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5 from 1 vote

How to Prep Spaghetti Squash

Wondering how to prep spaghetti squash in your Instant Pot, Crock Pot, or Oven?  Here are several easy ways to prep spaghetti squash as a healthy, low carb alternative to pasta and a bunch of my favorite Spaghetti Squash recipes for the 21 Day Fix and the 2B Mindset!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Meal Prep
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 22kcal
Author: Nancylynn

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti Squash
  • Water depending on the method
  • Olive oil depending on the method

Instructions

Instant Pot

  • Carefully stab the squash all over with a paring knife about 10-15 times.
  • Add a cup of water to the bottom of your Instant Pot, then place your trivet on top of the water.  Place squash on the trivet.
  • Lock lid and set Instant Pot for 20 minutes on manual/pressure cook.
  • When the cook time is up do a quick release. Carefully open the lid and allow the squash to cool slightly before removing it from the Instant Pot. Place on a cutting board.
  •  Give the squash at least an additional 10 minutes to cool before halving, removing the seeds, and shredding.

Slow Cooker

  • Carefully stab the squash all over with a paring knife about 10-15 times.
  • Cook on Low 4 to 6 hours. Carefully remove squash and place on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes or until cool to the touch. 
  • Cut the squash in half, remove seeds and shred!

Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400 and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper .
  • Carefully slice through the middle of the squash to cut in half.
  • Scoop out the spaghetti squash seeds and discard them. Drizzle the insides of each squash half with 1 teaspoon olive oil and rub it all over the inside and sprinkle with salt.  Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your squash...you will know it's finished when the sides are caramelized and you can easily remove the "spaghetti" strands with a fork.
  • Once the squash is done baking, fluff the interiors with a fork to make the insides spaghetti-like to serve as a bowl, or remove spaghetti strands and serve with your favorite dishes!

Microwave

  •  Stab your Spaghetti Squash all over with a pairing knife.
  • Place it in your microwave for 5 minutes to start, adding time until it's done!  You will know it's ready when it's soft to the touch - similar to a ripe avocado.
  • Carefully remove squash and place on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes or until cool to the touch. 
  • Cut the squash in half, remove seeds and shred!

Notes

Spaghetti Squash counts as a GREEN for the 21 Day Fix and a Veggie for the 2B Mindset
WW: ZERO points

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 86IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.2mg