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If you love spaghetti squash, but don't love how long it takes to bake in the oven, you'll love how fast it cooks in the Instant Pot! This recipe for Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash breaks down 4 simple methods, each yielding perfectly cooked, tender spaghetti squash.
The Easiest Way to Make Spaghetti Squash
I have been eating spaghetti squash for years. But ever since I have perfected cooking spaghetti squash in my Instant Pot, I am eating it more often than ever!
Using the Instant Pot is the FASTEST, EASIEST, way to make tender spaghetti squash--whether you opt to cook the squash whole or cut in half.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Recipe Highlights
Ingredient Tip
How to Select a Spaghetti Squash
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.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
This recipe walks you through four options for pressure cooking spaghetti squash. While each method is easy and yields tender, squash, I am sharing the pros and cons of each technique, so you can select which method is best for you!
Method 1: Cook the Spaghetti Squash Whole
If you struggle to cut the squash in half, I can relate. Placing the spaghetti squash whole into the Instant pot will alleviate the struggle to cut through the flesh of raw spaghetti squash.
- Method: Wash the squash well, prick the flesh several times on all sides with a sharp knife or fork, place the whole squash on a trivet over cold tap water, and pressure cook for 15 minutes on high pressure. Once pressure-cooked, you will need to allow the squash to cool until able to handle it. Once cooled, cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds from the center of the squash, and then use a fork to scoop out the strands of spaghetti squash.
- Pros: This method is the best option if you have difficulty cutting a whole squash in half.
- Cons: You lose quite a bit of the flesh when trying to scoop out the seeds AFTER the squash has been cooked. And I find that the squash is slightly watery and a tiny bit mushy.
Method 2: Cut the Spaghetti Squash in Half Lengthwise
If you are looking to make a spaghetti squash boat, this is the method for you but proceed with caution! Depending on the size of your pressure cooker, you may not be able to fit spaghetti squash into the inner pot.
- Method: Wash the squash well and carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Discard the seeds, place the two halves of the squash inside the inner pot and pressure cook for 7 minutes on high pressure. Use a fork to loosen the strands of squash and enjoy as desired.
- Pros: Honestly, the only advantage to this method is if you prefer serving spaghetti squash in a boat form. Otherwise, I strongly recommend one of the other three methods.
- Cons: It is REALLY difficult to cut the squash evenly when cutting lengthwise, and it may not fit into your pressure cooker. Cutting the squash lengthwise also yields shorter strands of squash.
Method 3: Cut the Spaghetti Squash Widthwise
Cutting your squash in half widthwise before pressure cooking allows for easy removal of the seeds and will allow your squash to fit into the inner pot easily.
- Method: Wash the squash well and carefully cut the squash in half widthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Discard the seeds, place the two halves of the squash inside the inner pot and pressure cook for 7 minutes on high pressure. Use a fork to loosen the strands of squash and enjoy as desired.
- Pros: Easier to remove seeds from the spaghetti squash. Cutting the squash in half widthwise also allows for longer strands of spaghetti squash.
- Cons: It can be difficult to cut the squash in half when raw.
Method 4: Remove the Ends Cut in Half Widthwise
This is my preferred method for cooking spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot. Remove the stem and the bottom of the spaghetti squash and cutting it in half, allows moisture to escape from the squash as it cooks, which helps to keep the strands of spaghetti squash from becoming mushy and allows the flavor to be enhanced.
- Method: Wash the squash well, remove the stem and bottom of the squash, and discard. Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Discard the seeds, place the two halves of the squash inside the inner pot and pressure cook for 7 minutes on high pressure. Use a fork to loosen the strands of squash and enjoy as desired.
- Pros: Easier to remove seeds from the spaghetti squash. Cutting the squash in half widthwise allows for long noodle-like strands. Removing the stem and bottom of the squash allows for moisture to escape, preventing the squash from becoming watered down or mushy.
- Cons: It can be difficult to cut the squash in half when raw.
Kristen's Tip
Tip for Cutting Spaghetti Squash
If you struggle to cut the spaghetti squash, microwave it for 1 minute. It won't be long enough to cook the squash but WILL make it easier to cut. This will not impact the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
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 baked meatballs or bolognese sauce for a low-carb pasta dinner.
- Replace the angel hair pasta with Instant Pot spaghetti squash in shrimp scampi for a restaurant-quality low-carb meal.
- Drizzle with some olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and serve as a healthy side dish.
More Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash, 3-4 pounds
Instructions
Prepare Instant Pot
- Pour 1½ cups of cold tap water inside the inner pot, regardless of the size of your electric pressure cooker. Place the trivet inside the inner pot, which will keep the squash from being immersed in the water.
Choose a Method to Prepare Squash
- Keep the Squash Whole. Wash and dry the spaghetti squash and then pierce the squash several times with a fork or sharp knife. Place the whole squash on the trivet.
- Cut the Squash in Half Lengthwise: Wash the squash well and carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise, to make two boats. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Discard the seeds and place the two halves cut side down on the trivet inside the inner pot.
- Cut the Squash in Half Widthwise: Wash the squash well and carefully cut the squash in half widthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Discard the seeds and place the two halves cut side down on the trivet inside the inner pot.
- **Remove the Ends and Cut in Half Widthwise. (PREFERED METHOD) Cut in Half Lengthwise. Wash the squash well, remove the stem and bottom of the squash, and discard. Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Discard the seeds and place the two halves of the squash inside the inner pot.
Pressure Cook Spaghetti Squash
- Place the lid on the inner pot, be sure the vent knob is closed or the lid is locked. Use the manual or pressure cook button to set the cooking time to cook on HIGH PRESSURE. Cook for 15 minutes for a whole spaghetti squash, or 7 minutes if your squash is cut in half.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, this is one time you can opt to do a quick pressure release or let the pressure release naturally without any change to the results. To do a quick pressure release, use a long wooden spoon to push the venting knob from the sealed position to the venting position, being sure to stand back to prevent being burned by the steam released.
Enjoy Spaghetti Squash
- After the squash has been pressure-cooked, carefully remove it from the inner pot. If needed, cut the squash open, scoop out the seeds, and discard the seeds. Use a fork to scrape out the strands of the squash and enjoy as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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?
I would keep the water the same and give it a try--it should work out well!
Is that going to be fast release or natural pressure release?
Quick release or natural pressure release work for this recipe. No difference for this recipe 🙂
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.
So glad you had such great success Adam! I hope you find many more recipes to enjoy here as well.
The squash came out positively perfect! Thanks
Thank you for making my day ! Absolutely positively awesome recipe
I loooove spaghetti squash and I just recently got a pressure cooker so this recipe has been so perfect!
I am so glad you have had success with this Liz! It works like a charm to make spaghetti squash SO quickly!
I'll definitely make spaghetti squash more often now that I know how to make it in my Instant Pot!
I sure do too!