Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash is such an easy way to cook a veggie that you can use as a side dish or load up as a main. After years of feeding a hungry family and finding simple solutions for weeknight meals, I have learned that this method always gives you golden, tender strands that shred perfectly into noodle-like goodness. Whether you top it with sauce, mix it with veggies, or serve it alongside dinner, this is a foolproof, homemade way to enjoy spaghetti squash with barely any effort.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Click HERE to read my policies.
This post was originally posted on 10/19/2020 and updated on 10/30/2025.
Why We Love This Roasted Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Easy, no-fuss way to cook spaghetti squash perfectly every time.
- Golden, tender strands that shred just like noodles.
- Works as a simple side dish or a base for a main meal.
- Minimal ingredients and simple prep.
- Pairs well with sauces, veggies, meats, or just butter and parmesan.
- Great alternative to pasta without sacrificing any flavor.
Roasted Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ingredients
- Spaghetti Squash: pick one that has a smooth, thick skin with no soft spots and is an even golden color. It should feel heavy for it's size.
- Olive Oil Spray: any oil spray will work. I like olive oil for the flavor. You can also just rub a little olive oil over the squash too.
- Salt
- Black Pepper
How to Cut Spaghetti Squash
The skin and flesh of spaghetti squash can be a bit hard to cut through when its raw. To help ease the struggle and keep all your fingers in tack, follow these simple steps:
- Take a fork and pierce it down the middle of the squash creating a vertical line where you plan on cutting it.
- Now place the squash in the microwave and cook it for 5 minutes for a large squash and 3 minutes for smaller size.
- Take out the squash and let it cool until you are able to handle it.
- It should be slightly tender, but still raw. The knife should give a little and be able to cut through the squash a lot easier.
How to Roast Spaghetti Squash in Oven
- First, preheat oven to 400°F and line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil. Spray the foiled pan with olive oil or nonstick cooking spray.
- Once you have easily cut the squash in half, take a spoon and scoop out the seeds. Save the seeds to roast them, or toss them.
- Next, spray the flesh of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with some salt and black pepper.
- Now place the oiled and seasoned squash face down on prepared sheet pan.
- Roast the squash in preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the squash is tender but not mushy.
- Once cool enough to touch, turn the squash over and use a fork to pull the strands of squash.
- Serve the squash right in its own vessel or scoop into a bowl.
How Long to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Depending on the size of your squash it can take anywhere from 40-60 minutes. If you cook for an hour the strands will be more soft and sometimes a little mushy. To get the perfect al dente noodle texture check the squash at 45 minutes. You can check for doneness by piercing the inside of the squash with a fork or pairing knife. It should push right through.
What to Serve with Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash
This oven roasted spaghetti squash recipe is delicious served as a main dish. Make it a main dish by topping it with some Simple Spaghetti Meat Sauce, Easy Marinara Sauce or my Crock Pot Beef Bolognese.
Spaghetti squash makes a hearty side that pairs perfectly with so many meals. I personally love it with some garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese with any protein. Serve it alongside my Herb Roasted Spatchcocked Chicken or Chicken Meatballs for a cozy family dinner, or plate it with BBQ Meatloaf for a classic comfort food combo. It is also amazing with Garlic Butter Shrimp when you want something lighter but still full of flavor.
I happen to love squash. I love it roasted, air fried, all the ways! My absolute favorite though is my Maple Roasted Acorn Squash. It's perfectly balanced with sweetness and incredibly easy!
Storing Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Storing: Place the roasted spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked squash. Place the cooked and cooled squash in a freezer bag or freezer safe container. Label, date and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Reheating: Reheat the spaghetti squash in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Tips for Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash
- Line your pan with foil for easy clean up.
- Microwave the squash before cutting in half. It makes it a lot easier to cut.
- Cut the spaghetti squash vertically to get beautiful strands.
- Don't over cook it. Roasting too long can make it too soft and mushy.
More Roasted Veggie Recipes:
- Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- Lemon Thyme Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Easy Roasted Carrots
Did you make this recipe? Rate it!
If you enjoyed this recipe give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comments below. It really helps the recipe stand out and I appreciate the feedback to make recipes everyone will enjoy.
Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash
- olive oil cooking spray
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice squash in half vertically.
- Scoop out the seeds.
- Spray inside of squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Place the squash halves cut side down on prepared sheet pan.
- Roast for 45-60 minutes until tender.
- Once cool enough to touch, turn the squash over and use a fork to pull squash to make strands of "spaghetti".
Notes
- Take a fork and pierce it down the middle of the squash creating a vertical line where you plan on cutting it.
- Now place the squash in the microwave and cook it for 5 minutes for a large squash and 3 minutes for smaller size.
- Take out the squash and let it cool until you are able to handle it.
- It should be slightly tender, but still raw. The knife should give a little and be able to cut through the squash a lot easier.
Leave a comment