Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is such a wonderful and versatile vegetable. Spaghetti squash requires its own preparation to keep its signature strands of noodle-like squash intact. So let’s learn how to cook it in three ways: in the electric pressure cooker, in the oven, and in the microwave. Here are all of our best tips for how to cut and cook perfect!

Hey there everyone! I can’t believe its last day of the school year out here in Virginia. Summer is one of my favorite times of the year and I bet it is yours too. ?‍♀ No alarm clocks, late nights, ice cream and popsicles. It’s just fun! But having to think about what to cook for lunch every day is not so much fun ..Right?

Mealtimes are rarely fun when you have a fussy child to deal with. Some kids are picky eaters while others are plain stubborn and refuse to eat anything except their favorite burger or pasta. But junk food for a meal is not an option, is it? So we at THE BELLY RULES THE  MIND, understand your dilemma. We want our kids to eat healthy food without complaining.  We bring recipes to make healthy meals for kids, something they will enjoy eating for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast!

So coming back to our recipe. If you have spaghetti squash and you were thinking about cooking in your Electric pressure cooker / Instant Pot / Mealthy Multi Pot. Great! This post covers the different ways one could approach cooking spaghetti squash noodle. Keep an open mind and you can turn these bland vegetable strands into amazing flavorful dishes! All that just by cooking it and adding so many flavors and texture. The possibilities are ENDLESS.

What is Spaghetti Squash?

Spaghetti squash is a vegetable from the squash family. When cooked the meat of the fruit turns into angel hair-like strands hence the name spaghetti squash noodle. Spaghetti Squash comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, including ivory, yellow and orange, with yellowish and orange having the highest amount of carotene. Its center contains many large seeds and when raw, the flesh is solid and similar to other raw squash. When cooked, the meat of the fruit falls away from the flesh in ribbons or strands that look like spaghetti/ noodles. Spaghetti Squash can be stored at room temperature for about a month.  After cutting, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 2 days.  This type of squash also freezes well.

It is a low carb replacement

When giving up carbs,  things like Rice, Pasta, and Noodles can be one of the most difficult parts. There are many great dishes that call for rice, noodles, and pasta and you might be wondering how you would make them without being able to use them. That is where low-carb spaghetti squash comes in.

How to Cook in a Microwave

The oven and microwave are two tried-and-true cooking options for spaghetti squash, but last fall  I discovered I could cook it in my electric pressure cooker, seriously ! and I will never cook a spaghetti squash the same way again.

• Use one medium-size Spaghetti Squash.  Use a sharp knife to pierce the squash (all the way to center) in a few places to allow steam out when cooking.
• Microwave for 5 minutes on high 100% setting; rotate 180 degrees and microwave for another 5 minutes until squash shell is soft to the touch. Carefully remove from microwave and let rest for 5 minutes to allow squash to finish cooking inside.
• Using a sharp knife, cut each end off of the squash.  Next cut the squash in half lengthwise.  Allow the squash to cool for a couple of minutes.  Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.  Discard the seeds.
• Instant Pot simplifies the process of making Spaghetti Squash Noodle. Check out the options in the recipe card

How to cook in an Oven

• Start by cutting the squash in half lengthwise. The outer flesh is pretty hard, so you’ll need a large, sharp knife.
• Scoop the seeds and stringy pulp out of the center.
• Now, brush olive oil all over the inside of each half.
• Then place the spaghetti squash on a foil-lined baking sheet cut-side down.
•  Place in an oven at 400° and bake for 30-45 minutes. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the squash and the thickness of the flesh. You’ll know yours is done when the squash pulls easily away from the skin.
• Instant Pot simplifies the process of making Spaghetti Squash Noodle. Check out the options in the recipe card

Pro Tips

Cut into halves and cleaned out – This option is the quickest and easiest! Spaghetti squash cooks in halves and lets you scoop the spaghetti strands out super easily.