How to Make Spaghetti Squash Using the Instant Pot
How to make spaghetti squash using the Instant Pot…it’s actually quite simple. I have had spaghetti squash on a few different occasions. I loved it from the first time I tried it. After researching recipes on how to prepare it on my own, I learned that spaghetti squash takes 45-60 minutes to make. That does not sound like a terribly long time, but when you are strapped for time, an hour can feel like an eternity! An hour is also a long time because baking the spaghetti squash isn’t usually the only part of prepping the meal. You aren’t going to eat spaghetti squash without pairing it with something else! I am thankful the Instant Pot has arrived in my life to save the day. Now spaghetti squash only takes 7 minutes!
I had my eye on the Instant Pot for about 9 months before I finally gave in and purchased one. To be honest, I initially had no idea how it worked and how it could benefit me. I kept seeing amazing videos on Snapchat and Instagram. I became so intrigued I had to do some research on my own.
What is an Instant Pot?
It is a multi-cooker that does the job of a slow cooker, electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, and warming pot. It’s a single appliance that does the job of seven different kitchen appliances or tools.
The Instant Pot website says you can reduce your cooking time by 70% because of the following:
- 12 pre-programmed operation buttons (Rice, Multigrain rice, Congee/Porridge, Sauté/Browning, Soup, Poultry, Meat & Stew, Beans & Chili, Steaming and Slow Cook, Keep warm, and Yogurt).
- The pre-programmed buttons automate the cooking process. No more standing around watching and waiting for meals to cook.
- You can delay cooking (up to 24 hours) to plan ahead of time. You can use all of the pre-programmed operations, with the exception of saute’ and yogurt.
Sounds pretty awesome right? There are so many features I am dying to try out, specifically the cake (for cheesecake 🙂 ) and yogurt settings.
Why Spaghetti Squash?
Spaghetti squash looks similar to typical squash but it’s larger and more round. In its raw state, if sliced, it will also look similar to regular squash. When cooked, strands form on the inside flesh creating angel hair-like strands, that resemble pasta. Spaghetti squash can be used in a lot of dishes to cut down on carbs and also boost nutritional value. It’s packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and just plain old healthy recipes! One cup of spaghetti squash has about 42 calories and 8 grams of net carbs. One cup of white spaghetti pasta has about 220 calories and 40 grams net carbs. There is a huge difference when comparing the variance in net carbs! Carbohydrates are the body’s first defense for fuel. Your body burns carbs FIRST for energy. When carbs are depleted, it moves on to burning fat. I pay less attention to the calories variance here because the fewer carbs you consume, the more room your body has to burn fat.
Now for the burning question……does it taste like pasta?!
No. Not to me. For me, it does not have to taste like pasta in order to be considered delicious. I LOVE veggies. I love vegetables, even more, when I can dress them up using an amazing recipe! And I have done just that. Check out my Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Chicken Alfredo recipe. The cream sauce and juicy, savory chicken paired PERFECTLY with the spaghetti squash. I always say consistent healthy eating does not have to be a curse. You really just have to get creative.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
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Cut the spaghetti squash in half, crosswise (not the long way).
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Scoop out the seeds and discard.
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Add 1 cup of water to the pot. Place the spaghetti squash halves in the instant pot, with the cut sides facing up.
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Place the lid on the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
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After the 7 minutes, release the valve at the top of the pressure cooker to lower the pressure.
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Remove the lid and the squash. Poke the squash to ensure it’s tender. Shred the squash with a fork to create “spaghetti.”
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More Instant Pot Recipes:
Instant Pot Chicken and Spanish Rice (Arroz Con Pollo)
Instant Pot Cheesecake
Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
Instant Pot Steak Tacos
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowl with Quinoa
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
May 4, 2017 @ 3:57 pm
We love spaghetti squash, normally I just roast our spaghetti squash in the oven.
I was looking at an instant pot last week, I am going to have to pick up.
May 4, 2017 @ 5:43 pm
I really need to get me one of these Instant Pots! So versatile!
May 4, 2017 @ 7:14 pm
Sadly I don’t have an instant pot but I love how convenient they are…I have to get one. Love how quickly it cooks down the spaghetti squash!
May 4, 2017 @ 7:40 pm
I really love making spaghetti squash, but you’re right it is so time consuming. Now you’ve really got me convinced I need an instant pot 🙂
May 4, 2017 @ 8:13 pm
I’ve been dying to get an instant pot, and this post has totally sold me. I HATE cooking spaghetti squash, and this makes it seem so painless.
May 4, 2017 @ 8:16 pm
I love this instant pot, how amazing that it can cook so fast
May 5, 2017 @ 2:08 am
I’ve been considering an Instant Pot for some time now. Everyone says they’re so easy to use. You make it look super easy also!
May 5, 2017 @ 4:56 am
I love my instantpot, it was a great buy… I’ve never seen ‘spaghetti squash’ for sale anywhere sadly, I have been looking to give it a try,
May 5, 2017 @ 7:01 am
I learned a few things about Instant pots in your post, I still don’t own one. Looks like a great instant pot, I might consider getting one.
May 5, 2017 @ 7:55 am
I need to get instant pot ASAP because the internet is full of recipes using it right now! These squash spaghetti look awesome!
May 5, 2017 @ 8:34 am
Wow, that is a funky looking pressure cooker. The modern versions are so much safer looking than the clunky versions from years gone by. It takes me 45 minutes to cook spaghettie squash in the over, so mice time saving!
May 5, 2017 @ 8:44 am
Gosh that looks so good! I’ve been wanting to try spaghetti squash but unfortunately I’ve never seen it for sale where I live! Fingers crossed one day! 🙂
May 5, 2017 @ 9:28 am
I’d never heard of an instant pot before, but it sounds fantastic!! And how quickly did it make that spaghetti squash?! I’m very impressed 🙂
Louise x
May 5, 2017 @ 12:52 pm
I’m so late to this one. I still don’t have an instant pot. But this spaghetti squash is one more reason I need to add one to my shopping cart.
May 5, 2017 @ 12:55 pm
I’m so late to this one. I STILL don’t have an instant pot. But this spaghetti squash is one more reason I need to add one to my shoppingcart.
May 5, 2017 @ 1:01 pm
I’ve never made spaghetti squash. I recently got into the instant pot thing so definitely need to give this one a try! Thanks for sharing! I’m always looking for new ways to add more veggies to our dinner table. 🙂
May 17, 2017 @ 11:42 pm
Ive heard so many thing about the instant pot AND spaghetti squash and sadly I’ve never tried either. The health benefits of the squash are great!