How to Cook Spaghetti Squash Fast

This is how to cook spaghetti squash fast, in just 7 minutes to be exact! Tender squash noodles are a healthy alternative for pasta and gluten free too. We made Ninja Foodi and Instant Pot squash but there’s oven directions for you as well.

Using my Instant Pot this is how to cook spaghetti squash fast! We share several ways including our favorite Instant Pot spaghetti squash recipe. Find 101+ other easy Instant Pot recipes here. 😉 (originally published 8/18, affiliate links present)

I was given this spaghetti squash by a relative out of her garden.

Since I never let anything go to waste I wanted to see what all the stuffed spaghetti squash noodles hype was about. I am totally a believer now!!

This is what ours looked like…..

Fresh out of the garden remember, of course you can find squash pretty much year round in the store too.

There’s really no other way to cook squash fast anymore, now that I have my handy pressure cooker around. 😉 You can easily pierce it once it is done and takes less than 20 minutes.

All you really have to do is cut the squash in half lengthwise so it will fit.

1. Then scoop out the seeds before resting both sides on a trivet inside your Instant Pot with 1.5 c. of water in the bottom.
2. Set to high for 7 minutes and quick release when done, super quick cooking time.
3. Let it cool a bit before you use a fork to get all the “noodles” out!
4. This is what our Instant Pot spaghetti squash noodles looked like……
5. Hold the outside and use a fork on the squash cut sides to scrape it out

If you’ve never cooked a squash like this they aren’t long like traditional spaghetti noodles.

This is nice because it makes it way easier to eat anyway.

Seriously when you use spaghetti squash noodles as an alternative to the traditional style and load it with all the sauce and cheese you typically would you CANNOT tell the difference!!!

I’m serious.  I was very surprised by it myself and now we love spaghetti squash.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

• So after scooping out the insides we mixed it with spaghetti sauce.
• Then added parmesan cheese and a few spices we would normally add to our spaghetti.
• Next we put it back into our “squash bowls” and topped everything with more cheese.
• Threw it on to a rimmed baking sheet.
• Added mozzarella, parmesan, and green onions, then just melt it all in the oven for a bit and that’s it. 
• Sprinkle with salt and YUM!
• Here’s the entire recipe for baked spaghetti squash

It. Was. Amazing!!!

How to cook spaghetti squash in the oven:

1. Follow direction #1 below cutting in half and removing seeds.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
3. Put on baking sheet with cut side facing up.
4. Bake for 30-45 minutes depending on size
   1. Check after 30 minutes to see if it is tender enough, larger squash will take longer.

Squash in the microwave

• Cut squash in half and remove seeds
• Place cut side down in a microwave-safe dish
• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water
• Cover and microwave 9-12 minutes (check after 9 to see if it’s tender enough)

Looking for more squash recipes?? Try this creamy butternut squash soup for another night.

Pressure Cooker Spaghetti Squash

Ninja Foodi spaghetti squash

• Follow the same directions below using a trivet and your pressure cooker lid for the Ninja Foodi.
• To continue on and make stuffed “spaghetti” you could skip the oven and melt the cheese using your air crisp lid!

This is the way we make it the most often.

• You will have to only do one half at a time as you want the entire cheese filled top facing up.
• Just place on a trivet, close air fryer lid and set to 400 degrees for about 5-6 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
  • You can grab an Instant Pot air fryer lid here too.

It’s one of our favorite cheap Instant Pot recipes, and so healthy too! Now if you don’t have this duo and you just have have a singular unit no problem.

We make air fryer spaghetti squash all the time too. Follow those directions if you want a bit of crisp on the edges.

Dinner recipes you should try next:

• Ninja Foodi baked spaghetti
  • Or our traditional Instant Pot spaghetti with “real” noodles
• Pressure cooker carrots and corn on the cob are great healthy side dishes.
• You can serve our air fryer butternut squash with just about everything.