Instant Pot spaghetti squash

This Instant Pot spaghetti squash is ready in just 20 minutes! Spaghetti squash in the pressure cooker is the best way to make quick, perfect spaghetti squash every time.

Hi, Rhubarbarians! Today we are showing you how to cook spaghetti squash in just 20 minutes. SO FAST, RIGHT?

You've been loving the quick cook veggies in the Instant Pot. Like baked potatoes, mega-fast artichokes, even corn on the cob!

So, let's get right to it.

The fastest way to cook spaghetti squash

The fastest way is in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker! Spaghetti squash takes about 40 minutes to roast in the oven. But takes half the time in the Instant Pot. Just 20 minutes! That's it! No tricks here, that time includes the time to come to pressure and release. We got you. 🙂

10 minutes to come to pressure, 7 minutes of cook time, 3 minutes of manual release. 20 glorious minutes and you have spaghetti squash noodles for dinner. Huzzah!

Cutting and preparing

There are two ways to cut a spaghetti squash for cooking in the Instant Pot:

1. Cut lengthwise: I find that this method fits the best in our 6 quart Instant Pot. It's perfect for making spaghetti squash boats, stuffed spaghetti squash, or making baked goods.
2. Cut widthwise: This method is a little harder to fit in the Instant Pot. But, it will give you the longest strands or "noodles" which are perfect to use as a pasta substitute.

Can I just cook it whole?

Yep! You definitely can. But, it takes quite a bit longer to cook, which in our opinion defeats the purpose of cooking spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot.

But, here's how to cook it whole!

• Pierce the squash several times all over with a knife. This allows the squash to steam and vent while cooking.
• Insert the Instant Pot trivet and add a cup of water to the bottom. Place the squash on top of the trivet.
• Cook on high pressure for 12-18 minutes, depending on size (2-4 lbs). Manually release the pressure and let cool for a few minutes before removing.

What do I do with the seeds?

Cook them up just like you would pumpkin seeds! Here's a great recipe for roasted spaghetti squash seeds with a bit of maple syrup and spices. Enjoy!

Need some dinner ideas? Here are my ten favorite Instant Pot recipes to make for dinner!

Equipment needed

You'll need an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, trivet insert or steamer basket, a sharp knife, and a large spoon.

• An Instant Pot: I use the 6 quart Instant Pot. You can also use a pressure cooker if you'd like.
• The trivet insert or steamer basket for the Instant Pot. This allows the spaghetti squash to sit above the liquid so it doesn't boil or become soggy.
• A sharp knife. You'll need this to cut open the spaghetti squash.
• A large spoon. This is used to scoop out the inner flesh and seeds of the spaghetti squash.

Can I make this without the trivet insert or steamer basket?

I wouldn't. You want the squash to steam and not be resting in the water. The squash also becomes very soft and very hot after cooking and would be difficult to remove without the trivet.

Let's get cooking

Now that you're spaghetti squash is cut and cleaned, let's cook it!

• Add a cup of water and the trivet insert or steamer basket insert to your Instant Pot.
• Place the squash side by side, face up.
• Close the lid and make sure the sealing valve is set to sealing.
• Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
• Manually release the pressure until the float valve has dropped. Remove the lid and let the spaghetti squash cool for a couple of minutes.

Note: It will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, 7 minutes to cook, and then about 3 minutes to manually release the pressure.

Serving and eating

Spaghetti squash is unlike other winter squash in the sense that the cooked flesh turns into strands or "noodles", hence the name spaghetti squash.

To remove the strands after cooking, take a fork and gently pull the strands away from the inside of the skin (as shown in the photo above). The strands should be easy to remove, but not disintegrating or turning to mush. Continue until you have pulled all the strands away from the skin.

Spaghetti squash is well known as a pasta substitute, but is really versatile and can be eaten in a number of ways.

• As a side dish: Spaghetti squash is, in fact, wonderful by itself as a side dish! Just a little salt and pepper will go a long way.
• As a pasta substitute: I recommend cutting the squash width-wise if you are planning to use the strands as "pasta noodles." This way the strands will be very long. Serve with your favorite sauce and pasta toppings! Try this spaghetti squash with marinara!
• Stuffed, or as a "boat": Make burrito boats, "pasta" boats, maybe just veggie loaded boats! Just add your favorite toppings to the cooked squash and use the skin as a bowl! Try these spaghetti squash pizza boats!
• Make some baked goods: Spaghetti squash is fabulous in quick breads or muffins! Switch up your regular pumpkin bread and try out spaghetti squash instead. Try these spaghetti squash muffins!

Instant Pot spaghetti squash recipe

Recipe

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Hope you enjoy your quick and easy spaghetti squash!

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