The Easiest Way to Cook Spaghetti Squash
If you are looking for the easiest way to cook and enjoy spaghetti squash then I fully recommend using a slow cooker. Using a slow cooker requires 3 minutes of prep work and then it is hands off for the remainder of the time. I have prepared spaghetti squash using the microwave and oven roasting and I am here to say I am FULLY team slow cooker.
The easiest way to cook spaghetti squash
When finished cooking, spaghetti squash produces tender stringy strands of squash. Hence the name, spaghetti squash. People often will use it as a low-carb alternative for spaghetti. However, spaghetti squash is so versatile. It can serve as the base of the main course, a snack, or a side dish. The thick outer skin can make it a bit intimidating to cook, but I promise this method is beyond easy.
Spaghetti Squash in the slow cooker
In years past, I have attempted several different cooking techniques for a spaghetti squash. I love eating spaghetti squash, but the process to cook it often times seems harder than it is worth. I find the process of getting the skin soft enough to cut in half cumbersome. You can microwave it for a few minutes, then cut in half. But the spaghetti squash is hot and still difficult to manage.
Due to nature of the thick, hard skin I wanted an easy way to cook. Although the slow cooker takes longer to cook, it is completely hands off. You need about 3 minutes to prep everything, then the slow cooker does the hard work. By the time you remove it from the slow cooker, the skin has softened. You can then seamlessly slice through the spaghetti squash.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti squash
- Water
- Optional toppings: salt, pepper, butter, olive oil, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, pasta sauce.
How to cook spaghetti squash in a slow cooker
- Wash the spaghetti squash in the sink. Using a fork, poke holes all around the spaghetti squash (this is to allow steam to release and the squash to soften).
- Place in a slow cooker. You will likely want a 6 qt. or larger slow cooker. Mine pictured here is 6 qt.
- Pour 2 cups of water at the base of the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Remove from slow cooker. BE CAREFUL! It will be hot. There are several methods to do this but I grab it with kitchen tongs and with the other hand hold a spatula underneath it.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Use a large knife to cut off both ends and then in half length wise.
- Scoop out seeds and membrane from the middle.
- Use a fork to pull the strands of spaghetti squash out.
Place in slow cooker
After cooking, slice off the ends
Scoop out seeds and membrane from the center
How long to cook spaghetti squash in the slow cooker
4 lb. spaghetti squash: 4 hours on high
3 lb. spaghetti squash: 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low
If you poke the spaghetti squash with a spoon, you will want the skin to slightly dent. You want to outside skin to be softer. If it still very hard and not denting, give it another 30 minutes – 1 hour.
Equipment needed
Slow cooker: I recommend at least a 6 qt. one. This is the one pictured in this recipe.
Cutting board
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What to top spaghetti squash with?
Here are a few options. Pick your favorite combination to top spaghetti squash with!
- Butter
- Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- Pasta sauce or meat sauce
- Olive oil
- Feta cheese
- Pesto
- Mozzarella cheese
Why you will love this recipe
Healthy: High in vitamins and nutrients
Slow cooker does the hard work: No more muscling the tough skin and hoping you don’t slice your finger in the process!
Very versatile: A variety of toppings can be used!
Kid friendly: Both of my kids gobbled this up. I do think it’s all about the toppings for kids. Mine love pasta sauce or butter with parmesan cheese
FAQ
What size slow cooker do I need? This will depend on the size of your spaghetti squash. mine was large and fit in a 6 qt. I would recommend at least a 5 qt. or 6 qt.
How to store spaghetti squash? Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Can you eat the seeds? Yes you can. Personally, I do not like them mixed in with my spaghetti squash strands. I recommend roasting them in the oven separately
What to serve spaghetti sauce with
If you are using this as a spaghetti substitute, then it can be your main dish. Top with the sauce and meat of your choosing!
It can also serve as a delicious side dish. You could serve it alongside these yummy recipes:
How to store and reheat
Once the squash has cooled, place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the skillet in some butter or olive oil.
The Easiest Way to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker 6 qt.
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash 3 or 4 lbs.
- 2 cups water
- Optional toppings: Butter, olive oil, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, pasta sauce, salt, or pepper.
Instructions
- Wash the spaghetti squash in the sink. Using a fork, poke holes all around the spaghetti squash.
- Place in a slow cooker. The one pictured in this recipe is 6 qt.
- Pour 2 cups of water at the base of the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high*
- Remove from slow cooker. BE CAREFUL! It will be hot. There are several methods to do this: I used tongs to grab the squash and a spatula underneath to move it to a cutting board.
- Let cool for 5 minutes then use a large knife to cut off both ends.
- Cut in half length wise and scoop out seeds and membrane from the middle.
- Use a fork to pull the strands of spaghetti squash out.
