How to Roast Spaghetti Squash

Learn How to Roast Spaghetti Squash to use it in multiple recipes. This yellow gourd is so tasty after roasting in the oven. Just a few ingredients this amazing vegetable will be an excellent side dish too.

Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash Recipe:

We love Spaghetti Squash. Roasting has become my favorite way to eat. Spaghetti Squash is a great option when I want to have spaghetti for dinner but trying to do low carb.

Spaghetti Squash is loaded with many health benefits including high in fiber. It is a great alternative to pasta or an amazing side dish.

There are multiple ways to make spaghetti squash. Check out How to Cook Spaghetti Squash for all the easy ways. We have put in the microwave and the instant pot, but we prefer placing the squash in the oven.

What is Spaghetti Squash?

This yellow, oval shaped gourd that is a fall and winter months vegetable. When cooked, you can shred the insides of the squash to make thin noodles. That is why it is called spaghetti squash.

It is an excellent side dish or a good replacement for pasta when serving spaghetti. It doesn’t have much flavor, but when topped with your favorite sauce it acts as a base so it doesn’t really impact the flavor of your sauce.

How do you cook squash so it’s not watery?

There is nothing worse than watery squash after it has been cooked. They way I like to make sure that the squash comes out perfectly is after cutting it I make sure to dap it with a paper towel.

This allows to absorbs all the moisture. I then lay the paper towel down on the counter and put the open face squash on top of the paper towel while I am preparing the pan. This allows all the moisture to drain from the squash and then I cook it.

Ingredients: 

• Spaghetti Squash 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• Salt 
• Pepper 

How to Roast Spaghetti Squash: 

• Prepare the oven for baking – Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F

• Line your baking sheet – Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up. 

• Cut the Squash – Then cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. 

• Remove the Seeds – Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and throw them away.  

• Season the Squash – The drizzle the inside of each of the halves of the spaghetti squash with the olive oil and season with the salt and pepper.  

• Begin Baking – Then place squash halves cut side down on the baking sheet.  Bake for about 40 minutes to 60 minutes until the sides are golden and the inside of the squash is fork tender.  *The cook time with vary based on the size of the squash. 

• Shred the Squash – Once the squash is done flip the squash cut side over, use a fork to “shred” the inside of the squash so it looks like spaghetti.

• Serve warm and then enjoy! 

How do you make Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot?

We love roasting our spaghetti squash, but if you prefer to cook the squash in the instant pot it is a great alternative. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash in about 10 minutes your squash will be done.

Using the instant pot has been a game changer for my family. It saves me time and money. I can take a frozen meal and get dinner on the table fast.

How to Cut a Spaghetti Squash:

The best way to cut a spaghetti squash is right down the middles. It will take a sharp chef’s knife and a cutting board to cut it. Be careful as the skin on the squash is very tough so I might some time to get your knife in the squash to start cutting.

There are two ways to cut the squash, widthwise or lengthwise. We usually cut lengthwise but the widthwise makes small halo type circles. It all depends on the size of strands you want.

Once it is cut in half then you can start removing the seeds and squash strands so you can begin cooking.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Noodles:

Making spaghetti noodles with cooked spaghetti squash is an easy process. Spaghetti Squash Noodles is a great alternative to pasta and once topped with spaghetti sauce, it will be almost like eating a plate full of pasta and sauce.

Once you squash cooked, place half the squash upright into a bowl and take a fork and scrape the inside of the squash. Squash Noodles are made. It really is that easy and so good for you.

Spaghetti Squash Recipe Tips:

• Add Salt and Oil – You want to make sure you add the right amount of salt and oil. It is important to add it, but adding to much can make your squash soggy.
• Don’t Cook To long – Once your squash is fork tender then you squash is done.
• No Poking Holes Needed – All you need to do is slice your squash, seasoning it and then place on the pan. There is no reason to poke holes.

Topping Ideas:

• Butter – Spaghetti Squash makes an excellent side dish. Top with a little butter and add your favorite seasoning. You can just use salt and pepper or rosemary or thyme would be an excellent choice.
• Top with Cinnamon – To get my kids to eat it, I top it with a little cinnamon and brown sugar. Good way to get them to eat their veggies.
• Parmesan Cheese – My favorite is to top it with a little parmesan cheese. Cheese makes everything better.
• Baked Spaghetti Squash – An easy low carb recipe, is to make a squash boat. Once you have shredded your squash, you can put the noodles back in the squash skin and top with marinara sauce or anything you would like and bake it again. Easy all in one meal.

What to serve with Spaghetti Squash:

• Make Spaghetti – Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce for the ultimate spaghetti dinner.
• Green Vegetables – Steam some Broccoli and your spaghetti sauce and squash.
• Garlic Bread – Add in some garlic bread for the best spaghetti dinner.

How to Store Spaghetti Squash:

Depending on the size of squash we get, we seem to have leftovers. It is surprising how much spaghetti squash we get from a small squash. Place your leftovers in an airtight for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.  

Spaghetti squash is great leftovers. My husband and I will place them in individual container for a great lunch the next day.

Can you freeze cooked Spaghetti Squash?

Yes, since the spaghetti squash does make a lot, then we do freeze some for later use. We place in a freezer safe container or zip lock bag. To prevent freezer burn, make sure you get all the air out of the bag.

The squash will last about 7 months in the freezer. Once we are ready to serve it again, simply place in the refrigerator overnight and let it thaw. Then you can reheat in the microwave on a microwave safe dish.

Print Recipe here for How to Roast Spaghetti Squash:

More Roasted Recipes:

• Easy Parmesan Roasted Zucchini Recipe
• Roasted Carrots Recipe
• Easy Roasted Zucchini and Squash Recipe
• How to Roast Acorn Squash