It only takes 15 minutes (or less) in the microwave on high to make this Microwave Spaghetti Squash recipe!
This evening I did not feel like turning on the oven to roast a spaghetti squash for dinner. So I didn’t! I made microwave squash instead and was quite happy with the results.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave
How do I cook spaghetti squash in the microwave without cutting it?
In this tutorial, we microwave spaghetti squash whole. Since we microwave the squash before cutting it in half lengthwise, you MUST pierce the squash several times with a knife making deep holes that reach the squash’s center. You do not cut the squash in half or scoop out the seeds until the Spaghetti Squash is done cooking in the microwave. This is similar to putting holes in a potato before cooking it in the microwave. You should use a knife to pierce the spaghetti squash because a fork will barely break the skin. It is important to make several large holes in the squash to prevent it from exploding while it is cooking.
How long do you cook spaghetti squash in the microwave?
You microwave a whole spaghetti squash for 12 – 15 minutes on high power, depending on the size of the squash. If your microwave doesn’t have a rotating table, stop and rotate your squash every 5 minutes.
Microwave Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Ingredients:
1 medium spaghetti squash, approximately 3 1/2 – 5 pounds
Directions:
Poke several deep holes in a clean and dry squash.
Put the squash in the microwave oven on full power for 12 minutes. If you do not have a rotating plate in your microwave, stop and rotate your squash every 5 minutes. Check the spaghetti squash after 12 minutes. If it isn’t soft to the touch cook it on high for another 2 – 3 minutes. The squash will become very soft to the touch when it is done.
Once the squash is cool enough for you to touch, cut off the end with the stem and then cut the squash in half length-wise. Cooking the spaghetti squash in the microwave first makes it easier to cut.
Scoop out the seeds and the pulp that easily comes out with the seeds. You don’t want to dig into the flesh though. (Save the seeds! You can roast squash seeds to make a delicious snack).
Use a fork to loosen the squash strands. Then pull the spaghetti-like strand out of the squash.
Once the “noodles” have been removed from the squash, they are ready to be topped with your favorite stir fry, pasta spaghetti sauce, pesto sauce, or Alfredo sauce.
Printable Recipe for Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Microwave Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash 3.5 - 5 pounds
Instructions
- Use a knife to pierce a clean and dry spaghetti squash with a couple of holes.
- Put the squash in the microwave on full power for 12 minutes. Check it after 12 minutes. If it isn't soft to the touch cook it on high for another 2 - 3 minutes. The squash will become very soft to the touch when it is done.
- Wearing pot holders, remove the squash from the microwave. Once the squash is cool enough for you to touch, cut off the end with the stem and then cut the squash in half length-wise.
- Scoop out the seeds and the pulp that easily comes out with the seeds.
- Use a fork to loosen the squash strands. Then pull the spaghetti-like strand out of the squash.
- Serve the squash noodles and top with your favorite sauce.
Nutrition
If you want another quick and easy low-carb recipe, try this Microwave Mashed Cauliflower recipe.
More Spaghetti Squash Recipes
Italian Baked Spaghetti Squash
Jalapeno Popper Spaghetti Squash
Orange Ginger Stir Fry over Spaghetti Squash Noodles
This recipe was originally published August 12, 2010. It was updated on July 3, 2024.
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Martha says
What about if I already cut in half can I still microwave
Alea Milham says
Yes, you can. Just put it cut side down in a microwave-safe container with a little water in the container.
Jane Sharpe says
I love this, it took so long in the oven. Have you ever tried a butternut squash?
Alvin Sobeck says
I like this. It is the best job I ve seen.
Lisa says
It’s cool that you can actually cook spaghetti squash in the micro oven. I’ve tested it and it works great!
Tami (Pixeltrash) says
Oh, I love spaghetti squash! I will have to try it in the microwave. So much easier!
Alea says
Oh My! That is why I used a knife to make the puncture holes. Perhaps I should add a picture of the holes I made…
inky squid says
i cannot stress enough the importance of making big steam holes!!! here's my disaster:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkysquid/200335843
Melodie says
I have a spaghetti squash in my cupboard and it is now calling my name! Thanks so much for linking this up!
Ann Kroeker says
I do so love spaghetti squash. I like it in the winter more than summer, but this inspires me to mix things up!
Charity Singleton says
This is one of my favorite foods! A nice alternative to pasta. It's also one of the few foods I cook in the microwave because it is SO easy!
CK says
Ahhhh! THis looks SO easy! Thank you! I love squash!
(visiting from Foodie Friday)
-CK
Julie @ Get Healthy Cheap says
Wow, so simple – I never knew! Thanks so much for sharing and linking up at Family Food Fridays!
April@The 21st Century Housewife says
What a great idea! I never thought of microwaving a squash like that but its so much quicker and easier than roasting. Thanks for sharing!!
Porch Days says
Thanks for this tip. I hadn't realized you could cook it in the microwave instead of the oven.
girlichef says
Well, how easy is that! Love it…can't wait til we have some spaghetti squash around here =)
Annie Jones says
We had spaghetti squash just last night! Hubs likes his with pasta sauce; I like mine with just a little butter and salt. Can't wait to try it with stir-fry sauce, though!
Angie's Recipes says
Simple, healthy and delicious!
mub says
Oh gosh this is SO good to know! Now if I can get my hands on some spaghetti squash *L*