Spaghetti squash, often hailed as nature’s pasta, is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be a delightful addition to any meal. With its mild flavor and unique stringy texture, it serves as a healthy alternative to traditional pasta. Cooking spaghetti squash is easy and can be done in a variety of ways, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness in numerous dishes.
![How to Cook Spaghetti Squash](https://cdn.thefreshmancook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Capture_the_How_to_Cook_Spaghetti_Squash_on_a_clea_00000_01-300x300.png)
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Baking Dish
- 1 Microwave-Safe Dish
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash (1.5 to 3 lbs)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided, plus more to serve
- 1/2 tsp sea salt divided, or added to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper divided, added to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Use a sharp knife to cut the spaghetti squash into 1 1/2-inch thick rounds. If it’s too hard to cut, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it.
- Scoop out the seeds using a spoon or melon baller.
- Place the squash rounds on a baking sheet and brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tender.
- Let them cool, then use a fork to separate the strands from the skin.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- When cutting, make sure your knife is freshly sharpened and use extreme caution. Also, take note of my warning regarding microwaving in the directions.
- It is preferable to cook spaghetti squash slightly al dente as opposed to overdone and mushy.
- especially if you want to keep it or mix it with other ingredients in a recipe where it might cook through.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 93kcal |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Protein | 1.5g |
Fat | 4 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.6g |
Sodium | 60 mg |
Iron | 0.81 mg |
Calcium | 48.9mg |
Vitamin A | 255.75IU |
Potassium | 272mg |
What Is a Good Way to Eat Spaghetti Squash?
Tossing the cooked spaghetti squash with vegan pesto makes for a fresh and flavorful side dish. It can also be used as a healthy replacement for pasta in any noodle dish. Additionally, you can incorporate it into skillet meals, or casseroles, or use it as a low-carb base for pizza or meatball subs for a delicious and nutritious meal.
![How to Cook Spaghetti Squash](https://cdn.thefreshmancook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TheFreshManCook-44-1024x576.png)
How Do You Cook and Preserve Squash?
Choose young squash with tender skins. Wash and cut into ½-inch slices. Blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes; cool in ice water for at least 3 minutes. Drain and package into freezer bags or freezer containers, leaving ½-inch headspace.