Simple Baked Spaghetti Squash
Published 9/18/2022 • Updated 9/20/2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Spaghetti squash season is here and we’ve been waiting all year! This fun veggie is one of our favorites to make for the family because you can do so much with it.
If you’re looking for easy spaghetti squash recipes — we got you. For this recipe you really only need a spaghetti squash, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Oh, and an oven!
Where my spaghetti squash people at?! I used to be on the fence about this veggie, but I’ve taken a complete 180 now that I know how to cook it properly. I prefer it roasted, but cooking it in the Instant Pot is pretty easy too.
Yes, lots of people eat spaghetti squash in place of noodles, but honestly, we eat it because it’s so freaking good.
What does spaghetti squash taste like?
Spaghetti squash is a mild-tasting squash that has a slight sweetness to it. It’s less sweet than butternut squash but sweeter than a russet potato.
What You Need for Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Roasting spaghetti squash is genuinely the best way to eat spaghetti squash. It cooks perfectly and it’s so easy to make! Here’s what you need:
- Spaghetti squash: we used around a 2 lb. spaghetti squash, but any size works. Do note that if you use something bigger, you will likely need to roast it longer to get it fork-tender.
- Olive oil: we prefer olive oil for roasting squash, but you can also use avocado oil.
- Salt and pepper: salt and pepper are the basics for what we recommend when roasting cooking spaghetti squash in the oven.
How long should you roast spaghetti squash?
We recommend baking your spaghetti squash for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Bake Spaghetti Squash
- Slice spaghetti squash: first things first, use an extremely sharp knife to slice your spaghetti squash in half hot dog-style.
- Remove innards: use a spoon to scoop out the innards. Make sure to remove all of the seeds and stringy flesh.
- Oil and season: place the spaghetti squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flat-side up, and drizzle both halves with olive oil. Then, season with salt and pepper.
- Roast: roast the squash at 400ºF for 20 minutes. Flip the squash over and roast for another 20 minutes,
- Let rest: remove the squash from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes,
- Fluff: use a fork to “fluff” the spaghetti squash so that the flesh resembles spaghetti.
Squash size matters: we used a 2 lb. spaghetti squash and 40 minutes was perfect. If you use something bigger, be prepared to increase your baking time.
Can you cook a whole spaghetti squash?
While technically you can cook a spaghetti squash in it’s whole form, we recommend slicing it in half so that you can remove the seeds. It will also cook faster this way!
Latest Vegetarian Recipes
Is spaghetti squash healthy?
While spaghetti squash is a starchy carb, it’s packed with vitamins A and C and contains 2g fiber and 1g protein per serving.
When is spaghetti squash in season?
Spaghetti squash is in season from early fall all the way through winter. If you live in the US, you can likely find spaghetti squash year-round at your local grocery store.
Spaghetti Squash Nutrition
Per 1 cup cubed:
- 31 calories
- 1g fat
- 7g carb
- 2g fiber
- 3g sugar
- 1g protein
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti Squash
Many people love to use spaghetti squash in place of noodles because it’s a true vegetable instead of a processed pasta. Here are some ways you can enjoy your spaghetti squash:
- Serve with marinara sauce or Italian meatballs.
- Make stuffed spaghetti squash.
- Top with cheese.
- Top your spaghetti squash with sloppy joe meat.
Top Tips
Use a sharp knife: when slicing your spaghetti squash, make sure to use a sharp knife or it will be very difficult to cut.
Let rest after baking: your squash will be piping hot when it comes out of the oven, so make sure to let it rest before forking!
How long does cooked spaghetti squash last?
Store leftover roasted spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
To reheat: reheat in the microwave on high for 60-90 seconds.
Simple Baked Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 – 2 lb. spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, separated
- ½ teaspoon salt, separated
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, separated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Next, use a large sharp knife to carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise (hotdog style). Remove the innards of the spaghetti squash out with a spoon.
- Drizzle about 2 teaspoons of olive oil over each half of the spaghetti squash and then season each half with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper.
- Place the spaghetti squash open side-down on the lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 400ºF.
- After 20 minutes, flip each half of the spaghetti squash over and bake for another 20 minutes. We recommend checking the squash with a fork after 10 minutes to make sure your spaghetti squash isn’t getting mushy. Every oven is different so the time may vary.
- Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before carefully “fluffing” the edges of the squash with a fork to loosen the spaghetti squash from the skin of the skin.
- Serve immediately with a tab of butter, more olive oil, or a scoop of pesto and enjoy.
Tips & Notes
- We used a 1.75-lb squash for this recipe. The size of the squash will determine how long you have to bake your squash.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #fitfoodiefinds, we’d love to see what you’re up to!
Photography: photos taken in this post are by Ashley McGlaughlin from The Edible Perspective.
Baked spaghetti squash is a game-changer, much like scoring a touchdown in Retro Bowl! It’s amazing how this veggie can mimic the texture of pasta while being so much lighter and healthier. The simple combination of olive oil, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan really lets the natural flavors shine. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite toppings or add some protein for a more hearty meal. It’s a win-win for both taste and health!
Thank you for your recipe, it’s so detailed and easy to make, I tried them and they are delicious. Thanks a lot
How I love spaghetti. I’m definitely going to make this recipe. Thank you!
i like cooking and i also like cooking games