Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is the easiest and BEST way to make Spaghetti Squash! Ready in less than 30 minutes, this method for pressure cooking spaghetti squash produces perfect results every time!
Looking for more Instant Pot Basic Recipes? Check out Instant Pot Chicken Breasts, Instant Pot Whole Chicken, Instant Pot Stock, and Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs. Or get all browse through all my Easy Instant Pot Recipes.
I have been eating spaghetti squash for years. But ever since I have perfect cooking spaghetti squash in my Instant Pot, I am eating it more often than ever!
Making spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot is nearly effortless! And I don't even have to heat up the oven--which is perfect for summer months!
This method for pressure cooking spaghetti squash is simple and the results are PERFECT!
How To Make Spaghetti Squash in Instant Pot
- Choose a spaghetti squash that is 3-4 pounds, uniform in size and color, and feels heavier than it looks. This will ensure you have a spaghetti squash that is perfect for cooking and eating.
- You have 3 options for preparing your spaghetti squash:
- Leave Whole: Pierce a few slits in your spaghetti squash to release the pressure that may build while cooking.
- Cut Lengthwise: Cut in half lengthwise and remove and discard seeds. This is a great option to make a spaghetti squash boat.
- Cut Widthwise: My preferred method, as the spaghetti squash, will fit better into your pressure cooker and results in long noodle-like strands.
- Place 1 cup of cold water in the pressure cooker. If using an 8-quart pressure cooker, use 1.5 cups of water. For a 10-quart instant pot use 2 cups water.
- Place trivet or steamer basket in the pressure cooker if using and place squash, cut side down on a rack. By placing the cut side down, you are helping to prevent condensation and water to collect inside the squash cavity.
- Cook the spaghetti squash on high pressure as directed.
- Whole Spaghetti Squash: 15 minutes on High Pressure
- Tender Spaghetti Squash: 8 minutes on High Pressure
- Al Dente Spaghetti Squash: 6-7 minutes on High Pressure
- Once cook time has elapsed, either let the pressure release naturally or do a quick release of pressure. This is one recipe that makes little difference in the end result.
- To do a quick release of pressure, use a long utensil and knock the vent knob from the sealed to the venting position. Wait for 1-2 minutes for pressure to fully be released and then remove the lid off Instant Pot.
- Remove squash from Instant Pot and use a fork to scrape into strands.
How to Serve Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash can be used in a variety of different recipes and as a low-carb replacement for just about any recipe that calls for noodles.
- Toss the prepared spaghetti squash with homemade tomato sauce and some Parmesan cheese for a low-carb pasta dinner.
- Simply drizzle with some olive oil and season with salt and pepper and serve as a healthy side dish.
More Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
- Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot Green Beans
- Instant Pot Glazed Carrots
If you enjoyed this method for preparing Spaghetti Squash, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound spaghetti squash
Instructions
- Wash and dry whole spaghetti squash.
- Cut spaghetti squash in half either lengthwise or width wise (my preferred method). You can also leave whole, just be sure to cut a few slits in your squash to release pressure.
- Place 1 cup cold water in pressure cooker. If using an 8 quart pressure cooker, use 1.5 cups of water. For a 10 quart instant pot use 2 cups water.
- Place trivet of steamer basket in pressure cooker if using and place squash, cut side down on rack. By placing cut side down, you are helping to prevent condensation and water to collect inside the squash cavity.
- Cook on HIGH pressure (select manual button or pressure cook button) and adjust to cook for 8 minutes for tender squash or 7 minutes for al dente squash. If you cook spaghetti squash whole, you will need to cook for 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Remove squash from Instant Pot and use a fork to scrape into strands. Serve as desired.
Julie
I will never cook a spaghetti squash any other way! Wow, so easy and effective. I have a 3 quart IP, so I cut the squash in half the short way, and used a silicon trivet/sling. I put the squash cut side down, used 1 cup water and set for 7 minutes. Perfect! I repeated it with the second half with a fresh cup of water. The IP got up to pressure quickly for the 2nd half. I was able to get nearly all the strings out all the way to the skin in most areas. Served it with ground turkey and marinara sauce and roasted cruciferous shredded veggies on the side. Husband loved it and thanked me for making such a healthy meal. Win-win!
Barb Snyder
Yummy and easy
Vero
IF two spaghetti squashes each cut in half fit into my insta, would I add more water or not? Does this sound like a bad idea or a possibility?
Kristen Chidsey
I would keep the water the same and give it a try--it should work out well!
Christina
Is that going to be fast release or natural pressure release?
Kristen Chidsey
Quick release or natural pressure release work for this recipe. No difference for this recipe 🙂
Adam
Mind blown! Cross-cut, face down in Instant Pot, 7 Minutes High Pressure = PERFECTION!! Spaghetti squash (and I guess squash in general) has never been an option as a quick weeknight meal with all the prep that usually has to take place, and long bake-times. No more! Now maybe I won't leave the squash on the counter for weeks before doing something with it. Thank you for providing different options and your opinion on what works best! I look forward to trying other recipes of yours in the future.
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you had such great success Adam! I hope you find many more recipes to enjoy here as well.
KC
The squash came out positively perfect! Thanks
Turtle
Thank you for making my day ! Absolutely positively awesome recipe
Liz
I loooove spaghetti squash and I just recently got a pressure cooker so this recipe has been so perfect!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you have had success with this Liz! It works like a charm to make spaghetti squash SO quickly!
Tara
I'll definitely make spaghetti squash more often now that I know how to make it in my Instant Pot!
Kristen Chidsey
I sure do too!