How to Pre-Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave or in the Oven

There’s a variety of ways to prepare spaghetti squash. You can steam it in a microwave or in the oven. Personally, I like the oven method. You can prepare both squash halves at the same time (it’s hard to put two squash halves in a microwave) and you don’t have to keep checking every minute for doneness.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the halved and seeded squash, cut side down, in a baking dish. Add about an inch of water to the bottom of the dish and bake for 30 to 40 minutes (until a knife easily pierces the skin of the squash).

Remove the pan from the oven. Carefully remove the squash from the pan and let cool for 5 minutes. Using a fork, scrape the squash flesh out of the skin—it should come out in nice, long strands. Place the strands in a large mixing bowl—that’s how you make spaghetti squash “noodles!”

How to Make Spaghetti Squash in the Microwave

If you want to cook the squash in a microwave, simply place the squash halves, cut side down, iin a microwave-proof pan, add 1-inch of water, and microwave in bursts on high heat until a knife easily pierces the skin.

Start with 4 minutes for the first round, then check for doneness. If it’s not soft enough yet, continue in one-minute intervals, checking the squash for doneness each time. Then, remove the squash and let cool for 5 minutes. Use a fork to scrape out the squash into “noodles.”

Just a little note: A whole squash probably won’t fit in the microwave. I recommend doing each half separately. 

What can you do with your pre-cooked spaghetti squash?

Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash