How to make and cook spaghetti squash using the Instant Pot is a quick and easy pressure cooker tutorial that will teach you how to make, which way to cut, and how long to cook whole spaghetti squash. Squash is ready in 7 minutes instead of waiting an hour to prepare in the oven! Perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
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I have had spaghetti squash on a few different occasions. I loved it from the first time I tried it. After researching recipes on how to prepare it on my own, I learned that spaghetti squash takes 45-60 minutes to make. That does not sound like a terribly long time, but when you are strapped for time, an hour can feel like an eternity!
An hour is also a long time because baking the spaghetti squash isn't usually the only part of prepping the meal. You aren't going to eat spaghetti squash without pairing it with something else!
I am thankful the Instant Pot has arrived in my life to save the day. Now spaghetti squash only takes 7 minutes!
What is Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash looks similar to typical squash but it's larger and more round. In its raw state, if sliced, it will also look similar to regular squash. When cooked, strands form on the inside flesh creating angel hair-like strands, that resemble pasta.
Spaghetti squash can be used in a lot of dishes to cut down on carbs and also boost nutritional value. It's packed with nutrients. It's perfect for vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and just plain old healthy recipes!
Calories and Carbs in Spaghetti Squash
One cup of spaghetti squash has about 42 calories and 8 grams of net carbs. One cup of white spaghetti pasta has about 220 calories and 40 grams net carbs. There is a huge difference when comparing the variance in net carbs! Carbohydrates are the body's first defense for fuel. Your body burns carbs FIRST for energy.
When carbs are depleted, it moves on to burning fat. I pay less attention to the calories variance here because the fewer carbs you consume, the more room your body has to burn fat.
What Does Spaghetti Squash Taste Like?
Now for the burning question......does it taste like pasta?!
No. Not to me. For me, it does not have to taste like pasta in order to be considered delicious. I LOVE veggies. I love vegetables, even more, when I can dress them up using an amazing recipe! And I have done just that.
Check out my Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo recipe. The cream sauce and juicy, savory chicken paired PERFECTLY with the spaghetti squash. I always say consistent healthy eating does not have to be a curse.
How to Make and Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half, crosswise (not the long way).
- Scoop out the seeds and discard.
- Add 1 cup of water to the pot. Place the spaghetti squash halves in the instant pot, with the cut sides facing up.
- Place the lid on the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
- After the 7 minutes, release the valve at the top of the pressure cooker to lower the pressure.
- Remove the lid and the squash. Poke the squash to ensure it’s tender. Shred the squash with a fork to create “spaghetti.”
What goes well with spaghetti squash? Try this with my Keto Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Marinara and Meatballs.
Can You Freeze Cooked Spaghetti Squash?
Allow the squash to cool completely and then store it in a sealable bag. It will freeze up to 8 months. You can read more about How to Freeze Cooked Spaghetti Squash here.
How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Last?
It will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
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How to make and cook spaghetti squash using the Instant Pot
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 whole spaghetti squash
Instructions
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half, crosswise (not the long way). To avoid cutting in half while the squash is hard, you can also microwave for a few minutes first to soften.
- Scoop out the seeds and discard.
- Add 1 cup of water to the pot. Place the spaghetti squash halves in the instant pot, with the cut sides facing up.
- Place the lid on the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
- After the 7 minutes, quick release the valve at the top of the pressure cooker to lower the pressure.
- Remove the lid and the squash. Poke the squash to ensure it's tender. Shred the squash with a fork to create "spaghetti."
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
More Instant Pot Recipes:
Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs Using the Instant Pot
Instant Pot Chicken and Spanish Rice (Arroz Con Pollo)
Instant Pot Cheesecake
Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
Instant Pot Steak Tacos
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowl with Quinoa
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Heather Lawrence says
We love spaghetti squash, normally I just roast our spaghetti squash in the oven.
I was looking at an instant pot last week, I am going to have to pick up.
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
I really need to get me one of these Instant Pots! So versatile!
Catherine says
Sadly I don't have an instant pot but I love how convenient they are...I have to get one. Love how quickly it cooks down the spaghetti squash!
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
I really love making spaghetti squash, but you're right it is so time consuming. Now you've really got me convinced I need an instant pot 🙂
Sarah says
I've been dying to get an instant pot, and this post has totally sold me. I HATE cooking spaghetti squash, and this makes it seem so painless.
Bintu says
I love this instant pot, how amazing that it can cook so fast
Scott says
I've been considering an Instant Pot for some time now. Everyone says they're so easy to use. You make it look super easy also!
Brian Jones says
I love my instantpot, it was a great buy... I've never seen 'spaghetti squash' for sale anywhere sadly, I have been looking to give it a try,
Helene D'Souza says
I learned a few things about Instant pots in your post, I still don't own one. Looks like a great instant pot, I might consider getting one.
Igor @ Cooking The Globe says
I need to get instant pot ASAP because the internet is full of recipes using it right now! These squash spaghetti look awesome!
Mark, CompassandFork says
Wow, that is a funky looking pressure cooker. The modern versions are so much safer looking than the clunky versions from years gone by. It takes me 45 minutes to cook spaghettie squash in the over, so mice time saving!
Elizabeth says
Gosh that looks so good! I've been wanting to try spaghetti squash but unfortunately I've never seen it for sale where I live! Fingers crossed one day! 🙂
Louise Smith says
I'd never heard of an instant pot before, but it sounds fantastic!! And how quickly did it make that spaghetti squash?! I'm very impressed 🙂
Louise x
Melanie says
I'm so late to this one. I still don't have an instant pot. But this spaghetti squash is one more reason I need to add one to my shopping cart.
Melanie says
I'm so late to this one. I STILL don't have an instant pot. But this spaghetti squash is one more reason I need to add one to my shoppingcart.
Monica (NYCTechMommy) says
I've never made spaghetti squash. I recently got into the instant pot thing so definitely need to give this one a try! Thanks for sharing! I'm always looking for new ways to add more veggies to our dinner table. 🙂
JenellBStewart says
Ive heard so many thing about the instant pot AND spaghetti squash and sadly I've never tried either. The health benefits of the squash are great!
Sha says
I received an instant pot for Christmas, it's still in the box. Totally intimidated by it. This has me wanting to take it out tonight.
staysnatched says
Don't be intimidated! I have plenty of recipe videos on this website to take the edge off! This is a great recipe to start with.
Trista says
This recipe is a life saver! I love spaghetti squash but cooking it in the oven takes too long for weeknight dinners. With this recipe, I can make it so quickly and have dinner ready in no time.
staysnatched says
It's so easy. Glad you enjoyed it!
Coby says
Yesssss! I wanted spaghetti squash yesterday but didn’t have a lot of time to bake it. I wondered if I could use my instant pot to cook it and googled “Stay Snatched instant pot spaghetti squash.” Woot woot! It came right up! This method is such a great time saver- so easy and quick! Thanks!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you found it!
Felicia says
I’ve recently started watching the amount of carbs I eat. I had spaghetti squash yo cook so I came right to Brandi’s sight to look up how to do it easily. This worked out perfectly. So easy and I stored the leftovers just as she directed. The best part is it didn’t get mushy or overcooked.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Rachel says
Wow, I never knew you could do this! I love spaghetti squash and this is such an easier way to cook it! Thank you.
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoyed it.
Stacey says
So much easier to use the instant pot for this rather than oven. Used the instructions before and it’s that time of year so I’m back again (and remembered to review this time 🙂).
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!