Spaghetti squash is one of those incredibly versatile vegetables that are always useful to have on hand. Trying to lower your carb intake? Increase your nutritional intake? Maybe you’re just looking for more gluten-free or keto-friendly options? Spaghetti squash is your ideal choice. Prepare in bulk, freeze, and reheat when ready to eat. And if you’re worried that reheating is tough, no need.
There are many ways to reheat spaghetti squash, including using the stovetop (optimal), microwave, steamer, or even skillet. Each method will provide a slightly different texture and therefore can be chosen depending on the type of dish you want to make. When done correctly, even reheating will give you delicious results that make this perfect for meal prepping.
You have a lot of options when it comes to reheating the squash. The good news is there’s something that will work for all convenience levels. The only thing to watch out for is making sure you don’t overcook the squash.
This is easily avoided by doing two things:
Make sure you don’t overcook the squash the first time, before freezing or refrigerating
Keep an eye on the squash while reheating
Stovetop
Here’s how to heat spaghetti squash on the stove. This is the optimal way to reheat it since the stove does a great job of preserving the original taste and texture. The added benefit is that you don’t need to worry about thawing the frozen spaghetti squash – it can go directly into the saucepan.
Add water and a dash of salt to a saucepan and bring to boil
Add spaghetti squash (refrigerated or frozen)
Reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 7 – 8 minutes
Drain the water
Serve immediately with your preferred seasoning, sauce, or side of vegetables
Microwave
Microwaving your spaghetti squash is the best option if you are in a hurry or don’t have access to a stove or other heating methods.
The only thing to be mindful of is that you can not directly use frozen spaghetti squash. You will need to at least partially thaw it. If you want to reheat it for your lunch at work, just store it in the fridge until lunchtime. Microwaving will be no problem then.
Steps To follow:
In a microwavable dish, add spaghetti squash and drizzle 1 tsp of olive oil (or any cooking oil of your choice), along with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings for flavor (optional).
You can also prepare all of this beforehand so that you can just pop the whole dish into the microwave at work.
Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel
Set your microwave to medium power and cook for 45 seconds
Remove the dish from the microwave and mix. Check to make sure it has not become hard.
If needed, place back into microwave and heat 30 seconds longer
Remove from microwave and serve
Depending on your microwave you may need to adjust the timing. This is why it’s important to check on the squash after 45 seconds. You will then be able to determine how much longer to keep it in for. It’s also important to add oil, otherwise, the microwaving process will dry out the spaghetti squash.
Steaming will ensure that your spaghetti squash remains soft, without the danger of it becoming hard or dry. Just make sure to fully thaw your frozen spaghetti squash before steaming.
Steps to follow:
Add 1 cup of water to the steamer and heat
Place fully thawed spaghetti squash into the steamer
Steam for 5 minutes
Serve immediately
This is a fairly quick and easy way to prepare your squash for a meal. Just make sure not to steam too long, since you don’t want it to become too soft.
Skillet
Did you know you can also make your spaghetti squash ‘noodles’ crispy? The skillet is the way to go. The trick is to make sure there is no moisture in the spaghetti squash. Make sure it is fully thawed before starting.
Steps to follow:
Ensure there is no moisture in the squash: place between paper towels on a flat surface and pat dry
Heat skillet and add 1 tbsp olive oil
Add the towel-dried spaghetti squash
Spread to fully cover skillet
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and other seasonings of choice (garlic powder, onion powder, basil, etc)
Cook until noodles feel crispy
Enjoy your crispy, golden brown noodles!
Reheating Prepared Spaghetti Squash Dishes
So far you’ve seen how to reheat plain spaghetti squash. What about if it has already been prepared into a dish, and you want to reheat that?
See below for tips on reheating spaghetti squash based dishes, like Spaghetti Squash Lasagna or Spaghetti Squash Boats:
Once cooked, cool completely
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
OR wrap tightly to freeze
When ready to reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350 F for 10 – 15 min or until fully heated (from freezer to oven is OK)
Reheating spaghetti squash is very simple. And the best part is that you have so many methods to choose from. If you are busy and need something quick, just pop it in the microwave. Otherwise, go the classic route and heat it on the stove. For a different texture, you could try the skillet or steamer. And if you already have a prepared dish, place it in a microwave or traditional oven.
Regardless of your reasons, you will not regret incorporating this wonderful vegetable into your diet. Who says ‘easy’ food has to be just junk food? With high-quality produce, proper cooking and storing methods, reheating spaghetti squash ‘noodles’ can be easy as microwaving minute noodles!
