How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash 101

With its long strands of golden noodle-like fibers, spaghetti squash is nature’s answer to pasta. For too long, spaghetti squash was seen as soggy, flavorless, and, well, not worth the effort. But we’re here to tell you it is! With a little cooking know-how, you’ll be on your way to a delicious, vegetable-forward meal.

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When Is Spaghetti Squash Ripe?

Though in season from early fall through winter, this oblong squash is now available year-round, thanks to its popularity with everyone from paleo fans to the gluten-conscious. Ripe spaghetti squash should have deep yellow skin the color of an egg yolk. The surface should be very hard and free of any bruising or black indentations, which could mean the squash is overripe or damaged. The vegetable keeps well for weeks in a cool, dark area of your kitchen. Once cooked, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to five days.

How to Cut Spaghetti Squash

No matter how you plan to cook your spaghetti squash, set yourself up for success by starting with these steps:

1. Wash, making sure there's no dirt on the squash, and dry well.

2. Place the squash on a cutting board, then use a sharp knife to slice a half-inch off the top and bottom ends. Discard.

3. For spaghetti squash halves, cut the squash lengthwise. For rings, slice the vegetable into 1-inch-thick rounds.

4. Use a melon baller or the edge of a large spoon to remove the seeds, and discard.

1. Wash, making sure there's no dirt on the squash, and dry well.

2. Place the squash on a cutting board, then use a sharp knife to slice a half-inch off the top and bottom ends. Discard.

3. For spaghetti squash halves, cut the squash lengthwise. For rings, slice the vegetable into 1-inch-thick rounds.

4. Use a melon baller or the edge of a large spoon to remove the seeds, and discard.

How to Bake Spaghetti Squash in the Oven

Roasting spaghetti squash concentrates the starches in the squash, drawing out its nutty undertones and slightly caramelizing the cut edges. Preheat your oven to 400° F. Place halves or rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and rub all over with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. If using halves, turn cut-side down. Roast until the squash pulls away from the skin slightly and the spaghetti-like strands pull away easily when you drag the tines of a fork across the flesh—35 to 40 minutes for rings and 40 to 60 minutes for halves.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash on the Stove

Though roasting is a more flavorful method for cooking spaghetti squash, steaming in a pot on the stove works too. This is better with halved squash than rings, since it reduces the amount of water in the flesh. Steaming is faster than cooking spaghetti squash in the oven and works well without olive oil.

To steam spaghetti squash, fit a large pot with a steamer insert and fill with 2 inches of water. Cover, bring to a boil, add squash halves or rings, and cover again. Cook until the squash pulls away from the skin slightly and the spaghetti-like strands pull away easily when you drag the tines of a fork across the flesh—15 to 20 minutes for rings and 35 to 40 minutes for halves.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave

Short on time? The microwave makes quick work of spaghetti squash. Place rings or halves of spaghetti squash in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1 cup water. Microwave in 3-minute increments, until the squash pulls away from the skin slightly and the spaghetti-like strands pull away easily when you drag the tines of a fork across the flesh, starting to check at 10 minutes for rings and 15 minutes for halves.

Best HelloFresh Recipes and Dinner Ideas With Spaghetti Squash

Now that you’re an expert at cooking spaghetti squash, how can you fit them into your weekly meal planning? We’ve got a few ideas! The first recipe treats the squash as noodles; the second uses it as a bed for succulent portobello steaks.

Whether you want spaghetti, squash, or spaghetti squash, a HelloFresh subscription makes dinner ideas easy.

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