Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash is so uniquely special because it has the magical abilities to turn raw yellow flesh into golden strands.

The first time I cooked Spaghetti Squash, I was so intrigued by its magical powers. I felt like a magician pulling strings after strings of scarves out of the small magic hat as I scrape the endless golden strands from the yellow flesh! hehe~

What is Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash is a winter squash that turns into thin translucent noodly strands when cooked. It has mild, delicate flavor, with a refreshing light crunch and somewhat watery texture.

It’s low calories, low fat, low carb, rich in protein & antioxidants. Plus, it’s suitable for Paleo & Gluten free diets.

How to Buy Spaghetti Squash

Here are some tips for choosing and buying Spaghetti Squash:

• Outer Texture: Dry, firm, with no soft spots or cracks
• Color: Even pale yellow (it shouldn’t have any green spots)
• Appearance: It shouldn’t be shiny as that may mean it’s underripe or it’s waxed.
• Weight: Hold it in your hand to make sure it’s heavy for its size.
• Stem: Avoid spaghetti squash without stems. Plus, the stem should be firm and dry.

How to Store Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash will have longer shelf life with proper storage = less food wastage! 🙂

• Whole Uncooked Spaghetti Squash: Store in a cool, dry place in a single layer to allow air circulation. Don’t refrigerate uncooked & uncut squash, as it’ll spoil more quickly in the fridge.
• Cut Spaghetti Squash: Tightly wrap the squash in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is Great for:

• Low carb, gluten free, paleo diet
• Some people enjoy it as a low carb substitute for pasta, but don’t expect spaghetti squash to replace pasta because the textures and tastes are very different. However, the mild, delicate flavor can serve as a side with rich sauces or made into a flavorful main dish.
• Easy & quick no fuss light, healthy snack or salad

How to Cook Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients for Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

• 1 whole (1149g) spaghetti squash*
• 1 cup (250ml) cold water

*Note: Size of our Spaghetti Squash – Circumference: 15 inches, Diameter: 5 inches

Tools for Cooking Spaghetti Squash in Instant Pot

• Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
• Trivet or Steamer Rack
• Knife

Prepare Spaghetti Squash

Why Cut the Spaghetti Squash in Half?

• It cooks much faster & more evenly than cooking it whole.
• It’s much easier & less messy to scoop out the seeds raw than once it’s done.

Cutting the Spaghetti Squash Lengthwise vs. Widthwise

Pros for Lengthwise

• Easier to scoop out the seeds
• You can eat it straight out of the squash – get creative and make a variety of Spaghetti Squash bowls

Pros for Widthwise

• Easier to cut
• You can rake out longer strands

So pick your poison. 🙂

How to Cut Spaghetti Squash?

• First wash the spaghetti squash in cold water, then wipe it dry.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.

*Note: Be careful cutting the squash as it’s hard and slippery.

How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash?

• Scrape out the seeds and stringy bits in the center with a spoon (as shown in photo below).

Pro Tip: Instead of discarding the seeds, you can roast them like pumpkin seeds! 😀

Pressure Cook Spaghetti Squash

Place 1 cup (250ml) of cold water and a trivet in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.

Place Spaghetti Squash in Instant Pot on the steamer rack. 

With Venting Knob in Venting Position, close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position.

Pressure cook spaghetti squash:

• Pressure Cooking Method:
  • For Al Dente Spaghetti Squash (with a crunch): High Pressure for 6 minutes + Quick Release
  • For Softer Spaghetti Squash: High Pressure for 8 minutes + Quick Release

After the pressure cooking cycle, release the remaining pressure by turning Venting Knob to Venting Position.

Open the lid carefully.

Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Carefully remove the Spaghetti Squash from Instant Pot.

Note: the pressure cooker spaghetti squash will be quite hot, so be sure to use oven mitts.

Here comes my favorite part! 😛

Gently pull the flesh away from the spaghetti squash skin with a fork to create long “spaghetti-like” strands (as shown in photo below).

Serve this tasty Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash immediately with your favorite main dish or sauce.

*Pro Tip: Top this Spaghetti Squash with our yummy umami Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce! 😀

Look at these magical strands of goodness! Enjoy~ 🙂

Time for cooking Spaghetti Squash in Instant Pot!

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