Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is the vegetable you never knew you needed in your life. This light and fluffy squash is not only delicious, it's the perfect substitute for noodles. Don't believe me? Spaghetti squash will even fool your kids and those picky eaters if cooked properly and served with a delicious pasta sauce.
Making Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker is one of the simplest things you can do and I'm here to show you just how easy it can be. Before using an Instant Pot I would bake Spaghetti Squash and although I loved it, it was so time consuming. Now in less than half the time I can be eating a delicious low carbohydrate meal and love every bite.
The dense heavy Spaghetti Squash can take an hour or more in the oven, but just minutes in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Brilliant if you ask me and it's beyond satisfying to use a fork and flake the 'noodles' apart
Ingredients
It's a short list so don't blink.
- Spaghetti Squash
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
- Water for Instant Pot
Instant Pot Directions
The video really shows it all, on how easy it is to prepare and cook the Spaghetti Squash, you will never go back to the old way of cooking in the Oven with this quick and easy method.
One great bonus is In the pressure cooker, you do not need to cut the squash in half first. Which for me is most difficult to cut through the thick dense squash when raw. This step thrills me honestly. I pierce the sides with a sharp knife all over before placing in the Instant Pot.
Once cooked, Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash slices open so easily and is perfectly cooked every time. Just wash your squash and poke holes with a knife or fork.
Then rub the outside with some olive oil and place in your Instant Pot. Add some water and set it to Manual to cook for 7-10 minutes. This can be tricky but not all Spaghetti Squash are the same size. Some can be more heavy and dense, while others are a bit lighter and smaller.
A good rule of thumb is taking note the size. Does it fill up the Instant Pot from edge to edge and come to the top of the liner? You will want to process those bad boys for 10 minutes. If the squash is a little smaller and doesn't come edge to edge in the liner, adjust the time down accordingly.
A Quick Tip for you, if for some reason you under cook Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot, throw it back in sliced open without the seeds for a minute or two more. The instant Pot will pressure up very quickly because it's all ready hot.
When Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is done, I like to allow a 10 minute natural release before quick releasing the rest and opening the lid. Just be patient because I know you want to slice it open and pull out all the noodles. It's just so satisfying.
Pulling out the spaghetti squash can be hot, use a hot pad or small towel to hold in place to slice in half. This has saved me many times.
Then carefully scoop out the seeds and throw them away. Your cooked Spaghetti Squash will only need a fork to pull away from the outer skin and will be in perfect “noodle” form.
It’s just that simple. Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper and then serve anyway you prefer. Add Marinara Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, or eat plain. It’s delicious.
Is your mouth watering yet? Spaghetti Squash is perfect for those trying to watch your carb intake, or someone who wants to add more vegetables to your diet. And many children don't know the difference when served as 'pasta'.
When Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is cooked and seasoned properly, you really can't tell it's not real pasta. The texture is so similar it's incredible.
How do you make Long Strands of Spaghetti Squash?
Strands run horizontally, so for the longest strands slice Spaghetti Squash horizontally or crosswise into rings. Remove seeds and with a fork pull the strands off the edge.
Can you Overcook Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti Squash can vary in size. Overcooked Spaghetti Squash can be mushy. When in doubt undercook and test if needed and process a minute or two more as needed.
I find that cooking a whole Spaghetti Squash without cutting open first will take a few minutes longer to cook. But I love not having to cut in half first because it can be so difficult. Much easier to cut in half after it's cooked and removing seeds.
Instant Pot Side Dishes
- Candied Carrots
- Bacon Herbed Green Beans
- Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
- Mushroom Garlic Noodles
- Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
- Ranch Roasted Potatoes
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Spaghetti Squash ~ Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 Spaghetti Squash
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and Pepper - to taste
- 1 cup water - for Instant Pot
Instructions
- Wash your Spaghetti Squash
- Place 1 cup of water in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker
- With a fork or knife, poke Spaghetti squash 15-20 times
- Rub with Olive Oil and Place Spaghetti Squash on rack in Instant Pot.
- Set to Manual for 7-10 Minutes
- Allow a Natural Release for 10 minutes then Quick Release.
- Remove from Instant Pot, and Slice in half
- With a large spoon or ice cream scoop, clean out seeds
- With a fork, shred Spaghetti Squash, add Salt and Pepper to taste and serve.
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Robin Aleszczyk
I used to fight with the spaghetti squash to cut it in half for roasting in the oven or cooking in the microwave.
I tried the recipe with the Instant pot - what a magnificent difference. No fighting to cut it in half - only piercing it. It was done in only few minutes and ready for me to add my sauce.
Fantastic!!!!
Devour Dinner
Making Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot is my favorite way. It's so easy. So glad you gave it a try and loved it too.
Ashley Reese
I just love spaghetti squash but it can be a pain to make sometimes! I need to try making it in my Instant Pot!
Devour Dinner
I agree Ashley! It can be a pain to make but in the Instand Pot it is sooooooo easy. Give it a try and it us know what you think.