Learn how to make Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash whole or cut. An easy alternative to roasting and this post includes tips and tricks on how to cut spaghetti squash and the best way to cook spaghetti squash for long thin strands.
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Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Spaghetti squash season is in full swing and if you’re wondering how to cook spaghetti squash, there are a number of ways you can cook it so you can have strands of noodle-like squash intact.
The oven, microwave and air-fryer are a few ways you can make spaghetti squash, but one of my new favorite ways to cook a whole spaghetti squash is in my Instant Pot pressure cooker. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is seriously the easiest – you don’t even have to halve it or trim it! After you try it, you may never cook a spaghetti squash the same way!
And if you don’t have an instant pot, we also have instructions on Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash and Roasted Spaghetti Squash.
What is Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti Squash is a yellow, oval shaped vegetable that is in season in the fall and winter months. Once you finish cooking spaghetti squash, the inside of the squash can be shredded into long, thin strands. The texture is stringy like angel hair pasta and makes a delicious gluten free, paleo, Whole30, low carb keto substitute for regular pasta noodles.
How Can I Cut a Spaghetti Squash
Start by washing and drying a medium spaghetti squash.
Second, make sure you have a large, sharp food knife to slice the squash either in half vertically or horizontally into rings.
I find it much easier to cut the squash horizontally into rings. The squash cooks much quicker and the strands end up longer. If you’re not making a stuffed spaghetti squash recipe, then feel free to choose whichever method you like best.
Afraid of to cut spaghetti squash? Another option is to poke a few holes in it and stick it in the Instant Pot – this helps to soften the outer skin making it much easier to cut.
What does spaghetti squash taste like?
Spaghetti squash has a very mild slightly sweet squash-like flavor when eaten on it’s own. It is much milder than other fall squashes like butternut squash, delicata squash and acorn squash.
Depending on how long you cook it, there is a slight crunch to them if you cook it al dente and softer and watery if you cook it longer. Because of its milder taste, it is super versatile and pairs well with almost any sauce or seasoning that you use on real spaghetti.
Can you cook a whole spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! See the instructions on how to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot pressure cooker below.
Ingredients you need
- 1 medium whole spaghetti squash
- Oil – we like to use avocado oil spray but extra-virgin olive oil works as well
- Salt & black pepper
Other seasonings that would be delicious:
- Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, sage, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper
How to make instant pot spaghetti squash whole
To cook a whole spaghetti squash in the instant pot:
Use a small knife to poke several holes all around the spaghetti squash.
Place the steamer basket in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Place the squash on top of the basket and close the lid. Turn the vent to SEALED and set to 15 minutes on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Use the quick release when finished. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes.
Use a large knife to cut the squash in half vertically then use a fork to shred into long spaghetti noodles.
Cut lengthwise:
Slice your spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds.
Place the steamer basket in the bottom of the Instant Pot (I have the 6 Quart Instant Pot Duo Pro) and add 1 cup of water. Place the squash halves cut side up on top of the basket then coat with avocado oil or olive oil. You can also season with salt and close the lid. Turn the vent to SEALED and set to 8 minutes.
Use the quick release when finished. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes then use a fork to shred into long spaghetti noodles.
How to store spaghetti squash
To store leftover spaghetti squash, place in a sealed air tight container in your fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze Spaghetti Squash
The great thing about spaghetti squash is that you can freeze leftovers in a sealed air tight container for up to 3 months.
To reheat
Remove spaghetti squash from freezer and reheat spaghetti squash leftovers in the microwave for 2 minutes the air fry for 3-5 minutes or in bake in your oven or toaster oven until heated through.
What goes good with spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash noodles can be used in any recipe in place of pasta! We love serving ours with Instant Pot Lemon Chicken with Garlic, Meatballs with a side of Roasted Broccoli or Air Fried Brussels Sprouts.
More delicious winter squash and spaghetti squash recipes:
Learn How To Cook A Whole Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot for long thin strands.
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- avocado oil OR olive oil
- sea salt and pepper
- Use a small knife to poke several holes all around the spaghetti squash.
Place the steamer basket in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Place the squash on top of the basket and close the lid. Turn the vent to SEALED and set to 8 minutes on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Use the quick release when finished. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes.
Use a large knife to cut the squash in half vertically then use a fork to shred into long spaghetti noodles.
Slice your spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds.
Place the steamer basket in the bottom of the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Place the squash halves cut side up on top of the basket. Coat lightly with oil & season with salt. Close the lid. Turn the vent to SEALED and set to 8 minutes.
Use the quick release when finished. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes then use a fork to shred into long spaghetti noodles.
Bernice -
Yum, this was amazing! Thank you!
maria -
Yum, this was amazing! Thank you!
Bernice -
This is a lifesaver recipe! Making spaghetti squash in the IP is the easiest and we use this all the time now. Thanks!