I Write Delicious REAL-FOOD RECIPES That You'll want again & Again, and teach people how to start or Scale High-Traffic blogs Just like the one you're reading
How To Make Spaghetti Squash Noodles (Step-By-Step Tutorial)
Noodles that aren’t noodles?! Spaghetti squash noodles are simply amazing.
I love spaghetti squash because it has great flavor and when it’s prepared correctly it really does have the texture of noodles. (Win!)
It’s also loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. (Double win!)
There are a few different methods for cooking spaghetti squash. I prefer cooking it in the oven as it retains the best flavor. There’s still debate about whether or not the microwave zaps nutrients (I think it might), but regardless roasting your spaghetti squash in the oven will yield a better flavor and texture.
The only slightly difficult part of turning your spaghetti squash into delicious noodles is getting your knife through it. Use a large knife and make sure it’s very sharp. Just be patient and (carefully) put some muscle into it.
Spaghetti squash is a winter squash but can be found in many places through most spring months. Look for a firm, blemish-free squash and store it on the counter out of direct sunlight; it will keep on your counter for a few weeks and up to a month depending on when it was harvested. All sizes are great depending on how many servings you want out of it.
How To Make Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F
Optional: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Slice an inch off the top and bottom of the spaghetti squash, then slice down the middle
Some people leave the top on, but at least slice off the bottom to make it stable when you cut it lengthwise. Next, slice the squash in half lengthwise. Use the largest knife you have and go slow; it might take a few minutes.
Step 3: Using a spoon, scrape out all of the seeds and stringy flesh
Most of the time I discard the internal seeds and stringy part, but if you have time separate and rinse the seeds, then roast them for 15 minutes just like you would pumpkin seeds for an extra treat.
Step 4: Brush the inside with a little olive oil
Brush the cut flesh of the spaghetti squash with a little extra virgin olive oil and place cut side down on the foil-lined baking sheet. Tip: In very dry climates you can add one or more tablespoons to the baking sheet if needed to retain moisture. I typically don’t do this because I find it can make the noodles too wet, but in a very dry climate, this might help if your noodles seem too dry.
Step 4: Roast 30-40 minutes until the flesh is fork-tender
Roast until it’s completely cooked through, meaning you can pierce the inside flesh with a fork and it easily goes through (the outside will remain tough).
Step 5: Let it cool, then scrape out your Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Let rest at least 15 minutes or until it’s cool enough to handle. Using a fork, start at one end and scape the “noodles” out lengthwise. Voila! Noodles.
Toss with any sauce or just a dash of extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper. I love it with marinara sauce or my favorite vegan pesto recipe.
Serve hot or warm. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator up to two days.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Optional: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Slice the top inch and bottom inch off the spaghetti squash. Some people leave the top on, but at least slice off the bottom to make it stable when you cut it lengthwise. Next, slice the squash in half lengthwise. Use the largest knife you have and go slow; it might take a few minutes.
Using a spoon, scrape out all of the seeds and stringy flesh. Brush the cut flesh of the spaghetti squash with a little extra virgin olive oil and place cut side down on the foil-lined baking sheet. Tip: In very dry climates you can add one or more tablespoons to the baking sheet if needed to retain moisture. I typically don’t do this because I find it can make the noodles too wet, but in a very dry climate this might help if your noodles seem too dry.
Roast 30-40 minutes until the flesh is fork-tender and completely cooked through. Let rest at least 15 minutes or until it’s cool enough to handle. Using a fork, start at one end and scape the “noodles” out lengthwise. Voila! Noodles.
Toss with any sauce (marinara or pesto are delicious!) or just a dash of extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper. Serve hot or warm. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator up to two days.
Keywords: How To Make Spaghetti Squash Noodles, Spaghetti Squash Noodles, Spaghetti Squash, Tutorial
See this recipe in action: You can watch a full demonstration of how to make spaghetti squash noodles in Series 1 of Elizabeth Eats.
I have tried several different “pasta” noodles and this by far is the absolute best (if you can’t have the real thing)! I was skeptical because c’mon it’s a veggie, but I was so wrong!
Curious, how do I keep it from coming out crunchy? I ve been roasting it for well over an hour but it s still just really crunchy. I ve never worked with spaghetti squash before so I m wondering if that s just how it is, or if I m doing something wrong.
Hi Tracey, hmmm, the spaghetti squash noodles will always have some “bite” to them, but they shouldn’t be crunchy. You may have not roasted it long enough before pulling out the noodles. Perhaps try to cook it longer next time until the middle of the squash is very soft. ~E
This made me cry! As pasta noodles are currently a no-no for me, so I searched for this. Thank you so much! 🙂 I will be doing this tomorrow as I am craving for some chicken pesto pasta. Do you think it’ll taste good? 🙂
I haven’t tried it, but if you try it just make sure to get as much air out of the package as possible. I would use a freezer gallon ziplock to try it.
The Health Habit can help anyone create healthier, realistic habits for lasting results. It's the best health + lifestyle book I've read in a long time!
I have tried several different “pasta” noodles and this by far is the absolute best (if you can’t have the real thing)! I was skeptical because c’mon it’s a veggie, but I was so wrong!
Nichole, We love spaghetti squash noodles, too! Glad it worked well for you. ~E
Curious, how do I keep it from coming out crunchy? I ve been roasting it for well over an hour but it s still just really crunchy. I ve never worked with spaghetti squash before so I m wondering if that s just how it is, or if I m doing something wrong.
I made this and the noodles taste amazing alone. However, when I put them in spaghetti sauce they taste a little crunchy. How can I fix this?
Hi Tracey, hmmm, the spaghetti squash noodles will always have some “bite” to them, but they shouldn’t be crunchy. You may have not roasted it long enough before pulling out the noodles. Perhaps try to cook it longer next time until the middle of the squash is very soft. ~E
Can i make it using butternut squash?
Hi Barza, no, this can’t be done with butternut squash. Spaghetti squash has a specific texture for it. ~E
Great recipe Elizabeth the oven method is delicious found my substitute for noodles thank you!!
Is this good with spaghetti sauce?
Hi Paula! Yes, we love it with a good red sauce or any sauce for that matter. ~E
Thank you, I have been frustrated with the changes I have to make in our
diet.
Thanks so much. First time trying this. Doing the 21 day fix.
Awesome! Let me know how it turns out.
This made me cry! As pasta noodles are currently a no-no for me, so I searched for this. Thank you so much! 🙂 I will be doing this tomorrow as I am craving for some chicken pesto pasta. Do you think it’ll taste good? 🙂
I think that would be wonderful! Spaghetti squash noodles are delicious with just about anything.
At what temperature do you roast it?
Thank you so much. I am making this now. Squash is roasting. I’m trying to cut out grains. This was very well presented and easy to
follow.
Hi- can you make ahead and freeze?
I haven’t tried it, but if you try it just make sure to get as much air out of the package as possible. I would use a freezer gallon ziplock to try it.
Wonderful! I just gave up grains and was wondering how to do this. Perfect timing! Thank you for sharing
So glad it helps!
Great recipe Elizabeth, thank you. It is a lovely vegetable and that is a really nice way to cook it. Will try it this evening.
Great! Let us know how it turned out.