How to Cook a Whole Spaghetti Squash in the Slow Cooker
on Aug 15, 2019, Updated Apr 15, 2024
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This simple recipe for how to cook a whole spaghetti squash in the slow cooker is the best set-it-and-forget-it hack — when you can prepare a vegetable this easily, there’s no reason not to cook it more often!
Spaghetti squash is a big hit in my house! Sometimes I don’t want to go through the steps to to oven roast a spaghetti squash, and that’s where the slow cooker comes into play. It’s a set it and forget it cooking method that you can start ahead of time. It’s great for busy evenings.
Table of Contents
- How to Cook a Whole Spaghetti Squash in the Slow Cooker
- How do you cook spaghetti squash in the slow cooker?
- Is spaghetti squash good for you?
- How long does slow cooker spaghetti squash last for?
- How to Cook a Whole Spaghetti Squash in the Slow Cooker Recipe
- Spaghetti squash goes great with these main dishes:
- Other winter squash recipes you’ll love:
How to Cook a Whole Spaghetti Squash in the Slow Cooker
I think a lot of people assume you need to roast a spaghetti squash to get the perfect al dente consistency. Even though I love a solid roasted spaghetti squash recipe, it’s not the only way to cook up these versatile vegetables. You can put these guys in a slow cooker with a cup of water and, in just a few hours, have a completely cooked spaghetti squash!
The thing I love about this hack is that it takes ALL of the effort out of cooking spaghetti squash. Y’all know what I’m talking about… When you roast this kind of squash, you have to cut it first. Whether you cut it length-wise or into rings (my preferred style), it’s a tough squash to cut into, and it takes a good amount of elbow grease to get the job done.
That’s why this slow cooker recipe is so glorious. You simply wash the squash and put it into the slow cooker whole with a little water. After it’s done cooking, it softens enough so that you can easily cut it in half and scoop out the seeds before shredding the good stuff. Once it’s prepped, just serve it up with your favorite pasta toppings! We like a red marinara sauce with meatballs or simple butter, parmesan, and salt and pepper.
How do you cook spaghetti squash in the slow cooker?
Slow cooking spaghetti squash could NOT be more straightforward! It’s truly one of the best dinner hacks ever because you just set it and forget it. First, wash your spaghetti squash, and place it in the bowl of your slow cooker. Add one cup of water, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You can tell it’s done when a fork easily pierces the skin. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and shred the squash meat with a fork. Discard the shell, and serve the “noodles” with your pasta toppings of choice!
Is spaghetti squash good for you?
Yes! It is incredibly nutrient-rich and packed with super-good vitamins. Spaghetti squash is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, and vitamin B6. It’s also low in calories and packed with antioxidants. For a pasta lookalike, that’s not too shabby!
How long does slow cooker spaghetti squash last for?
Cooked spaghetti squash stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How to Cook a Whole Spaghetti Squash in the Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash, about 3 pounds
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Rinse off your spaghetti squash, poke it a few times with a fork or sharp knife, and set it in the bowl of your slow cooker.
- Add one cup of water to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until a fork easily pierces the skin of the squash.
- Remove from the slow cooker, and place on a cutting board.
- Cut in half width-wise with a sharp knife, and remove the stem.
- Use a spoon to scrape the seeds from the center.
- Use a fork to scrape the flesh so that it becomes “spaghetti.”
- Serve however you like.
Notes
- This is such an easy and set-it-and-forget-it recipe!
Nutrition
Spaghetti squash goes great with these main dishes:
- Brown Sugar and Garlic Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- The Best Baked Chicken Legs
- Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Legs
- Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes
- Bop’s Favorite Meatloaf Recipe
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- The BEST Baked Chicken Breast
Other winter squash recipes you’ll love:
- Homemade Butternut Squash Soup
- Simple Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
- How to Cook a Whole Butternut Squash in the Slow Cooker
- How to Roast Butternut Squash
- Simple Lentil Curry with Butternut Squash
- Grilled Butternut Squash in a foil packet
- How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Instant Pot
- The Best Oven Roasted Spaghetti Squash
You’re going to be amazed by this simple guide for how to cook spaghetti squash in the slow cooker. It simplifies the whole process and minimizes your work!
what if the squash is too big for the slow cooker? can you cut it in half first?
Yes! That’ll work too, just adjust he cooking time as needed, it may cook a little fast since it’s in smaller pieces.