Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Trying to eat healthier but don’t want to give up your favorite dishes? Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is the perfect healthy alternative to pasta. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and paleo so you can enjoy all of your favorite dishes guilt-free.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. The spaghetti squash turns into tender golden strands that are just like the real thing. You won’t even miss the pasta.

Read on to learn how to make Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash!

What is Spaghetti Squash?

Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash that gets its name from its stringy, spaghetti-like flesh. The oblong fruit is typically yellow or green in color, and it has a hard, bumpy exterior.

Spaghetti squash is generally harvested in the fall, and it can be stored for several months.

When cooked, the flesh of the squash separates into strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. In addition to being a low-carb alternative to pasta, spaghetti squash is also a good source of vitamins A and C.

It can be roasted, steamed, or added to soups and stews.

How to Buy Spaghetti Squash?

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to pasta, spaghetti squash is a great option. But how do you choose the best spaghetti squash? Here are a few tips:

• Look for a squash that is heavy for its size. This indicates that it is ripe and ready to eat.
• Avoid squash with blemishes or bruises. These squashes will not store as well and may not be as flavorful.
• Choose a medium-sized squash. Large squashes can be difficult to cut and cook.

With these tips in mind, head to your local grocery store or farmers' market and start shopping for the perfect spaghetti squash!

How to Store Spaghetti Squash?

Spaghetti squash is a winter squash that can be stored for several months. It is best to store spaghetti squash in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cellar.

When storing spaghetti squash, it is important to keep it away from other fruits and vegetables. This is because the squash can release ethylene, which can speed up the ripening process of other produce.

Ethylene is also produced by ripening fruits such as bananas and avocados.

Therefore, it is best to store spaghetti squash in a separate area to prevent it from releasing ethylene and affecting other produce.

When storing spaghetti squash, make sure to check on it regularly and use any squashes that have started to soften or show signs of mold. Spaghetti squash that is properly stored can last for several months.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is Great for:

• Those following a low-carb, gluten-free, or paleo diet.
• Low-carb substitute for pasta. However, spaghetti squash still can't fully replace pasta because there are different textures and tastes between these two.
• Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash is great for an easy and quick no-fuss light, healthy snack or salad. It can be served as is or can be easily tossed into a salad or pasta dish. Just add some olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and pepper to taste, and you're good to go!

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in Instant Pot: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know how to buy, store, and prepare spaghetti squash, it's time to get cooking!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 6 oz ground beef
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Tools for Cooking Spaghetti Squash in Instant Pot

Here are some helpful tools that will make the process a breeze!

• Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker
• Trivet or Stainless Steel Steaming Rack Stand
• Knife
• Cutting board

How to Prepare Spaghetti Squash?

Now that you know how to buy and store spaghetti squash, it's time to learn how to prepare it!

There are a few ways to prepare spaghetti squash: skewer it, bake it, or microwave it.

Here's how to prepare each method.

Skewer it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds.
3. Insert a skewer into the center of each half and turn them so they're evenly coated with oil.
4. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until they're soft when pierced with a fork.

Bake it:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds.
3. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, or until they're soft when pierced with a fork.

Microwave it:

1. Pierce the squash a few times with a fork.
2. Place the squash in a microwave-safe dish and add a few tablespoons of water.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave for 6 minutes, or until they're soft when pierced with a fork.
4. Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands. These can be eaten as is or added to other dishes.

Enjoy!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil and onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper, then add the tomato sauce and ground beef. Mix well to combine.
3. Place the spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot and spread evenly with a spoon. Cover with the lid and pressure cook on manual high for 10 minutes or until fork-tender. 
4. Carefully remove from the pot with a fork, then let cool slightly before serving with Parmesan cheese on top.