How to Cook Spaghetti Squash {4 Flavours}

Learn How to Cook Spaghetti Squash with this foolproof method. Try 4 flavours including pizza, Pad Thai, chicken alfredo and taco.

Ingredients and substitutions

• Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like canola or avocado oil.
• Spaghetti squash – you can also use butternut squash or acorn squash, but it doesn’t have the same spaghetti texture.

Pizza spaghetti squash

• Pizza sauce – use your favourite store-bought version or a plain canned tomato sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese – freshly grated pizza mozzarella is best but feel free to use another variety of cheese.
• Green pepper – swap out for another bell pepper like red or orange pepper.
• Red onion – white or yellow onion would be the best substitutes here.
• Pepperoni – use another meat like crumbled bacon or sausage.

Pad Thai spaghetti squash

• Pad Thai sauce – I like using the Thai Kitchen sauce but you can use any brand of your choice.
• Grated carrots – leave this out altogether or use another veggie.
• Red cabbage – green cabbage or coleslaw mix will also work.
• Bean sprouts – soybean sprouts can also be used.
• Green onions – white or red onions would work instead.
• Peanuts – leave the peanuts off altogether.
• Cilantro – leave the cilantro off altogether.

Chicken alfredo spaghetti squash

• Chicken breasts – chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier cut of meat.
• Jarred alfredo sauce – any store-bought or homemade alfredo sauce of your choice will work here.
• Parmesan cheese – Romano cheese will provide a similar flavour.
• Parsley – leave the parsley off altogether.

Taco spaghetti squash

• Extra-lean ground beef – ground turkey would also work here.
• Red onion – white or yellow onion are the best substitutes for red onion.
• Black olives – you could also use green onions.
• Pico de gallo – fresh or jarred salsa would also be good.
• Cheddar cheese – swap out for another cheese of your choice.
• Cilantro – leave the cilantro off altogether.

How to make spaghetti squash

1. Microwave then cut the squash.
2. Scoop out the seeds.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast until softened.
6. Scrape into spaghetti-like strands.

How to avoid mushy squash

Taking a few simple precautions will help ensure that you don’t end up with mushy, inedible squash.

• Low temperature – Don’t cook the squash at a temperature higher than recommended if going the oven route. It will not cook evenly or completely if you try to rush the process.
• Don’t overcook it – There is a fine line between done and overdone. I find 45 minutes in the oven is the perfect amount of time to get those soft strands that are still e a bit al dente. Between roasting for 35 minutes and baking another 10 minutes with the toppings, this recipe has you cooking the squash for 45 minutes total. You can always add more cook time if preferred.
• Steamer basket – If you are cooking your squash in the Instant Pot, use the steamer basket so the squash does not sit in the water.
• Quick pressure release – If you’re using the Instant Pot, do a quick release of pressure versus a natural release. This will stop the cooking process sooner.

Baked Spaghetti Squash Flavours

The best part about spaghetti squash is that it's the perfect vessel for other ingredients and it has a mild enough taste to complement any flavour. Check out four of the most delicious flavour options!

Pad Thai

Pizza

Taco

Chicken alfredo

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and reheating

Fall is a great time to buy spaghetti squash or any other variety of winter squash. This is when they are perfectly ripe and fresh!

If you want your spaghetti squash to keep well in the pantry, choose a squash that is heavy for its size. Also make sure to avoid any that have damaged stems or soft spots; they will not last nearly as long.

You can store an uncut, raw spaghetti squash in a cool dry place for up to 2 months. Refrigeration is not good for spaghetti squash – it will only last a week or two that way.

The baked spaghetti squash boats will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This means that you can prepare this meal in advance. It’s a great portable meal for lunches – 2 to 3 minutes in the office microwave, and it’s ready to eat!

Can you freeze spaghetti squash?

If you love the spaghetti squash noodles, you can freeze them after you have cooked the squash. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

You can also make the stuffing and freeze it. Then, when spaghetti squash is in season, you can use the whole squash to make these recipes. To reheat from frozen, simply microwave for 5-6 minutes, stirring halfway through, then serve with your fave toppings and sauces.

More spaghetti squash recipes

• Chicken Caprese Spaghetti Squash
• Spinach & Artichoke Spaghetti Squash
• Pesto Spaghetti Squash
• More of the Best Spaghetti Squash Recipes

Meal prep tools for this recipe

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls to store this recipe as leftovers.
• I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen.