How To Make Spaghetti Squash Pasta

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Learning how to make spaghetti squash is easier than you might think! With this simple guide, you'll have tender oven-roasted Spaghetti Squash to pair with all your favorite pasta toppings. This healthy gluten-free pasta alternative is super easy to make and cook, plus it tastes amazing!

Spaghetti squash pasta topped with pesto sauce and cherry tomatoes.

Spaghetti squash is quite unique, so learning how to make spaghetti squash may seem a little daunting, but with this easy method, you’ll be an expert in no time! It looks similar to spaghetti noodles, only in the vegetable form! It is a great way of sneaking vegetables into your meals and makes a perfect low carb lunch or dinner.

Spaghetti Squash Ingredients Needed

Just a few simple ingredients to transform a fresh spaghetti squash into a delicious plateful of veggie noodles. Here's everything you'll need:

Spaghetti Squash: Choose a spaghetti squash that's golden or dark yellow, free of soft spots, and doesn't have any cracks in the skin on the outside. The stem should be firm and dry.
Olive Oil: To drizzle over the squash before cooking. Sub with avocado oil, if you'd like.
Salt & Pepper: To bring out all of the delicious flavor!
Optional Toppings: The options are endless! You can top these veggie noodles with everything from pesto sauce to creamy Alfredo.

Step-By-Step Spaghetti Squash Instructions

No need for a spiralizer or any other special tools to make this spaghetti squash pasta recipe. Here's the simple method:

Prep: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Cut the Squash: Slice each spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribbing. Drizzle the cut side with olive oil.

Drizzling a spaghetti squash with olive oil.

Place each half face-down onto the prepared baking sheet.

Cook: Place in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes (depending on the size of your squash). You will know it is done when the skin begins to brown and the flesh is tender. You will be able to easily pull the flesh into strands using a fork. If the squash strands don't easily pull apart into noodles, return it to the oven and bake in 5-minute intervals until done.

Serve: Once the squash is done baking, leave it face-up on the baking sheet to cool. When ready to serve, use your fork to pull the squash strands into noodles and serve topped with your favorite pesto, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, etc.

Using a fork to pull out the squash noodles.

Expert Tips

Season to taste: You will definitely want to add a bit of salt and pepper to the squash before roasting. Add to your preference, but don't overdo it. Too much salt may draw out more moisture than you want.
Line the baking sheet: For less mess and to avoid any sticking, we recommend lining your sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Cook flesh side down: Be sure to place the squash on the baking sheet flesh-side down. This prevents overcooking.
Let cool, just slightly: Once the squash is done cooking, you’ll need to let it rest until it’s just cool enough to handle. Just don't let it cool down too much, or the noodles won’t form as easily.
Don’t overcook: As soon as the strands are fork-tender, the squash is done. If cooked too long the squash will become watery and mushy. A 2-pound squash only needs to cook for 35 to 40 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a trick to cutting spaghetti squash?

If you are having an especially difficult time cutting your squash in half, try microwaving it for just 3-5 minutes. Let cool, and then cut. Microwaving the squash softens the peel and makes it easier to slice through. Just be sure to remove any stickers, and use the tip of a paring knife to make several short cuts in the skin of the squash (this is to release pressure).

Is spaghetti squash healthy?

According to Healthline, spaghetti squash is a very healthy vegetable and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's also low in calories and high in fiber content.

What does spaghetti squash taste like?

Spaghetti squash has a very lightly sweet, nutty flavor. It pairs well with a variety of seasonings and other flavors. It's often prepared with fresh herbs and spices like basil, garlic, oregano, or even cayenne pepper. Spaghetti squash pairs well with many different sauces too.

Do you have to peel spaghetti squash?

There is no need to peel spaghetti squash, but you probably don’t want to eat the peel as it is quite tough.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to about 5 days.
To reheat, cook individual servings in the microwave for 20 second intervals, stirring between each one, until it is warmed through.
To freeze, Place in a resealable bag with all the air squeezed out. It will keep for 3 to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

More Delicious Recipes

Jillian Glenn

Learning how to make spaghetti squash is easier than you might think! With this simple guide, you'll have tender oven-roasted spaghetti squash to pair with all your favorite pasta toppings. This healthy gluten-free pasta alternative is super easy to make and cook, plus it tastes amazing!

5 from 1 vote

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Equipment

baking sheet
aluminum foil or parchment paper
knife
spoon
fork

Ingredients

Spaghetti Squash

2 spaghetti squashes
2 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

Instructions

Oven Baked Spaghetti Squash

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Slice each spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and ribbing. Drizzle the cut side with olive oil and place each half face-down onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for about 40 minutes (depending on the size of your squash). You will know it is done when the skin begins to brown and the flesh is tender. You will be able to easily pull the flesh into strands using a fork. If the squash strands don't easily pull apart into noodles, return it to the oven and bake in 5-minute intervals until done.
Once the squash is done baking, leave it face-up on the baking sheet to cool. When ready to serve, use your fork to pull the squash strands into noodles and serve topped with your favorite pesto, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, etc.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to about 5 days.

To reheat, cook individual servings in the microwave for 20 second intervals, stirring between each one, until it is warmed through.

You can freeze spaghetti squash! Place in a resealable bag with all the air squeezed out. It will keep for 3 to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

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The recipes on Peanut Butter and Jilly can easily be adapted to fit a vegan lifestyle, a gluten-free lifestyle, or both depending on the ingredients you use. Please review the ingredients lists carefully and refer to our recommendations in the Notes of the recipe card to make this recipe compatible with your needs. Nutrition information provided is an estimate, and will vary based on specific brands of ingredients used and cooking methods.