Discover the convenience of using your microwave with this spaghetti squash in microwave recipe! Unlike the time-consuming process of baking in the oven, microwaving offers a speedy alternative, perfect for busy moms on the go. This method not only streamlines your cooking routine but also ensures that your family enjoys a delicious and healthful dish without the extended wait time.
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What Does Spaghetti Squash Taste Like?
As a busy mom, recipes like this spaghetti squash in the microwave can be a time saver on hectic evenings. Similar to our Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole, it is a recipe that is easy to assemble and quick to cook, making dinnertime a breeze.
Kids can be hesitant to give spaghetti squash a try, especially if it is a new ingredient. They may just stare before asking the question “what does it taste like?”
We have you covered with our simple yet effective explanation! Spaghetti squash tastes like noodles but with a slightly sweet flavor. It is a super fun vegetable because when you cook it, the inside becomes long, stringy strands, just like spaghetti noodles. Plus, by adding a yummy sauce, it can soak up all the flavors and make it taste even better.
Included with our recipe you will find a list of different sauces, seasonings and toppings that can be added to spaghetti squash. Each one is kid approved!
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- water
A whole spaghetti squash can come in a variety of sizes so here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you pick the best one. The squash should feel heavy for its size and firm with smooth skin, without soft spots or blemishes.
A deep yellow is a great sign that the squash is ripe and flavorful. It should also sound hollow if given a gentle tap, similar to when selecting a watermelon. Lastly, take a peek at the stem. A green, intact stem is preferred.
How To Cut a Spaghetti Squash
To get started, run the squash under water to rinse off any dirt. Place on a cutting board and carefully slice off the ends.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
How To Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
Place the sliced squash into a microwave-safe baking dish, flesh down. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan.
Place the squash into the microwave and cook for 10-18 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. A medium squash should take about 15 minutes.
Let the squash cool a little then pour the water out of the pan and use a fork to shred the squash into strands. Serve with butter and salt before topping with marinara or your favorite sauce.
Spaghetti Squash Toppings Ideas
- Marinara sauce
- Pesto sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Olive oil and parmesan cheese
- Primavera vegetables
- Gluten Free Pasta Sauce
- Italian sausage or Gluten Free Meatballs
- Sauteed spinach or steamed broccoli
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Air Fry Shrimp
- Black bean and corn salsa
- Red pepper flakes and grated cheese
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: Look for a medium-sized spaghetti squash that feels firm and heavy for its size. This indicates freshness.
- Safety First: Be very careful when cutting the squash, as it can be tough to slice through. Use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board. If you’re not comfortable with this step, you can also pierce the squash several times with a fork and microwave it for a few minutes to soften it slightly before cutting.
- Scoop Out the Seeds: Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and the stringy pulp from the center of the squash halves. You can save the seeds for roasting if you like – they are delicious when drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt!
- Toss with Pasta: If your family is hesitant to give spaghetti squash a try then mix with gluten-free spaghetti noodles to offer a veggie packed meal while introducing new flavors.
- Check for doneness: To check if the spaghetti squash is cooked, insert a fork into the flesh. It should easily pierce through and separate into spaghetti-like strands. If it feels too firm, continue cooking for a bit longer until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Cooling: Let the cooked squash cool for a few minutes before handling. This makes it easier to work with and prevents burns. You can also use oven mitts to remove the cooked squash from the baking dish or to flip over carefully in the dish to cool quicker.
- Removing the Insides: Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash. The strands will start to resemble spaghetti noodles. You can scrape it all out and serve it as is or use it in your favorite recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes approximately 10-18 minutes to cook squash in the microwave depending on the strength of the microwave and size of the squash. Continue to cook until the flesh can easily be shred with a fork.
Cooked spaghetti squash will last up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. A whole squash can last up to 3 months at room temperature.
Easily turn into a gluten free pasta dish that is veggie packed. Mix cooked squash with any sauce and sprinkle with shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor. You can also toss cooked squash with cinnamon and sugar before sautéing in a pan to create a sweet side dish that is delicious with any grilled protein. Lastly, spaghetti squash makes a great alternative to noodles in a veggie stir fry topped with Gluten Free Stir Fry Sauce.
Spaghetti squash is an oblong yellow winter squash that resembles noodles when cooked. It has a mild yet sweet flavor profile with a slightly crunchy texture. It is a low calorie and carb vegetable that is filled with vitamin C, antioxidants, dietary fiber and potassium.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Use a fork to shred the spaghetti squash from the shell. You can throw away the shell as it is not edible and pour the squash strands in a bowl. Toss with any sauces or seasonings before serving.
- Not only can you cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, you can also cook it in the crockpot, oven, air fryer or outside on the grill. Can you guess the fastest way to cook spaghetti squash? (That’s right – microwaving!).
- Save the seeds from the squash. You can rinse, dry and place on a baking sheet to roast at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until lightly brown. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt before roasting for added flavor.
How To Store Spaghetti Squash
To properly store cooked spaghetti squash, ensure it’s completely cooled before handling. Place any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the container or wrapped squash in the refrigerator. Cooked spaghetti squash can typically be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days.
If you want to extend its shelf life further, you can also freeze it. To freeze, portion the squash into individual servings, place them in airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, and label them with the date. Frozen spaghetti squash can remain good for several months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Proper storage will help maintain the squash’s quality and flavor.
More Easy Spaghetti Squash Recipes
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Grilled Spaghetti Squash
- Best Spaghetti Squash Pizza Nest
- Crockpot Spaghetti Squash
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Spaghetti Squash In Microwave
Equipment
- microwave safe dish
- fork
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- water
Instructions
- ⭐️Prep the spaghetti squash. Run the squash under water to rinse off any dirt. Place on a cutting board and carefully slice off the ends. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Place the squash into a microwave-safe baking dish. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan.
- ⭐️Bake. Place the squash into the microwave and cook for 10-18 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. A medium squash should take about 15 minutes.
- Serve. Let the squash cool a little then pour the water out of the pan and use a fork to shred the squash into strands. Serve with butter and salt top with marinara.
Video
Notes
Spaghetti Squash Topping Ideas
- Marinara sauce
- Pesto sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Olive oil and parmesan cheese
- Primavera vegetables
- Gluten Free Pasta Sauce
- Italian sausage or Gluten Free Meatballs
- Sauteed spinach or steamed broccoli
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Air Fry Shrimp
- Black bean and corn salsa
- Red pepper flakes and grated cheese
Nutrition
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