Learn how to cut and cook spaghetti squash halves quickly in the Instant Pot! This gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta is perfect if you’re eating gluten-free or following a Paleo or keto diet. With the help of a pressure cooker, this recipe is ready in 20 minutes and ideal for busy weeknights when time is tight!
I love pasta, but sometimes I feel like I need to moderate my carbs.
Spaghetti squash is the perfect option!
If you are looking for low-carb recipe ideas and have never used it as a pasta substitute, you will be surprised at how good it is!
You get added fiber and beta-carotene when you sub spaghetti squash for pasta. Plus, you save about 130 calories a serving, which isn't too shabby.
While I've known I liked spaghetti squash for years, I always found it a little cumbersome to make.
Enter my new BFF, my Instant Pot, and I've finally found my go-to method for cooking spaghetti squash. I've lost track of how many times I've made this, and it never fails to deliver.
It is so easy. It takes just seven minutes of cooking time, plus the time it takes to come to pressure.
In less than 20 minutes, you can have a perfectly cooked spaghetti squash in your Instant Pot.
Substitute spaghetti squash for pasta and serve it with alfredo sauce or as a simple and delicious side dish.
Looking for more easy Instant Pot recipe suggestions? Try Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, Instant Pot Frozen Whole Chicken, Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, or Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in an Instant Pot
For the full recipe, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
First, start by gathering your ingredients.
Add the broth to the Instant Pot and top with the trivet. Cut your spaghetti squash in half and remove the seeds.
Be careful, and make sure you use a very sharp knife. It is easy to cut yourself here.
Place the cut spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot on top of the trivet. Close the lid. Don't forget to make sure the vent is turned to seal.
Set the pressure to manual high and the timer to 7 minutes.
When the timer goes off, press the release valve to release all of the pressure. Using the Instant Release Method prevents overcooking.
I recommend using an oven mitt or kitchen towel to do this.
Open the lid, and carefully remove the spaghetti squash.
Allow to cool for a few minutes, and transfer to a plate or a cutting board.
Use a fork to carefully shred the strands of spaghetti squash into "noodles."
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Keep in the Fridge?
You can keep cooked spaghetti squash in the fridge for between three to five days.
You can also freeze cooked spaghetti squash for up to six months. While it is perfectly safe to eat, I am not the biggest fan of frozen spaghetti squash because the texture gets so softer.
How Long Do You Put Spaghetti Squash in the Pressure Cooker?
You should cook spaghetti squash in the pressure cooker for between 7 and 8 minutes, depending on the size of the spaghetti squash.
Serving Suggestions
- You can serve this dish as a side with a little salt, pepper, garlic powder, and butter. (For a vegan option, Miyoko's butter rocks. I use it all the time. For traditional butter, I use Kerrygold.)
- Toss with a Simple Peanut Sauce and top with cilantro, mint, and peanuts.
- Use as a base for a bowl in place of a grain.
- Use as a base for almost any recipe that calls for pasta.
- Saute' ground beef in a skillet and stir in marinara. Serve over spaghetti squash for a quick and easy dinner!
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How to Cook Spaghetti Squash Halves in the Instant Pot
Instructions
- Slice the spaghetti squash in half and scoop the seeds out.
- Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Add the broth to the bottom of the instant pot and then arrange the squash halves on top of it. Secure the lid, making sure the vent is set to seal. Set the timer to 7 minutes and the pressure to high.
- When the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure using the release valve. (Careful; I use a cooking mitt when doing this.) Test the spaghetti squash for doneness. Shred the spaghetti squash with forks, being careful not to burn yourself!
Notes
Serving Suggestions for Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
- You can serve this dish as a side with a little salt, pepper, garlic powder and butter. (For a vegan option, Miyoko's butter rocks. I use it all the time. For traditional butter, I use Kerrygold.)
- Toss with a Simple Peanut Sauce and top with cilantro, mint, and peanuts.
- Use as a base for a bowl in place of a grain.
- Use as a base for most any recipe that calls for pasta.
- Saute' ground beef in a skillet and stir in Marinara. Serve over spaghetti squash for a quick and easy dinner!
Laura G
7 minutes to cook a whole spaghetti squash??? It takes me an hour of oven time! I am starting to understand why my friends all want me to get an instant pot! I have been obsessed with spaghetti squash lately. Finding so many yummy ways to prepare them!! 🙂
Sarah Bailey
Oh my goodness this sounds absolutely delicious - it is amazing all the different things you can make in an instant pot. I really need to think about buying myself one!
Savannah Baker
7 minutes?! Talk about instant! I keep my spaghetti squash in the oven for a good hour - 45 minutes minimum. Surprisingly, I haven't jumped on the Instant Pot yet, and it really seems that I'm missing out. This recipe is perfect!
Tara Pittman
I love this way of cooking the squash. I bet the broth gives it a nice flavor. Any tips for cutting the squash?
Laurie Gannon
I really enjoy your writing style! It's very conversational and I feel as though you are talking to me (this is not meant to sound creepy...I swear!!)
I love spaghetti squash but have the hardest time cutting it in half. Also, I am jonesing for an Insta-pot. I am seeing them everywhere. Must. Get. One.
Evelyn Hernandez
Great recipe. We love spaghetti squash but normally bakes ours. Great option to cook in a pot instead of having to bake.
Shannan P
I have never in my 41 years on this earth cooked spaghetti squash. BUT you throw the words "instant pot" in any recipe and I am all in. Trying this VERY soon!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com
I had not thought about doing this in my Instant Pot. Now, I can't wait to give it a try!!
Casey
Wow... this is awesome. I do make a similar version of this with butter squash and pumpkin. My kids absolutely love them and its so healthy too. They demand I make this as least once a week on a Friday night. LOL...
stacey
This looks like a great substitute for pasta. And this healthy low carb alternative seems perfect for people who are gluten free and on busy weeknights.
Hannah Marie
I love how quick and easy it is to make this! Perfect for busy days. Looks so delicious and healthy. Yum!
Vaibhav Mehta
I am a spaghetti fanboy and this interesting take on the spaghetti with a SQUASH definitely has me hooked!!
Dr. K. Lee Banks
OK, so it's clearly time for me to try making spaghetti out of squash, because I have heard so much about it and seen blogs and pictures like these! I also now have an instant pot on my wish list at Amazon - same reason, seeing it touted so frequently as a great new small appliance to add to your kitchen! 😉
Mommy Sigrid
Oh wow! we never did squash this way. I wanna try this!!! Thank your for sharing. It's gonna change the way how we look at this food. weeee
Eric kay
Me and my wife love spaghetti squash. We will definitely be trying this