Learn how to make crockpot spaghetti squash for a hassle-free way to cook spaghetti squash. With minimal prep work and a few hours of slow cooking, you’ll have a healthy and delicious side that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
The crockpot helps to soften the squash and infuse it with flavor, making it a tasty alternative to traditional pasta. So if you’re ready to give your crockpot a new purpose, let’s get started!
For more ways to cook spaghetti squash, be sure to check out Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash and Grilled Spaghetti Squash.
This oblong yellow winter squash is a source of excitement for kids and adults alike. Once cooked, the flesh can be effortlessly scraped out with a fork, revealing long, thin strands reminiscent of spaghetti noodles. Unlike its sweeter winter squash counterparts, spaghetti squash possesses a more subtle taste.
In a single cup of pasta, you’ll find approximately 220 calories and 43 grams of carbohydrates. In stark contrast, one cup of spaghetti squash contains a mere 31 calories and 7 grams of carbohydrates. Moreover, spaghetti squash boasts a wealth of essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and potassium.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 whole spaghetti squash
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
Gluten-Free Guide: 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.
How To Cook Spaghetti Squash in Crockpot
Cooking spaghetti squash in the slow cooker doesn’t get any easier.
Rinse the squash then poke holes with a fork and place the squash in the base of the crockpot
Pour in the water. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Once cooled enough to touch, remove the squash from the crockpot and carefully slice in half. Scoop seeds from squash and remove the flesh with a fork. Season with salt and pepper.
Substitutions & Variations
- Top with marinara sauce, butter, grated parmesan or feta cheese.
- Swap spaghetti squash for pasta in Ground Chicken Pasta, Instant Pot Spaghetti and Frozen Meatballs, and Easy Swedish Meatballs with Frozen Meatballs.
- Not sure if your family likes spaghetti squash? Mix a few bites in a bowl with gluten-free pasta then serve it with spaghetti sauce on the top.
- Mix this spaghetti squash recipe with Gluten Free Alfredo Sauce, Gluten Free Pasta Sauce or sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Pair with cinnamon and brown sugar in a sauté pan to caramelize and serve sweet.
- Toss with Gluten Free Stir Fry Sauce then mix with chicken, pork, or beef and your favorite vegetable combo.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the right size: Look for a spaghetti squash that can comfortably fit inside your crockpot without being too large or too small. Aim for a squash that is medium-sized and fits well in the cooker.
- Prep the squash: Start by washing the spaghetti squash thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, carefully cut off the stem and slice the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them or save them for roasting later if desired.
- Seasoning options: You can enhance the flavor of spaghetti squash by adding seasonings and aromatics. Consider sprinkling some salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian herbs over the cut sides of the squash. You can also place a few cloves of garlic or some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme inside the cavity for added flavor.
- 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.
- Shredding the strands: Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape the flesh gently, starting from the edges and working towards the center. The flesh will naturally separate into long strands resembling spaghetti noodles. Continue scraping until all the flesh is removed.
- Flavorful serving options: You can enjoy the cooked spaghetti squash as a simple side dish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a dash of salt and pepper. Alternatively, toss the strands with your favorite pasta sauce or incorporate them into recipes that call for pasta, like spaghetti squash “pasta” salads, stir-fries, or casseroles.
Remember to adjust the cooking time based on your specific crockpot and the size of the spaghetti squash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 1-2 hours then gently press a finger into the top of the squash. If it dents easily then the squash is cooked.
No. Slow cooking is a hands off approach to cooking vegetables. They hold up to hours of slow cooking so there is no need to worry about overcooking the squash.
Yes. When cooking a whole spaghetti squash we recommend not skipping this step. It helps create steam while cooking.
A whole spaghetti squash will last up to 3 months when stored in a cool dark place. Cooked squash lasts up to 3 days when stored in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
First things first, look for a medium size (~3lb) squash as anything larger may not fit in the crockpot. Next, check the squash is free from bruises, blemishes, and cracks. You’re aiming to select a dry, firm, and deep yellow-colored squash that feels heavy for its size.
Yes! To cook spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot, start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds. Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Then, place the squash halves on the trivet, cut side up. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the vent to “sealing,” and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting. Set the cooking time to 7-8 minutes for al dente spaghetti-like strands or 10-12 minutes for a softer texture. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release, carefully open the lid, and use a fork to scrape the cooked squash into spaghetti-like strands. Season and serve as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Cooking spaghetti squash in crock pot not only makes a delicious addition to any meal but it gets more vegetables into your family. This crockpot squash recipe is ideal whenever the oven is occupied, a lazy recipe is desired or other cooking methods seem intimidating.
Best of all, this squash can be served as a side dish or easily incorporated into your favorite recipe. Below you will find ways to use spaghetti squash plus family favorite entrees to pair alongside.
- Air Fry Boneless Chicken Thighs
- No Peek Beef Tips
- Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
- Chicken Cutlet Sandwich
- Baked Pork Chops
- Air Fry Frozen Fish Fillets
- Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot
- Gluten Free Chicken Meatballs
Storing and Reheating Instructions
In the fridge: store leftover cooked squash in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered container. Reheat as desired or turn into a thermos meal for the kids.
In the freezer: let the squash completely cool after cooking. Then, pack in an air-tight container or Ziplock bag before freezing for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until heated through. Enjoy as a side dish or incorporate leftovers into a recipe.
How to Roast Spaghetti Squash in the Oven
If you prefer to simply cook your squash in the oven you can easily do that as well.
- Start by washing the squash. Slice the stem off the squash with a sharp knife then carefully slice the squash in half and scrape the seeds out.
- Season with salt and pepper then place the squash cut side down in a large baking pan.
- Pour enough water into the pan to just cover the bottom of the squash.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork.
- Once cooled enough to touch, scrape the insides from the squash with a fork. It will be stringy and come apart easily.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Wash the spaghetti squash in the sink before placing in the crockpot making sure to wash off any dirt.
- 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.
- Pack leftover spaghetti squash in a thermos for school lunch or reheat after school as a snack.
More Squash Recipes
- How To Roast Acorn Squash
- Butternut Squash Soup with Apple
- Butternut Squash and Sausage Pasta
- Caramelized Butternut Squash
- Baked Zucchini Squash Rounds
- Baked Summer Squash
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash
- Gluten Free Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Sauteed Butternut 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.
Crockpot Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 whole spaghetti squash
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the squash. Rinse the squash then poke holes with a fork and place the squash in the base of the crockpot1 whole spaghetti squash
- ⭐️Add water and cover. Pour in the water. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 1-2 hours.1 cup water
- Serve. Once cooled enough to touch, remove the squash from the crockpot and carefully slice in half. Scoop seeds from squash and remove the flesh with a fork. Season with salt and pepper.salt and pepper to taste
Notes
- Top with marinara sauce, butter, grated parmesan or feta cheese.
- Pair with cinnamon and brown sugar in a sauté pan to caramelize and serve sweet.
Nutrition
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Spaghetti squash is a favorite of mine but have never made it in the crock pot before thanks for the idea. Hope you will link up to meatless Monday next week
Create Kids Club says
Great Deborah! I will have to go check that out! I keep forgetting.
Carmy says
I’ve never tried to bake squash before! Great tips!
Create Kids Club says
I hope you give it a try Carmy!
Emily Holdorf says
I love the idea of baking in the crockpot! Never would’ve thought of that!
Create Kids Club says
I don’t do it often because it is so easy in the oven, but when I realize you could put it in the crock pot whole, it was a bit of a game changer 🙂
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
i have tried spaghetti squash only handful of times and just could not get into it. maybe i need to revisit.
Create Kids Club says
My mom made it when I was a kid, and I couldn’t get over the texture then. As an adult retrying with different toppings has made all the difference. It is really good with a nice satay on it, sometimes Peanut Butter can fix all 🙂
abbey sharp says
Love crock pots for this exact reason!! They can doe everything!!
Create Kids Club says
Yes, they sure can Abbey!
euphori7 says
Great post! I often get this question, so it’s great to have an informative post to illustrate how to make this delicious squash
Create Kids Club says
Great! It is so easy once you see how to do it. I know too many people who just don’t know what to do with them 🙂
chrissystein says
I do walk right by the squash at the grocery store! But these recipes and videos make it look so easy and actually yummy!
Create Kids Club says
Yeah! It is easy and really tasty, especially with marinara sauce and a bit of fresh Parmesan 🙂
Jessica @Nutritioulicious says
These are such helpful tips! Great job on the videos too!
Create Kids Club says
Great news! Thanks Jessica!
Cassandra says
I keep meaning to try making it in the crockpot. It’s probably much easier to cook it first and then hull it out.
Create Kids Club says
It is super simple, Cassandra! Poke some holes and toss it in 🙂
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
Spaghetti squash could not be easier! Love your video tips!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you Julie!
Mikki says
Ahhh! I love spaghetti squash!! A great video for sure! Such an easy veggie to make and so good too!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you Mikki!
mandyenright says
I’ve always baked in an oven – never tried crock pot before! Thanks for enlightening me!
Create Kids Club says
No problem, Mandy! It is even easier than baking 🙂
Kim & Kalee Sorey (@SoreyFitness) says
I love spaghetti squash! We don’t eat a ton of veggies so being able to get it in as a replacement to pasta is a nice perk! I usually put mine in the microwave, but I love the idea of the crock pot too!
Create Kids Club says
It is a great replacement, isn’t it? And the crockpot is nice when you just want it done when you get home 🙂
Jill Conyers (@jillconyers) says
Spaghetti squash is almost always on our Sunday meal prep list.
Create Kids Club says
That is great, Jill!
Supermarketnutrition says
I love that you give options in cooking! Such a great post!
Create Kids Club says
Thank you!!
Best Bake says
I learned the different ways to cook a spaghetti squash. Your recipe is so quick and easy to put together. I will try it and share my experience..
Thanks for sharing..
Create Kids Club says
I’d love to hear!
Melissa says
The crockpot method was so easy! Everyone loved it!