Next to sweet potatoes and butternut, spaghetti squash is one of the main source of carbohydrates in our dinner meals. For a few years now, long before we even heard of the Autoimune Protocol and its core elimination diet, we have been replacing our spaghetti with spaghetti squash for many pasta dishes.

What I love about spaghetti squash is that it keeps so long. And on top of that, it is super easy to prepare! This way I don’t have to always plan ahead. And one less thing to plan, is one less thing to worry about!

This guide will show you how you can microwave spaghetti squash to help make meal prep a little bit easier!

If you are interested in learning how to microwave sweet potato or butternut squash, check out my other posts for some guides.

Step-by-step images showing how to microwave spaghetti squash: slicing, removing seeds, microwaving, and scraping into strands.

The Benefits of Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a funky winter vegetable with some amazing nutrients. It is a very versatile vegetable, and best of all, it is an excellent and easy to prepare low carb alternative to pasta.

Nutritional Benefits

Vitamins: Spaghetti squash is a good source of vitamin C and B6. Plus they are also a good source of potassium and iron and a few other nutrients.
Antioxidants: Spaghetti squash are rich in antioxidants that help fight cell damage caused by free radicals
Fiber: A single cup of spaghetti squash contains about 8% of our daily fiber needs.

Spaghetti Squash is allowed on the AIP Diet (Autoimmune Protocol), Paleo Diet and Whole30

Spaghetti squash ticks all the right boxes! That’s why it is allowed on the AIP diet. It is also compatible with Paleo and Whole30. You really cannot go wrong with this squash!

It is an easy to use vegetable. So quick to prepare and can be used with so many recipes!

Why Microwave Spaghetti Squash?

Microwaving spaghetti squash is quick, easy, and efficient. Roasting or boiling takes up so much more time take, and with everything demanding our time these days, saving a few minutes here and there can make all the difference!

From roasting for an hour down to under 10 minutes in the microwave, that’s a big time save! Microwaving spaghetti squash keeps them moist and just as delicious.

Perfect for busy people or anyone who wants a delicious meal with minimal effort. Plus I am grateful for one less thing I need to plan ahead and coordinate timing for.

Tip: the easy way to cut Spaghetti Squash

To cut the spaghetti squash, start the cut, and then instead of trying to force the knife through the squash, hold the knife steady and roll the spaghetti squash back and forth. By applying pressure to the knife, it will more easily slide through the spaghetti squash. Be sure to keep your fingers out the way! Smooth edged knives work better than serrated or bread knives.

How to Microwave Spaghetti Squash: Step-by-Step Guide

Microwaving spaghetti squash is just a quick and easy as boiling pasta!

We like to add it just as is to our main meal of ground beef, steak or whatever we are eating. It goes best with a protein that also has some sauce with it.

Microwave Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash are the ultimate spaghetti replacement. This healthy squash is quick to prepare and makes an excellent pasta replacement!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 9

Course Side Dish

Equipment

cutting board
large, sharp kitchen knife
tablespoon
fork
microwave safe plate
microwave

Ingredients

1 spaghetti squash

Instructions

Cut in half
Carefully cut the squash in half, or however much you want to prepare. You can cut it either lengthwise or cross wise. The spaghetti squash strands run around the center, not from end to end. So if you want longer spaghetti squash strands, cut the squash around the waist (thickest part of the squash).
Remove seeds
Scoop out the seeds using a tablespoon.
Microwave
Place the halves cut-side down in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for about 10 minutes depending on the size of the squash. There is no need to add water. The skin of the spaghetti squash acts like a lid, locking in moisture and allowing the spaghetti squash to steam itself.
Check for doneness
Remove the spaghetti squash from the microwave and flip it over. Be careful as the hot steam can burn you. With a fork, check whether the spaghetti squash is done. It should be soft all the way to the skin and strands should easily scrape off. If it is still firm, microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until it is done.
Let it Rest and then scrape
Let it cool slightly to make it easier to handle, and then use a fork to scrape out the strands.

Notes

Things to note:

Microwaves vary in wattage/power. You will need to play around with the timing on your microwave. Start with less and work your way up until you figure out what works for you.

Course Side Dish

How long does it take to Microwave a Spaghetti Squash?

The cooking time for a spaghetti squash in the microwave depends on its size and your microwave’s wattage. In general:

Small spaghetti squash: 6-8 minutes
Medium spaghetti squash: 8-10 minutes
Large spaghetti squash: 10-12 minutes

If you’re cooking more than one half of a spaghetti squash at a time, be sure to increase the cooking time by a few extra minutes, depending on how many you’re microwaving.

Storage Guidelines

To store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 -4 days.

To freeze: Place cooked and cooled spaghetti squash in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating: Microwave leftovers in 30-second increments until warm or heat them in a preheated oven or air fryer.

How to Microwave Spaghetti Squash: the Healthy Pasta Alternative!