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    Home » Appetizers & Sides

    Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

    Published: Oct 2, 2019 / Updated: Oct 2, 2019 / 4 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

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    It's easy and quick to make Instant Pot spaghetti squash! Free up your stove while making this super easy vegetable side.

    close-up of a fork with spaghetti squash

    I love spaghetti squash. I only discovered it as an adult, which is a shame since it's probably one of the more fun vegetables for kiddos. It's super healthy too! It's also a great way for those on low carb/keto diets to enjoy something that (sort of) resembles spaghetti. Whatever your reason for eating it, I certainly recommend the Instant Pot method for cooking spaghetti squash. I find it easier than other methods, and if you're making it for a special occasion like Thanksgiving, you still have the stove available for all your other pots and pans. 

    How to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot

    1. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds

    Do this carefully with a large, sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. 

    two spaghetti squash halves

    2. Place squash in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water

    You can use the trivet if you wish, but I don't think it's necessary. 

    two spaghetti squash halves in an Instant Pot

    3. Cook it on high pressure for 6 minutes then do a quick pressure release

    There is no exact science on how long to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot. I find 6 minutes is good for a 3-pound squash to end up not too soft/mushy and not too "al dente". However, if you prefer it to be slightly firmer, give it 5 minutes. Adjust by a minute or two either way depending on the size of your squash. Keep in mind that anything much bigger than a 3-pound spaghetti squash likely won't fit in a 6-quart Instant Pot. Also, be sure to do a quick release or the squash will keep on cooking. 

    cooked spaghetti squash halves in an Instant Pot

    4. Remove the squash from the Instant Pot and "rake" it with a fork

    The squash will be really hot, so I recommend using two large spoons to take it out of the Instant Pot. Once I'm done "raking" it, I like to add some salt, pepper, and butter. You can eat it right in the squash halves or transfer it to a plate to enjoy with the rest of your meal.

    What to serve with spaghetti squash

    Spaghetti squash is a delicious side that pairs well with many meals. Try it with my creamy garlic chicken or this spinach artichoke salmon recipe.

    Other squash recipes you may enjoy:

    • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup (Thick & Creamy)
    • Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
    • Thai Coconut Squash Soup
    • Butternut Squash Carrot Soup
    • Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
    • Sausage and Parmesan Stuffed Acorn Squash

    Have you ever made spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot?

    Questions? Give me a shout in the comments below.

    close-up of a fork with spaghetti squash

    Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

    It's easy and quick to make Instant Pot spaghetti squash! Free up your stove while making this super easy vegetable side.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 6 mins
    Inactive time 10 mins
    Total Time 21 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 106 kcal
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    Ingredients
     

    • 1 medium spaghetti squash (mine was about 3 lbs.)
    • 1 cup water

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the spaghetti squash in half. Remove the seeds (I just use a spoon to do this).
    • Add the water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the squash halves in the Instant Pot. You can use the trivet insert, but I don't (it doesn't really make any difference).
    • Close the IP's lid and set the valve to "sealing". Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to get up to pressure. 
    • Once the countdown has finished, do a quick pressure release. Carefully remove the squash from the Instant Pot. Use a fork to "rake" the squash so it looks like spaghetti. Serve immediately (I always put some butter and salt & pepper on it). 

    Notes

    • Depending on the size of your squash, you may need to adjust the timing by a minute or two. Keep in mind that anything much bigger than a 3-pound spaghetti squash may not fit in a 6-qt Instant Pot.
    • This is the Instant Pot that I used to make this recipe.
    • Calorie information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 106kcal
    Keyword Instant Pot spaghetti squash
    Author Natasha Bull
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    1. Lori says

      January 28, 2022 at 9:24 PM

      5 stars
      I also had a 3lb spaghetti squash and this cooked perfectly! Thank you!! I'll be incorporating more spaghetti squash into meals now that I can make it this quickly and easily 😀

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 29, 2022 at 9:03 AM

        Fantastic!!

        Reply
    2. Diane Bull says

      October 6, 2019 at 10:07 AM

      Wow, i will be giving it a try, never thought of cooking squash in my IP

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 6, 2019 at 9:07 PM

        Let me know if you like it! 🙂

        Reply

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