Instant Pot spaghetti squash makes a great keto pasta option. And cooking spaghetti squash in a pressure cooker is super easy.
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You may have noticed that I’ve been into the quick and easy low carb recipes lately. I’ve been working on my very long list of things to do. So, I’ve been trying to keep my cooking to a minimum with 30 minute keto recipes.
Spring is also the time I usually set out to lose those extra pounds I gained over the winter. It seems to matter how hard I try, it happens every year.
Last year I experimented with an Egg Fast so I may be trying that again soon. Have you tried egg fasting?
Getting Started with Electric Pressure Cooking
To help me spend less time in the kitchen, I recently purchased an Instant Pot. Do you have one? It's an electric pressure cooker that's much safer than the ones designed for the stove top. And it's perfect for making Instant Pot spaghetti squash!
I do have a large pressure cooker that cooks on a stove. But, I have never used it because I never took the time to learn how to use it properly.
The thing I like about the Instant Pot is that it's much more than a pressure cooker. It can also be used to saute, steam vegetables, and slow cook. The model I purchased can also be used to make yogurt.
To get a feel for pressure cooking, I started with something easy. I wanted to know how to cook spaghetti squash, so I took some advice from Nom Nom Paleo.
Can Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Be Cooked Whole?
I wondered if the squash could be cooked whole. However, after reading information online, it seems like cutting it in half results in a better texture and faster cooking time.
I was a little nervous about cutting it raw as I've had trouble before. That's why I preferred cooking it whole in the slow cooker as shown in my post for crock pot spaghetti squash.
Turns out that I was making the cut a lot harder by doing it lengthwise rather than in the middle. My knife went right through the center.
If you go for the average size, it's tough to cook spaghetti squash whole in the Instant Pot because it doesn't fit. And, cutting it lengthwise would have difficult to squeeze into the pot with the cut side up. So, it makes sense that you need to cut the squash in half through the middle.
Pressure Cooker Spaghetti Squash
Out of all the ways to cook spaghetti squash that I have tried, the Instant Pot wins hands down. It resulted in the best texture with the least amount of time needed for cooking.
It does take some time to build up pressure, typically around 15 minutes, so it isn't super fast like the microwave. But, I prefer the texture over microwaved spaghetti squash.
And Instant Pot spaghetti squash is a great option for keto noodles when reducing carbs in standard recipes. It’s also a fantastic pasta option to include in low carb casseroles.
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
Here are the steps I used to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot:
- Cut spaghetti squash in half at the middle.
- Scoop out the seeds.
- Set rack in the Instant Pot.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot.
- Place both squash halves onto the rack.
- Close the lid with valve in “steam” position.
- Press “Manual” button and adjust time to “10” at high pressure.
- When Instant Pot goes to warm mode, turn it off and do a quick release to vent off steam.
- Open lid and remove the cooked spaghetti squash.
You can adjust the time to your preference. You could go anywhere from 7-10 minutes. I thought 10 minutes resulted in a nice texture. If you like it a bit firmer, try 7 minutes.
Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce
I love Instant Pot spaghetti squash served with a simple meat sauce made with a low carb marinara sauce. You can also use a commercially prepared sauce if you like. Just look for one without any added sugar.
The jarred kind is definitely more convenient for busy people. A brand that I use often is Rao’s because the carb count is low.
Low Carb Ideas for Serving
Need some ideas for using cooked spaghetti squash? My favorite favorites are linked below:
- Shrimp Alfredo
- Paleo Pad Thai
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
- Cheesy Broccoli “Noodle” Casserole
- Chili Cheese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole
- Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
I also put together a keto recipe collection using spaghetti squash. But the easiest recipe is to just top the strands with meat sauce using the recipe below. Be sure to leave a comment to let us know what your favorite way to serve it is.
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Recipe
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 pound ground beef
- 32 ounce jar marinara sauce
- parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti squash. I like to use the Instant Pot pressure cooker using the method described above the recipe card because it's fast and easy.
- Brown ground beef.
- Add marinara sauce to cooked beef and simmer until heated thoroughly. Remove from heat.
- Pull strands from the cooked spaghetti squash and serve topped with meat sauce.
Notes
- Cut spaghetti squash in half at the middle.
- Scoop out the seeds.
- Set rack in the Instant Pot.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot.
- Place both squash halves onto the rack.
- Close the lid with valve in “steam” position.
- Press “Manual” button and adjust time to “10” at high pressure.
- When Instant Pot goes to warm mode, turn it off and do a quick release to vent off steam.
- Open lid and remove the cooked spaghetti squash.
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
Post updated in June 2019. Originally published April 2016.
Fran Simpson
I made this and we loved it! Great Weight Watcher meal! Am looking forward to having it again. The ease of fixing the perfect spaghetti squash is a game changer. Thanks for providing this recipe.
Emily Kemp
Love the sound of this and so easy to prepare a healthy comforting meal on weeknights!
Kelly
Hello, the wording is kind of confusing, my instant pot has both “steam” and “manual” buttons. Do you just set the valve to “sealed” and set manual cooking for 10 minutes? My valve does not have a “steam” setting. It’s only sealed or vented. Thank you!
Lisa
It is set to sealed (the "steam" icon" and the cooking time is set to 10 minutes on manual (high pressure).
Cheryl Thompson
Can you freeze cooked spaghetti squash to use later? I'm the only one eating it and can't use it all at once.
Lisa
I've never froze it before, but I know others have done it successfully.
Marianne
I have successfully frozen it. Just put it in a resealable plastic bag and flatten out thinly. Once frozen the required amount can be snapped off when you want to use it.
Lisa
Cool idea! Thanks.
HazelP.
Love, love, love the idea of pressure cooking spaghetti squash! It takes an eon in the oven...cut in half in the middle. I choose smaller rather than bigger.
I'd like to know what brand of instant pot you both have; it's always hard for me to decide which brand, and I've often been disappointed with new purchases (like slow cookers).
Meanwhile, I have a terrific pressure cooker; I was scared to death of my mothers and never had one until about 10 years ago. I've found that nothing can beat pressure cooking for development of deep and wonderful flavors in stews, chilis, etc., and that it's the only thing that does a great job on very dense (fibrous but nutritious) veggies like beets.
Where does one encounter the instant pot? I researched my pressure cooker online then purchased at Sears.
Lisa
The brand I have is the Instant Pot. I bought it off Amazon. I have a big regular pressure cooker too, but have never used it. I got it to do canning, but still haven't tried it out.
Rose
I have owned an instant pot for over a year and LOVE it! The more you work with it the more you will be figuring out short cuts to make the a quick dinner on the most hetic days. I usually use the Saute mode to get the pot hot and this will help reduce the time it takes to build pressure. I have also learned it is very important to allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for any meat that you cook in it which somehow makes it more tender. Please post more recipies with the Instant Pot!
Rose
Lisa
Thanks so much for the tips Rose! I'm very new to pressure cooking and the Instant Pot.