by Diana Rattray
The microwave is an excellent way to cook spaghetti squash, and it takes only 10 to 12 minutes. This low carb vegetable is a great alternative to starchy, high-carb pasta. When cooked, the squash separates into strands that mimic spaghetti, making it an excellent choice for anyone trying to avoid gluten and high carb pastas. It’s excellent served with a meaty Bolognese or a creamy, cheesy sauce, or simply serve it tossed with butter, fresh herbs, and vegetables, like this spaghetti squash with fresh tomatoes.
A squash half may be served as a satisfying main dish, too. Leave the squash in the shells and finish each half with a topping of a meaty sauce and cheese, melted under the broiler, or try pizza toppings, like red pizza sauce, pepperoni, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a fast and easy low-carb option, and it’s perfectly cooked in the microwave oven!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings 1x
- Category: Squash, Low-Carb
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: Keto
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash, about 3 to 4 pounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the stem end from the spaghetti squash. Pierce the squash in several places with a fork or knife. Place it in a microwave-safe baking dish and microwave on full power for 3 minutes—this will make it easier to slice in half.
- Remove the squash and slice it in half lengthwise.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and scrape out any loose membranes. Brush with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash halves, cut sides down, in the baking dish, and add about 1 inch of water.
- Microwave on full power for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the squash and your microwave oven.
- Test the squash with a fork. It should be tender enough to penetrate the skin with only slight resistance.
- Remove the baking dish from the microwave oven, drain, and flip the halves over.
- With a fork, gently scrape the insides of the halves to loosen the “spaghetti” strands.
- Serve hot or refrigerate the squash and reheat later.
