Seriously, the easiest way to cook spaghetti squash. No joke.
How to cook Spaghetti Squash in the slow cooker.
Spaghetti squash is such a cool vegetable! If you are not familiar with this particular type of squash, once roasted, the meat of the squash is transformed into pasta-like strands. So basically, you can then use it as you would pasta, BUT…. at only 40 calories a cup, it beats out your traditional 200 calorie per cup pasta.
One of my favorite ways to cook a spaghetti squash is in the crockpot. I can throw it in there in the morning, and have that yummy vegetable pasta ready to rock by dinner time.
Once roasted, I have been know to make spaghetti squash and meatballs, toss with Alfredo sauce, saute with garlic, and my favorite, spaghetti squash au gratin (recipe coming soon). So let’s get our spaghetti squash crockin’!
NOTE: This recipe is for 2 small or 1 large spaghetti squash. If you are only cooking 1 or using a smaller crockpot, times may vary.
Crockpot Spaghetti Squash
- 1 large spaghetti squash or 2 small will usually fit in a 6 qt. crockpot.
- Wash your spaghetti squash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Pierce 4-5 times with a sharp knife.
- Place in crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5.
- Be careful when removing your squash from the crockpot, because it will be very soft and flimsy.
- Cut squash down the center and remove seeded center. Then, using a fork, scrap out all of your yummy spaghetti squash!
- Our favorite was to eat it is with spaghetti sauce and meatballs!
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How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash or 2 small will usually fit in a 6 qt. crockpot
Instructions
- Wash your spaghetti squash thoroughly with soap and water.
- Pierce 4-5 times with a sharp knife.
- Place in crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5 hours.
- Be careful when removing your squash from the crockpot, because it will be very soft and flimsy.
- Cut squash down the center and remove seeded center. Then, using a fork, scrap out all of your yummy spaghetti squash!
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Nutrition Information:
Nutrition Disclaimer
Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Post updated September 2020
Judi B says
I would love to try spaghetti squash, but I’m not sure what I need to look for when selecting one. Are there any things I need to look for, or to avoid?
Corey says
You want to look for a spaghetti squash that is firm, and doesn’t have an y soft spots on it cracks. I hope that helps Judi! XO
Kathleen Plante says
Are the noodles good for a next day school lunch? Thanks 🙂
Jenifer says
They are good as long as you keep refrigerated. I have had some after a week in the fridge and they were still awesome.
Sara says
Will this method also work with butternut squash?
Corey says
Yes! I was going to have an upcoming post about that 🙂 Depending on the size of your squash, cooking times should be about the same 🙂
Sharon says
Can you do the same for a butternut squash?
holly says
This is fantastic! You just gave me a way to cook some of my favorite vegetables and save energy at the same time! Especially in the summer, when it is so hot and you don’t want to heat up the whole house!
Shela says
I always cook food in my crock in the summertime in the garage or outside on back porch/patio. No need to heat up the house!
Melanie says
I haven’t cooked one before. Do they have seeds in them that would need to be removed?
Corey says
Yes they do. You will easily be able to remove them once the squash is done cooking. Scrap those out first, and then the meat of the squash.
Martha Brochu says
Have these (2) spaghetti squash) going in the crock pot now.I added 2 cloves of garlic and a large sweet onion to infuse the squash with even more flavor…we love all kinds of squash, what a genius way to cook them. ..its so hard for me to cut them up due to arthritic hands that this technique solves all those problems…thank you..
Sharon Seiber says
I have the very same problem, and usually have to wait for someone to come over that can cut the dang squash. What a wonderful solution!
Tammy B says
As for cutting Winter squash, I put mine in a plastic kitchen garbage bag and tie the top of it then pick up the squash in the bag and smash it to the floor. It comes apart in many pieces then you can roast them in the oven…
TRACIE BAKER says
Tammy you rock.
Delores says
Tammy that is so smart. Have you split spaghetti squash that way too?
Ashley Bell says
Try the squash knife from easyware.co! It’s safe and easy!
dana says
Fantastic!! I hate trying to cut the squash in half to cook it in the oven, I nearly loose a finger every time! My fingers and I thank you for this idea!
Cindy says
Is it supposed to get soft like spaghetti noodles? I’m a texture person….lol!
Corey says
Spaghetti squash will be come soft, but still have a little crunch.
Janice says
Once cooked, how do you roast the noodles?
Corey says
No need to roast, just eat once cooked 🙂
Kelley P says
OK, but why is this better than 20 minutes in the microwave?
Jen says
Because the microwave destroys nutrients in food.. You should avoid microwave for foods whenever you can.
Alex | Thrifty Below says
What a great idea! I never really knew how to cook spaghetti squash, so I pinned this to try later!
Deena Rose says
Microwaving, in general is not a great method of cooking . It’s meant to be used in a pinch for time. You could still use the m/w, but crockpot method is a “better” way, esp. if you want to preserve nutrients. Can’t wait to try this idea!
Elizabeth says
I recently tried cooking this squash but my husband and I are looking for a bit more flavoring. Any recommendations about spices to try? (I’ll try the onion and garlic too) Thanks! Great and easy recipe!
Crystal says
I’m not the originator of this but you can spice it up with whatever you normally would a pasta dish. Like hamburger/sausage w/spaghetti sauce, you can even make a mexi flavored one. and add flavorful cheeses, garlic, onions, etc. it’s very easy.
jayne says
I cook my spaghetti squash with apples, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, raisins, pecans or walnuts. It is sweet fall dish.
Jackie says
Hi Everyone, for my spaghetti squash, I oil a little coconut oil and Johnny’s Seasoning Salt on mine. Turns out delicious every time!!!
terra says
I toss mine in a pan with a little butter, garlic and Italian herbs after I roast the squash
Andrea says
My husband and I like out sauteed with onions and garlic, and topped with parmesan cheese. Delicious!
wendy says
I tried cooking it in a crockpot once. I pierced it with a fork several times just like I do when baking it in the oven. When I went to cut it open it exploded. Have not been brave enough to try it again. Does piercing it with a knife really work? I dont want to get burned again.
sharon says
I have cooked it several times in the oven and have never had the “spaghetti” noodle look. Mine just clumps together. Still tasty but not so pretty. Any idea why? Am I over or under cooking? Your pictures look like noodles. Giving it a try today. Thanks
Corey says
Are you cutting it before you put it in the oven?
jean says
I am guessing over cooking because I put in the crock pot for way to long and ended up with mush instead of strings. It didn’t taste very good however.
Lori Gillham says
I have cooked both in m/w and oven. In the oven I cut it in half, cut side down, with olive oil and seasonings in the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil to bake, works great, tastes great. But I think I will try the crock pot….. Think there is a way to still use olive oil and seasonings while cooking? Can you cut them first to put in crock pot?
Holly says
I had a spaghetti squash explode in my microwave last week. One of my friends shared this post on Facebook for me. Thankful for an alternative.
Laura says
Tried this today and while it was a LOT easier to cut open than raw spaghetti squash, my result was a pile of mush that looked nothing like noodles . I got a way more appetizing reault by oven roasting it.
Plan B now, guess I’ll be using this for a casserole.
Debra Benton says
That’s really odd. I’ve done it many times like this and never had mush. Maybe it was a small squash and less time would have been required?
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
Amazing and so easy!!! I tried it tonight and it was the easiest way I have ever prepared this squash. Thank you so much!!!
joyce says
Spaghetti squash is NOT noodles, its like strands of spaghetti.
Karen says
People need to know that spaghetti squash needs to have some holes poked in it to allow steam to escape, especially in the oven or microwave, not sure about crockpot but I would still prob do that, to prevent and exploding squash:)
Most recipes don’t seem tell people that:) Happy Cooking.
Firebird says
I’m not concerned with calories, rather the carb count. That is where I find spaghetti squash to come in handy.
Sarah says
Excited for the easier cutting! Making this tomorrow with pesto sauce topped with garlic shrimp!
Corey says
Sounds like a yummy idea!
Carol says
Make sure to follow directions of piercing squash with a knife. Tried it for first time today. LOVE using my crock pot and this is one more reason why. No mushy squash but I was careful to follow instructions and cook on low heat for several hours.
Alison says
Do you pierce it on both lower and upper sides of squash? (The part submerged in the water and the part above?)
Corey says
I just pierce it on the top.
Nadine says
your recipe did not mention water in the crock pot….should I put some water in the pot? I have very little cooking experience so I need specifics!
Corey says
Nope, you don’t have to add any water Nadine 🙂
Anna says
Thank you for this helpful recipe! I love spaghetti squash but always find it kind of tedious to cook in the stove and risky to cook in the microwave. I just mixed it up with some jarred alfredo sauce, peas, and chicken breast topped with mozzarella and bread crumbs! Can’t wait!
Helene says
Never saw a spaghetti squash before, a friend gave it to me. So I cut it to see the texture and see how I can cook it. Can I still put the cut squash in the slow cooker? Thank you!!
Corey says
Yes Helene, but if it is already cut, make sure to scoop out the seeds first.
Kristin says
I’m just cooking one in a small crock pot does the time change at all? Or if you don’t know is there a way for me to know it’s done?
Corey says
I would do the shorter time range Krisitn. Once the squash is easy to cut through, it is done.
Willie winkler says
Could an instant read thermometer or a probe type be inserted through a hole (like a nail hole or ice pick ) to tell when done? Can’t wait to try this crockie pot cooking of de squash.
Jessie says
so no adding water to the crock pot at all just the squashes??
Corey says
Yep!
Don says
No matter how you cook the squash you don’t need to cut it until it is done cooking and has cooled down. It is easy to cut when cooked.
js says
Odd…..had a large spagetti squash in 2 separate crock pots…pierced with knife…same cook time…one the stringy spagetti like texture..other one mushy? Any ideas what I might have done wrong?
Debbie says
Will definitely try the crockpot method! But, as for getting a good “string” effect, try cutting the squash in half around the middle (or in thirds) instead of lengthwise from end to end. The strands of squash grow “around” not top to bottom, so the longer cut simply slices the strands in half. For this method, it might be easier to purchase more of a round then oblong shape (as best you can.)
Caitlin S. says
I found my first spaghetti today and had no idea what to do with it! I am going to try this with some homemade cheese and broccoli sauce for broccoli Mac n Cheese. Thanks for the recipe!
Delores says
I thought this was a fabulous idea so I tried it. The spaghetti squash turned out great BUT the bowl of my new(er) crockpot cracked. It took 6 months to get a replacement, so never again this way. I have seen other sites where a little water was added. I think I will try that next time. Just a heads up for you all.
Shannon says
Help! My squash won’t fit in the crockpot! Instead of piercing it, can I cut off the ends?
Corey says
I think that should be fine Shannon 🙂
Heather with www.madeinapinch.com says
I love seeing this method from other people! I also cook my spaghetti squash like this and have never had any trouble. I used to do it in the oven, but this is SO MUCH easier!
Nikki Sutton says
Do you add any liquid to your slow cooker for cooking?
Corey says
Nope
Dorothy says
Once Squash is cooked & other ingredients are added, can the dish be kept warm in the crockpot to take to a pot luck? Any tips on best methods for doing this?
Angie says
I have a question, so theres no water just the squash?
Corey says
Correct Angie
Chels says
Do I put water in my crock pot or are they put in the crockpot dry?
Addie says
Thank you! Going to try this today. My fav way to eat this is cooking the squash and shredding it, and cooking up taco fillings and mixing it together. Makes for a tasty taco treat 🙂
Julie says
Looks yummy! I cut mine in two crossways to keep the strands longer, as they wind around horizontally in the squash.