Description
Learn how to cook spaghetti squash perfectly in the oven for a tender, noodle-like vegetable side dish that’s easy, healthy, and versatile. This simple recipe uses minimal ingredients and baking steps to transform the squash into a delicious alternative to pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash (1.5 to 3 lbs)
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided, plus more to serve)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (divided, or added to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (divided, added to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare squash: Preheat the oven to 400ËšF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse and dry the spaghetti squash. Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife; placing squash on a towel helps prevent rolling and makes cutting safer.
- Remove seeds: Use a spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds from each half of the squash.
- Season squash: Brush the inside of each half with 1/2 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with about 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper each.
- Bake squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 400ËšF until the squash is fork tender, typically 40-45 minutes depending on size (smaller squash cooks faster, larger takes longer).
- Fluff squash: Remove the squash from the oven and flip cut side up. When cool enough to handle, use a fork to rake through the flesh, creating spaghetti-like strands by scraping it away from the skin.
- Serve: Drizzle with additional extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm as a vegetable side dish or pasta substitute.
Notes
- Cutting the squash can be challenging due to its tough skin; use a sharp chef’s knife and stabilize the squash on a towel to prevent slipping.
- Spaghetti squash size affects baking time; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- You can serve the squash strands with your favorite sauce or as a healthy low-carb substitute for pasta.
- Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps seasoning stick to the squash.
