Oven-roasted spaghetti squash transforms this humble fruit into long, tender, golden strands that make for a delicious twist in any meal. Its soft "noodle" texture is perfect for swapping in place of traditional pasta. Or, use the roasted strands as a tasty, adaptable side dish that brings variety to your favorite recipes!
To start, you'll want to cut the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy parts. Use either a spoon or an ice cream scooper for effective removal. When cutting the squash lengthwise, begin by inserting the sharp tip of the knife on one side and firmly moving back and forth until you reach the end.
Next, it's time to brush the interior with olive oil and season it with salt and black pepper according to your taste. This step not only adds flavor but also helps keep the squash moist when roasted.
Place the seasoned spaghetti squash, cut side down, on a parchment-lined baking tray. Additionally, poke the skin of the squash with a sharp knife or fork all over to ensure even cooking. This allows the natural juices to collect inside the squash, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Roast the spaghetti squash in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35-40 minutes or until it's fork-tender. You'll notice the outer skin becomes shiny and slightly caramelized during this process. To check if the spaghetti squash is cooked to perfection, insert a fork into the flesh. It should pierce through easily, indicating that it's tender and ready to be enjoyed.
Once done, remove the tray from the oven and let the squash cool completely before handling. Once cooled, turn the squash with the cut side facing up and use a fork to scrape out the cooked flesh. Now, your perfectly cooked spaghetti squash is ready for you to enjoy or use in your favorite recipes.
Serving
For a delightful meal, consider topping your Spaghetti Squash with marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a classic Italian twist. For more pairing ideas, refer to our Serving Suggestions section below.
Notes
Here are some useful tips to cook your Spaghetti Squash perfectly:
Cutting Safety: Use a sharp knife and sturdy cutting board when slicing into that tough spaghetti squash skin. Stabilize it on its side first to create a flat surface - this gives you more control as you carefully cut through.
Microwave for Ease: Speed things up by partially cooking the squash in your microwave first. Just pierce it all over with a fork to vent, then cook for 3-5 minutes to soften the skin before roasting.
Allowing to Cool Down Before Handling: After roasting, let the squash cool for a few minutes before handling. This prevents burns and makes gently shredding those strands with a fork a total breeze.
Save the Seeds: Instead of throwing them away, roast them with spices for a crunchy, flavorful topping to sprinkle over your spaghetti squash.
Foil Tip: If your squash is browning too fast while roasting, simply cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This trick slows down the browning process, ensuring your squash cooks evenly and stays nicely caramelized.
Don't Overcook: Be careful not to overcook your squash. You're aiming for al dente strands that still have a bit of bite to them, similar to pasta. Overcooked squash can become mushy and watery.