How to Roast a Spaghetti Squash Whole

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If you need a roasted spaghetti squash, but the thought of cutting a whole spaghetti squash prior to cooking sounds like torture, you'll love this recipe that will show you how to roast a spaghetti squash whole. 

Cooking spaghetti squash whole is the easiest way to cook it. And the best way to save yourself from cutting the raw squash. 

You'll get the delicious spaghetti-like strands that you can use in all your spaghetti squash recipes. There are many different ways to cook spaghetti squash, but roasting whole is my preferred method for fast and delicious spaghetti squash noodles.

Jump to:

• What is Spaghetti Squash?
• Why should you roast a spaghetti squash Whole?
• Ingredients
• How to Roast a Spaghetti Squash Whole
• What are Other Ways to Cook a Spaghetti Squash?
• Best Ways to Enjoy Spaghetti Squash
• How to Store Leftover Spaghetti Squash Noodles
• Can You Freeze Spaghetti Squash Noodles?
• Whole Roasted Spaghetti Squash

What is Spaghetti Squash?

Spaghetti squash is a type of squash that has long strands on the inside. It has a slightly sweet taste and is most often used to replicate noodles in dishes. I

It's a great pasta substitute in dishes like spaghetti, beef stroganoff, and any pasta dishes and sauces - especially for those on a low-carb or gluten-free diet. 

Depending on where you live, you will usually start to see spaghetti squash in the grocery store in the early fall, and can stick around as late as early spring. 

Why should you roast a spaghetti squash Whole?

Have you ever tried to cut a spaghetti squash? Even with a sharp knife, it can be very difficult. When you roast the spaghetti squash whole, before cutting it, you can easily slice a knife through the tough skin when it's done.

Ingredients

All you need is a spaghetti squash (keep it whole; no cutting necessary), a rimmed baking sheet or cookie sheet, and an oven!

How to Roast a Spaghetti Squash Whole

First, preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper, if desired.  

Next, place the whole squash on the prepared baking sheet. 

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the outside is slightly browned. 

Then, remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. 

Slice the squash in half. Scoop out seeds and discard. 

Using a fork, carefully pull the spaghetti squash strands away from the skin until all flesh is removed.

What are Other Ways to Cook a Spaghetti Squash?

My favorite way is to roast the spaghetti squash whole, as the recipe card below shows, but there are a few different methods to cook a spaghetti squash.

Roasting whole helps keep the noodles from getting mushy and brings out the delicious flavor of the squash. 

Here are two common other ways to cook a spaghetti squash. You'll need a super sharp chef's knife to cut the squash with each cooking method.

• Instant Pot / pressure cooker - cut the spaghetti squash in half and place on the trivet inside the Instant Pot with one cup of water. Pressure cook on high for about 8-10 minutes. The cooking time will vary a bit depending on the size of your squash. You will then quick release the pressure and remove the squash right away. 
• Roast cut spaghetti squash - cut the raw squash in half, remove the seeds, and add a little olive oil to each of the tops of the squash halves. Roast the spaghetti squash cut side down at 400 degrees for about 50 minutes. 

These ways will work, but it's much easier to skip the precutting of the squash. It's also worth noting that the noodles can get mushy with the Instant Pot/pressure cooker method since it's easy to overcook. 

Best Ways to Enjoy Spaghetti Squash

You can use spaghetti squash noodles the same way you would use regular spaghetti noodles. It's a great way to get an extra veggie into your dish. Spaghetti squash noodles are also gluten-free and low-carb, making them a great pasta alternative for those diets. 

Here are a few ways to enjoy spaghetti squash noodles:

• Top the noodles with marinara sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce and parmesan cheese.
• Use the noodles with your favorite meat sauce or alfredo sauce.
• Replace the noodles in this delicious Baked Boursin Pasta recipe with spaghetti squash noodles for a creamy, tasty pasta everyone will love. 
• The sauce in this Pasta with Pancetta and Tomato Sauce recipe is perfect to use on top of spaghetti squash noodles. Its rich pancetta tomato sauce flavor compliments the squash noodles wonderfully. 

How to Store Leftover Spaghetti Squash Noodles

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. 

Can You Freeze Spaghetti Squash Noodles?

You can freeze spaghetti squash noodles and they will hold up well. It's best to freeze on their own, without any sauce added. Here's the best way to do it:

1. Put your noodles in a colander to drain the excess water and let them get to room temperature. If you can leave them in a colander with a large bowl under to drain in the refrigerator overnight, that's even better. 
2. Towel dry the noodles as much as possible. You want little moisture so the noodles aren't mushy when you thaw them. 
3. Freeze in an airtight container or Ziplock bag with all the air let out. You can freeze for up to six months.

Thaw the noodles by placing them in the refrigerator overnight and reheating them in the microwave or on the stove. 

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