Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash is one of my all-time favorite vegetables! Years ago, I read it could be substituted for pasta, and that it tasted just like spaghetti noodles. It doesn’t. It is so much better! It kind of looks like spaghetti, but it’s not going to fool anyone with either the looks or the texture. Boy, oh boy, though, it is delicious and so versatile! Throw in the fact that it’s low calorie, low fat and low carb, too!

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Spaghetti Squash Storage

• Cooked spaghetti squash will keep for up to 4 or 5 days in the refrigerator. Cook some up a day or two ahead of time for a Quick & Easy Meal when you have a busy day coming up.
• Uncut whole raw spaghetti squash can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
• For longer storage, uncut whole raw spaghetti squash will keep for 1 to 3 months in a cool dry location, such as a pantry or lower cabinet.
• To freeze, once cooked and cooled, twirl a fork through the strands to separate. Place the strands in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible.

Cooking Spaghetti Squash

The shell of spaghetti squash is hard to cut even though it’s thin, but it’s a little easier to scoop the seeds out. Plus you can save the seeds to plant next year.

To cook whole, make a few slits on the top and bottom with a sharp knife, or poke several holes with a sturdy fork. Cook in the microwave for 12 -14 minutes. Then carefully cut it open and remove the seeds and center strands. 

Oven baking works well, too. Carefully split the raw squash in half length-wise, or in 1 1/2″ wide rings. Remove the seeds and membranes. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 400° for about 45 minutes for halves, or 35 minutes for rings. Rings of spaghetti squash yields longer strands than when cutting the squash in half vertically.

I’ve cooked them in my  Nuwave Oven, using the same directions for oven baking.

You can cook Spaghetti Squash in an Instant Pot by prepping as above. Put the two long halves on the wire rack, add 1 cup water, then cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Release the pressure. Or follow your manufacturer directions for acorn squash.

What to make with Spaghetti Squash

There are so many dishes you can make with cooked spaghetti squash as the base, and changing up the flavors. Add your favorite cooked ingredients to cooked spaghetti squash and bake 15 – 20 minutes. Top with shredded cheese and bake 2 -3 minutes longer.

This is a wonderful way to transform leftovers to easily make a Quick & Easy Meal a day or two later. Save some cooked meat and vegetables from one meal to top the cooked spaghetti squash, then whip together a quick sauce to pour over the top.

We love Spaghetti Boats filled with meat spaghetti sauce and topped with shredded cheese, using my spaghetti sauce. with a hot bread on the side, it’s a complete meal.

I’ve made Tex-Mex Boats with the same filling I used in my Mexican Stuffed Zucchini.

Or make Pizza Boats…fill with a little of my spaghetti sauce as a pizza sauce and add your favorite pizza ingredients, follow with shredded cheese.

Top cooked spaghetti squash noodles with leftover stir fry vegetables in sauce.

Or maybe leftover chicken and broccoli in a yummy Alfredo Sauce.

Planning on Shrimp Scampi for dinner? Serve it over spaghetti squash for a delicious meal with all of that buttery, garlic flavor!

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If you didn’t grow your own spaghetti squash, grab one from the grocery store and give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy,

Robin