Servings
Font
Back
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Most Flavor)
4.9 from 90 votes

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Most Flavor)

This guide shows how to roast spaghetti squash to bring out its best flavor and texture. The method involves halving, deseeding, oven-roasting the squash coated with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then scraping it into pasta-like strands. Roasting upside down helps the squash cook evenly and develop tender strands with lightly golden edges, suitable for a vegetable-based side or base for sauces.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 1821 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
  • black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Note: if it's really difficult to slice, you can microwave it for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the outside skin.
  2. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds.
  3. Coat the inside of the spaghetti squash with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Turn the spaghetti squash upside down on a baking tray and cook for 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the size. You'll know it's done when the top of the spaghetti squash can be easily pierced with a knife and the underside edges have become golden.
  5. Let the spaghetti squash cool to the touch, then use a fork to scrape the inside to create long strands of spaghetti squash noodles.

Notes

  • Use a sharp, newly sharpened knife and exercise caution when halving the squash; microwaving briefly can soften the skin for easier cutting.
  • Aim for a texture slightly al dente rather than overcooked and mushy, especially if storing or using in further cooking.

Nutrition Information

Calories 182.1kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 29.3g (10%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 7.9g (12%) Saturated Fat 7.9g (40%) Sodium 81.8mg (3%) Fiber 6.4g (26%) Sugar 11.5g (23%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1821

% Daily Value*

Calories 182.1kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 29.3g 10%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 7.9g 12%
Saturated Fat 7.9g 40%
Sodium 81.8mg 3%
Fiber 6.4g 26%
Sugar 11.5g 23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.