Instant Pot Whole Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash is always a great option if you are looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake. It's way lower in carbs than pasta or rice. Also, you will love how fast it cooks in the Instant Pot.

Plus, by cooking the spaghetti squash WHOLE in the Instant Pot makes it so much easier to CUT! And honestly that's the hardest part about cooking a spaghetti squash.

I already made Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer so I thought I would try to make in the Instant Pot as well. I think the Instant Pot is the easiest way to cook a spaghetti squash!

The Instant Pot cooks spaghetti squash quicker than roasting it in the over and you can cook it whole so you don't have to worry about cutting into a raw spaghetti squash.

If you're looking for another low carb pasta option, check out this How To Make Zoodles post.

Why you'll love this Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Spaghetti Squash is low in carbs - compared to traditional pasta or chickpea pasta, spaghetti squash is lower in carbs and is a whole food. Great for those following a keto or paleo diet.
Easy Recipe - all you need is a spaghetti squash and water to make this easy spaghetti squash recipe. You can dress it up with your favorite toppings or eat it as is.
Quick Recipe - start to finish you can have deliciously tender spaghetti squash in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Spaghetti squash
Water

Tips & Tricks

So I've made spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot probably about 10 times now. It's my favorite way to make it.

Because of this I've found out the hard way that you need to perform a quick pressure release and remove the spaghetti squash shortly afterwards.

If you perform a natural pressure release, or perform a quick pressure release and accidentally forget the cooked spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot, it can come out watery and over cooked.

Overcooked spaghetti squash is still edible, it just doesn't have the perfect al dente spaghetti squash texture that I prefer.

Tools to make this easy recipe

I use a 6QT Instant Pot, but any electric pressure cooker will work. I’ve been using the same one since 2016! You will also need a sharp knife, a trivet or silicone steamer basket to steam the spaghetti squash, and a butcher block to cut the spaghetti squash in half on.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash on a white plate with a bite size on it

How to make Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Place the water in the bottom of the instant pot
Next add the trivet
Then place the spaghetti squash on top of the trivet
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the knob is set to sealed
Select "manual" high pressure and set the timer to 16 minutes.
Once the timer goes off preform a quick pressure release.
Once the pressure has all been released carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot.
Remove the spaghetti squash from the Instant Pot and transfer it to a cutting board.
Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half, this will be very easy.
Next using a spoon scoop out all of the seeds from the spaghetti squash.
Next use a fork to scrap the squash to make “noodles”
Optionally top with salt, pepper, parsley and parmesan cheese.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot with a trivet — Place all ingredients into the instant pot. Cook for 16 minutes.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash on a cutting board with a knife — Place all ingredients into the instant pot. Cook for 16 minutes.

Oven Directions

If you do not have an Instant Pot then you can always make this recipe in the oven.

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the inside of the squash with avocado oil.

Place the spaghetti squash cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake for about 40 minutes.

Remove squash from the oven. Use a fork to scrape and fluff the strands from the sides of the squash.

Substitutions

If you do not have Spaghetti Squash and want a a low carb option, then you can try to make zucchini noodles.

What to serve with Instant Pot Whole Spaghetti Squash

Serve this Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash noodles with Keto Meatballs, Low Carb Spaghetti Sauce for a delicious low carb spaghetti dinner.

If you are planning on having this as a side dish I would top it with salt, pepper, parsley and parmesan cheese.

Other low carb sauces to serve with spaghetti squash noodles

Spaghetti Squash Boats with a fork and a grey napkin on the side

How to store

Store leftover spaghetti squash noodles in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to reheat

Place Spaghetti Squash on a microwave safe plate and microwave for 60-90 seconds. Or if microwave in a glass container, remove the lid and microwave for 60-90 seconds.

cooked whole spaghetti squash cut in half on a white plate topped with parsley

FAQs

Can you cook a whole spaghetti squash in an instant pot?

Yes! It's my favorite way to cook a spaghetti squash. It makes cutting a spaghetti squash in half so much easier.

Can You Freeze Spaghetti Squash?

Yes, simply store the leftover spaghetti squash in a glass air tight container and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How Long to Cook Spaghetti Squash in an Instant Pot?

It takes about 30 minutes to cook a whole spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot. This includes the time it takes to get to pressure, the actual cooking time and a short natural pressure release.

cooked whole spaghetti squash cut in half on a white plate

More Spaghetti Squash Recipes

Don't have an Instant Pot? Check out these other easy ways to cook a spaghetti squash.