Cooking whole spaghetti squash in an Instant pot is easy and results in yummy squash noodles every time! No cutting or prepping!
Carb count - 1 cup of spaghetti squash noodles has 7g total carbs.
Cutting spaghetti squash prior to cooking is a messy and unnecessary step. With this recipe you can cook a whole spaghetti squash in the Instant pot skin, seeds and all. Pressure cooking a whole squash is perfect for when you are short on time or need hands off time to prepare a low-carb, gluten-free, healthy meal.
The spaghetti squash will be done when you get back from running errands, working out or preparing the rest of your meal!
If you don't own an Instant pot, but have an air fryer, try Air fryer spaghetti squash!
If you don't have an Instant pot or air fryer, then checkout this post for the complete guide on how to cook spaghetti squash for all the different ways you can cook spaghetti squash!
👩🏻🍳 Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Jump to:
- 👩🏻🍳 Table of contents
- Spaghetti squash in a pressure cooker
- How many carbs are in spaghetti squash?
- 🥘 Ingredients
- 🔪 Instructions
- Cutting spaghetti squash
- How to get spaghetti squash "spaghetti"
- 🧂 Seasoning ideas
- 🍽 How to serve
- 🍳 Equipment you'll need
- 🥡 How to store
- How to freeze
- How to make ahead
- 💭 Top tips
- Frequently asked questions
- Instant pot spaghetti squash recipe card
- More spaghetti squash recipes
Spaghetti squash in a pressure cooker
Pressure cooker spaghetti squash is an easy way to make perfectly cooked al dente squash.
How many carbs are in spaghetti squash?
7 grams per cup of cooked squash.
🥘 Ingredients
- 1 whole spaghetti squash
- 1 cup water
🔪 Instructions
How to cook a whole spaghetti squash in an Instant pot
Cooking spaghetti squash in an Instant pot is easy.
For perfectly al dente spaghetti squash that look like noodles, just pressure cook this Winter squash whole. Add a cup of water to the Instant pot. Insert steamer basket, place spaghetti squash onto steamer basket. Set the pressure cook button to 15 minutes for a 3 pound squash. Allow a few extra minutes for pressure release naturally.
When total time is up, vent the steam with the quick release switch. Carefully remove the cooked squash from the Instant pot with oven mitts or a dish towel.
Cutting spaghetti squash
Cutting spaghetti squash is easier with a cooked squash. First let it cool to the touch. Then cut it in half crosswise. Peel away the skin. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and pulp. Use a knife to trim off both ends, then cut squash crosswise into 4 sections. Plate and arrange the spaghetti strands.
How to get spaghetti squash "spaghetti"
Prepare spaghetti squash for plating by cutting the flesh crosswise.
🧂 Seasoning ideas
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Herb salt or fresh herbs
🍽 How to serve
I love spaghetti squash with pasta sauce. Serve hot spaghetti squash with your favorite:
- Bolognese sauce
- Marinara sauce
- Spaghetti sauce
- Alfredo sauce
- Add your favorite protein such as cooked ground turkey, reheated frozen meatballs or mozzarella cheese
🍳 Equipment you'll need
- Instant pot with steamer basket
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon to scoop out the seeds
🥡 How to store
Prior to cooking, store spaghetti squash in a cool, dark place like a cellar, pantry or fridge. Uncut spaghetti squash should last between two and three months.
Once you’ve cooked your squash, be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to a week.
How to freeze
Cooked spaghetti squash can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for 10-12 months.
How to make ahead
This is a great vegetable to make ahead of time for weekly meal prep.
After pressure cooking, let it cool, then store in the fridge, intact, for up to a week. Leave the skin on so that it holds its shape.
Reheat in the Instant pot for 1 minute with quick release immediately after. Or plate it up and reheat in the microwave.
💭 Top tips
Follow these cooking tips for best results:
- Leave the skin on until plating so that the spaghetti squash noodles hold their shape.
Frequently asked questions
The total time is about 30-40 minutes. The Instant Pot takes about 12-15 minutes to fully pressurize, 15 minutes to pressure cook and 3-10 minutes for natural pressure release.
Active pressure cooking time is 15 minutes.
Yes. An 8 inch long, or 3 pound, squash can fit a 6 quart Instant pot.
Instant pot spaghetti squash recipe card
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
Cooking whole spaghetti squash in an Instant pot is easy and results in yummy squash noodles every time! No cutting or prepping!
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash (8” in length or smaller, about 2-3 pounds for a 6 quart Instant Pot)
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
- Place the steamer basket into the Instant Pot.
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
- Place squash on the steaming basket.
- Lock the lid, flip the steam release switch to Seal.
- Select Pressure Cook. Use the -/+ Time button to select 15 minutes (00:15).
- Press Keep Warm to turn off automatic Keep Warm setting.
- Press Start. The display shows On. The Instant Pot takes about 12-15 minutes to preheat and fully pressurize. You’ll see this when the float valve has visibly popped up above the surface of the lid.
- When done, the display shows End.
- Do not Vent. Allow the Instant Pot to fully depressurize. The float valve descends so that the top is flush with the lid. About 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the lid.
- Test the squash with a knife. The squash is done when a knife easily pierces the skin and flesh.
- Remove the squash from the Instant Pot. Use gloves or a kitchen towel to protect your hands while handling the squash.
- Let cool or cool under cold running water.
- Cut in half. Then cut into 4 rings. Remove the seeds and pulp with a spoon.
- Peel off skin.
- Use a fork or fingers to gently separate the spaghetti squash strands into long “noodles”.
- Serve with your favorite pasta seasonings or toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- A 3 pound squash will yield about 4 cups of "noodles"
- If cooking for meal prep, leave the squash whole and store in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: Instant pot
- Cuisine: American
Claire says
We have cut carbs out of our diet and I love that we can easily cook spaghetti squash to have with pasta sauce, while the kids have regular spaghetti!
great recipe
Sachi says
Thank you for the lovely comment, I'm glad you've enjoyed it!
Sherry says
I have been trying to eat healthier and your spaghetti squash recipe was a perfect. So easy to make and very tasty!!
Sachi says
I'm so happy to hear that! Enjoy!
Alex Bala says
Love this way of making spaghetti squash. Very easy and takes a lot of the mess out of it. Thanks for a great recipe.
Sachi says
I'm so happy to hear that! Enjoy!
Linda says
Really enjoy this spaghetti squash. It's perfect for a low-carb dish and so much healthier than pasta
Sachi says
Thank you for the lovely comment, I'm glad you've enjoyed it!