The Versatility of Spaghetti Squash Makes it a Weekly Staple
How to Make Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Spaghetti squash is one of my weekly staples, and I keep finding new ways to use it. How do you cook spaghetti squash? I’ve refined how I bake the spaghetti squash to keep the flesh a little al dente to keep the dish crisp and pull out more flavor. To get there I don’t let it bake more than 40 minutes at 400°.
I’ll admit, the one thing that I don’t like about making meals out of spaghetti squash is that I have to take 40 min to bake it first. But, its saving grace is that you can make everything else you need to while it bakes so it’s just putting everything together and the final touches once it’s done.
How do you Cook Spaghetti Squash
The oven isn’t the only way to cook spaghetti squash. You can cook it in the microwave, insta pot, air fryer, the only variable is time and temp. In all instances you will need to take a fork and fluff the cooked noodles out of the shell. The larger the squash, the more noodles you’ll get. The longer you cook the squash, the mushier the noodles get.
What Can I Make with Spaghetti Squash
Don’t limit yourself when you’re thinking of how to prepare spaghetti squash, and you aren’t limited in the how you cook spaghetti squash. In most instances it’s a perfect substitution for pasta.
Making the Recipe
This recipe is very easy to make. Once you have the noodles out of the baked spaghetti squash, you add the sauce and bake for an additional few minutes to brown the cheese and it’s ready to serve!
It’s a simple sauce you can make while the spaghetti squash is baking. The sauce does take 35 to 40 minutes to fully cook. All in all, it should take about 60 minutes from start to finish!
Spaghetti Squash Baked Ziti
- 1 small spaghetti squash (about 2½ lb.)
- ¼ c extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- ¼ t kosher salt (plus more freshly ground black pepper)
- 1 28- oz. can whole peeled tomatoes
- 4 large garlic cloves smashed
- A big pinch of sugar
- ¼ t crushed red pepper flakes (plus more for serving)
- 1½ oz. Parmesan (finely grated)
- 6 oz. mozzarella (coarsely grated)
- 1 handful of basil leaves (torn if large)
Spaghetti Squash
- Heat oven to 400° F.
- Half spaghetti squash, remove seed.
- Lightly salt & pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
- Place round side up on a lined baking sheet. Make slits on the rind of the squash.
- Bake for 40 min.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly.
Sauce
- Place 1 28 oz. whole peeled tomatoes in a baking dish. Break up tomatoes into smaller bits.
- Add garlic, sugar, ¼ c oil, ¼ t crushed red pepper, ¼ t kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring a couple times. Sauce should thicken and turn bright red and bubbly.
- Mash any large tomato or garlic bits.
Combine
- Using a fork flesh out the squash. Squash should flesh out easily and strip into small individual strands. Discard rind.
- Combine squash to baking dish with 1 ½ oz parmesan.
- Add salt and 6 oz. grated mozzarella.
Bake
- Bake for additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Add to broiler to brown cheese 1-2 minutes.
- Top with basil, red pepper flakes and black pepper.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook spaghetti squash?
The best way to cook spaghetti squash is to cut it in half, remove all the seeds from the middle. Place on baking sheet, drizzle with light amount of olive oil, salt u0026amp; pepper, and flip so open side is facing down. Cut multiple slits into the rind to allow for venting. Place in oven at 400° for 30-40 minutes. Once you can use a fork to pull the flesh from the rind it’s done!
How to bake spaghetti squash?
The best way to cook spaghetti squash is to cut it in half, remove all the seeds from the middle. Place on baking sheet, drizzle with light amount of olive oil, salt u0026amp; pepper, and flip so open side is facing down. Cut multiple slits into the rind to allow for venting. Place in oven at 400° for 30-40 minutes. Once you can use a fork to pull the flesh from the rind it’s done!
How long to bake spaghetti squash?
At 400° spaghetti squash will take between 30-40 minutes. Once you can pull the flesh from the rind with a fork it’s done. The longer the squash is kept in the oven, the soggier the u0022noodlesu0022 become. Keep them nice and crisp!
How to cook spaghetti squash in microwave?
Using a knife, poke a lot of holes in the rind of the spaghetti squash. Place in the microwave and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from microwave, cut the squash in half, long ways. Remove all the seeds place back into microwave, face side down and microwave for 10 minutes.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIf your squash is large, you may have to do each side on its own, 10 minutes each.
Is spaghetti squash a vegetable?
Yes, spaghetti squash is a vegetable, and falls within the squash family. They grow on vines and have seeds inside that need to be cleaned out prior to being cooked or eaten.
Is spaghetti squash low fodmap?
Yes, spaghetti squash is low fodmap. Squashes all fall within the low fodmap category, but, of course, that is all contingent on serving size. Too much of a good thing is never good.
Is spaghetti squash supposed to be crunchy?
Tastes vary, but I find that when spaghetti squash has a slight crunch to it it pairs better in recipes, has more flavor, and is more enjoyable to eat. Soggy spaghetti squash clumps together and is really only good on its own, with a lot of salt.