How to Cook Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Learn how to cook spaghetti squash perfectly roasted in the oven to create a tender, noodle-like vegetable side dish that’s both healthy and delicious. This simple recipe highlights the natural flavors of spaghetti squash enhanced with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a versatile low-carb alternative to pasta.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-60 minutes
- Total Time: 50-70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking/Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash (1.5 to 3 lbs)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided, plus more to serve)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (divided, or added to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (divided, added to taste)
- Preheat and prepare squash: Preheat your oven to 400˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Rinse and dry the spaghetti squash thoroughly. Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. The skin is tough, so take your time and consider placing the squash on a towel to prevent it from rolling while cutting.
- Remove seeds: Use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each half.
- Season squash: Brush the inside of each half with 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle each half lightly with approximately 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to season.
- Bake the squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 400˚F until the flesh is fork tender. Baking times vary by size—smaller squash may take about 35-40 minutes, while larger ones can take up to 50-60 minutes.
- Fluff the strands: Remove the squash from the oven and carefully flip cut-side up. Once cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape the flesh, creating spaghetti-like strands by fluffing and pulling the flesh away from the skin.
- Serve: Drizzle with additional extra virgin olive oil and season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a healthy vegetable side dish or a low-carb pasta alternative.
Notes
- Use a sharp, heavy knife to safely cut the squash and work slowly to avoid injury.
- Spaghetti squash sizes vary, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs after baking.
- Leftover cooked spaghetti squash can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free, low in calories, and vegan-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of cooked squash (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: spaghetti squash, roasted spaghetti squash, vegetable side dish, healthy pasta alternative, gluten free, low carb, vegan side