How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave (Quick and Easy)

Microwave Spaghetti Squash is such a simple lunch or delicious side dish! It is easy to make and ready in 20 minutes or less! Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a low-carb pasta alternative, this simple microwave method will give you perfectly tender spaghetti squash with minimal effort.

Microwave Spaghetti Squash is one of our go to side dishes when it comes to dinner. It cooks up so quick in the microwave and you can top it however you like. We even eat it pretty plain with just a little butter and salt and pepper. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it tastes good on its own.

I prefer to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave, it tastes less like a squash, if you know what I mean. I always feel that when I bake spaghetti squash in the oven it ends up tasting like a pumpkin and that kind of ruins it for me.

Why You’ll Love This Microwave Spaghetti Squash Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, no need to heat up the oven!!
• Healthy & Low-Carb: A great substitute to traditional pasta.
• Versatile: Serve plain or with your favorite spaghetti sauce, Alfredo sauce, or seasonings.
• Minimal Ingredients: All you need is a spaghetti squash, water, and a microwave-safe dish.

How to Cut and Prepare Spaghetti Squash

Before cooking the spaghetti squash in the microwave, the first step is to cut and clean the squash. 

Step 1: Cut the Squash

1. Use a sharp knife (and a little muscle) to slice off both ends of the squash.
2. Stand it upright on one of the flat ends.
3. Carefully slice it down the middle, lengthwise so you have two halves.

Step 2: Clean Out the Seeds

1. Use a large spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy insides.
2. Discard the insides.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave

Microwaving spaghetti squash is the fastest cooking method. Follow these steps for perfect results every time!

Step 1: Prepare the Dish

1. Place about 1 inch of water in a microwave-safe glass baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish works well for a large squash).
2. Place the spaghetti squash halves cut-side down in the dish and add water so about 1 inch of water is in the pan.
3. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.

Step 2: Microwave Cooking Time

• For a whole squash (both halves): Start with 10 minutes on high, then check for tenderness. Add 2-minute intervals if needed.
• For one half: Start with 7 minutes, then check for doneness.
• The squash is ready when the skin indents easily when pressed.

Step 3: Fluff & Serve

1. Carefully remove the dish from the microwave and remove the plastic wrap.
2. Use a fork to scrape and separate the strands inside the squash.
3. Serve as desired!

Ways to Serve Microwave Spaghetti Squash

I like to think of spaghetti squash just like a bowl of spaghetti noodles, without all the carbs! Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy a delicious serving of microwaved spaghetti squash.

• drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper
• add butter and salt and pepper
• sprinkle on freshly grated parmesan, with olive oil
• top with your favorite spaghetti sauce
• drench in some creamy Alfredo sauce
• top with garlic butter and Italian seasonings

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy spaghetti squash. Let me know down in the comments your favorite way to serve and eat microwave spaghetti squash.

Final Tips & FAQs

Can You Store Leftover Spaghetti Squash? Yes! Store cooked spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How to Reheat Spaghetti Squash? Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Can You Freeze Cooked Spaghetti Squash? Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Microwave Spaghetti Squash Recipe

When you have finished Feeding Your Fam, come back and leave me a review here! I can’t wait to hear how this microwave spaghetti squash recipe turned out for you!

If you are looking for more detailed recipes and ideas to help with the daily dinner dilemma, or maybe a sweet treat, be sure to follow along with me on YouTube, and if you feel like sharing your masterpieces, be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook.

Other Fam Favorite Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

Dishes to Eat with Spaghetti Squash

• Pan Seared Pork Chops with Pears
• Cast Iron Tri Tip Roast
• Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta