How To Cook Spaghetti Squash in a Crock Pot

Want to learn how to cook spaghetti squash easily in a crock pot? Let me show you how!

Spaghetti squash is delicious, and it serves a lot of purposes in the kitchen. It contains plenty of vitamins, including folate and potassium.

Much like pumpkins, these squash contain the often hard-to-find vitamin A. But their unique texture makes spaghetti squash a great substitute for recipes that would normally contain grains (spaghetti Squash Carbonara, anyone?). These amazing things are low-carb and absolutely gluten-free. This makes it an ideal food for those looking to adopt a more paleo-friendly diet.

There are dozens of ways to cook spaghetti squash. But the easiest by far it to cook it in a crock pot. This soften up the inner flesh enough that you can squish it with a fork, carve it into chunks, or serve it however you like. All the flavor is preserved, so the sky’s the limit!

Ingredients and equipment

All you need is:

• Spaghetti squash
• Water
• Crock Pot (or any slow cooker). I recommend using a 6-quart Crock Pot like this one or slow cooker.

How to make spaghetti squash in a crock pot

Making spaghetti squash in a crock pot is super easy! All you have to do is stick your squash in your crock pot with some water, go about your day while it cooks, and then shred it!

• Step 1: First you’re going to want to prick the outside of the squash with a fork about 15 times. This allows the steam to vent.

• Step 2: Place the squash and water into the crock pot.

• Step 3: Cook on low for 3-5 hours, until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

• Step 4: Remove the squash and place it on a cutting board.

• Step 5: Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

• Step 6: Cut the squash in half lengthwise.

• Step 7: Scoop out the seeds from the cavity and discard them.

• Step 8: Shred the flesh from the skin with a fork to make “spaghetti” strands.

• Step 9: Serve and enjoy!

Store any leftover cooked spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Ways to use crock pot spaghetti squash

• Use cooked spaghetti squash strands as a healthy alternative to traditional pasta. Serve it with your favorite marinara or carbonara sauce, or try this easy Boursin cheese spaghetti squash recipe!
• Drizzle with olive oil and top with freshly chopped parsley, lemon juice, and parmesan for a delicious side dish.
• You can use spaghetti squash in pretty much any casserole recipe. Layer it with cooked ground turkey or beef, marinara sauce, and cheese for a simple, delicious casserole.
• One of my favorites is tex-mex spaghetti squash boats. Mix cooked spaghetti squash with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and cheese. Cook in the oven until the cheese is melted.

Recipes and Tips:

• Boursin cheese spaghetti squash
• Easy Crock pot teriyaki chicken
• 20 Pressure cooker recipes

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This article was originally written on November 11, 2015 and has recently been updated.