftover taco meat in a bowl with spaghetti squash.

Spaghetti Squash Taco Boats | My Crazy Good Life – here’s a similar recipe for Taco Boats!

21 Day Fix Simple Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce {Crock Pot/Instant Pot}– make your meat sauce and spaghetti squash at the same time in this hands off recipe!

Garlic Parmesan Meatballs | Carrie Elle – Have some low carb spaghetti and meatballs with spaghetti squash! You can even make noodles for the family if they aren’t ready for squash yet without making a whole separate meal!

Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi {21 Day Fix}– one of my favorite spaghetti squash recipes ever – buttery, cheesy, deliciousness!

Instant Pot Shrimp and Spaghetti Squash Fra Diavolo {21 Day Fix}| The Foodie and the Fix – the recipe comes together super quickly thanks fast cooking shrimp!

21 Day Fix One Skillet Caprese Chicken– the balsamic sauce tastes delicious with spaghetti squash!

Instant Pot Asian Pork Tenderloin (21 Day Fix)– I love adding spaghetti squash to Asian inspired dishes like this pork tenderloin! Like low carb Lo Mein noodles!

Simple Spinach Pesto– this pesto. Grilled chicken. And some Spaghetti Squash. BOOM.