Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Marinara

Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
By Published

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal?

Jump to recipePin it
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Marinara
Prep
55 min
Cook
30 min
Total
55 min
Servings
4

Method

  1. Pour 1 cup of water into a 6-quart Instant Pot® and place the rack inside with the handles facing up the sides.

  2. Use a fork to deeply pierce the squash all over, about 12 to 16 times. Then, place the squash on the rack. If necessary, trim the stem to ensure that the squash fits comfortably in the pot, but be careful not to cut into the squash itself.

  3. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to lock the lid and prepare for cooking. Set the Instant Pot® to pressure cook on high for 12 minutes.

  4. While the squash is cooking, take a medium bowl and add the canned tomatoes. Lightly crush the tomatoes using your hands. Set the bowl aside.

  5. Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's instructions for quick release and wait until the quick-release cycle is complete. Be cautious of any remaining steam, then unlock and remove the lid.

  6. Use two kitchen towels to carefully remove the rack and squash from the Instant Pot® and transfer them to a cutting board. Pour out the water from the pot. Allow the squash to cool slightly as you prepare the marinara sauce.

  7. Set the Instant Pot® to high sauté and let it heat up for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of oil, followed by the onions and a large pinch of salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and starting to lightly brown

About this recipe

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal? Look no further than Instant Pot spaghetti squash with marinara! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of spaghetti squash with the tangy flavor of marinara sauce for a satisfying dish that will keep you coming back for more.

Why Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can make cooking a breeze. It uses pressure cooking to rapidly cook food, locking in the flavors and nutrients. With the Instant Pot, you can have a perfectly cooked spaghetti squash in a fraction of the time it takes to cook it in the oven.

The Magic of Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a unique vegetable that gets its name from the strands of flesh that resemble spaghetti noodles when cooked. It's a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, making it a popular choice for those following a healthy lifestyle.

When cooked, the flesh of the spaghetti squash becomes tender and easily separates into strands with a fork. This makes it an excellent substitute for pasta in a variety of dishes, including spaghetti squash with marinara.

The Perfect Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. It's a versatile sauce that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including spaghetti squash. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch, depending on your preference and time availability.

When preparing the marinara sauce, you can add your own twist by adding ingredients like red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or fresh basil for an aromatic flavor. The choice is yours!

How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Marinara

Now that you've gathered all the necessary ingredients, it's time to make Instant Pot spaghetti squash with marinara. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1Prepare the Spaghetti Squash

Start by cutting the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and removing the seeds. Place the squash halves on the Instant Pot trivet, add water, and set the cooking time.

Step 2Cook the Spaghetti Squash

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and adjust the cooking time according to the size of the squash. Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure manually.

Step 3Separate the Strands

Use a fork to gently separate the spaghetti squash strands from the skin. The flesh should easily come apart into spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the strands to a bowl and set aside.

Step 4Prepare the Marinara Sauce

While the spaghetti squash is cooking, prepare the marinara sauce. Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and herbs, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.

Step 5Combine the Squash and Sauce

Add the marinara sauce to the bowl of spaghetti squash strands and toss until well combined. Serve hot and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Can I use a different sauce instead of marinara?

A1: Absolutely! You can experiment with different sauces like pesto or alfredo to create unique flavor combinations.

Q2: Can I freeze the leftover spaghetti squash?

A2: Yes, you can! Simply place the cooked and cooled spaghetti squash in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q3: Can I add meat or vegetables to the dish?

A3: Definitely! You can add cooked ground meat, sautéed vegetables, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

Q4: Can I cook the spaghetti squash without an Instant Pot?

A4: Yes, you can! Simply roast the spaghetti squash halves in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-50 minutes or until tender.

Q5: How long does it take to cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot?

A5: The cooking time depends on the size of the spaghetti squash. Typically, it takes around 7-10 minutes under high pressure.

Q6: Can I use a different type of squash?

A6: While spaghetti squash works best for this recipe, you can try using other types of squash like butternut or acorn squash. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

Q7: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A7: Absolutely! Simply use a vegan marinara sauce and skip the Parmesan cheese garnish.

Q8: Can I add spices to the marinara sauce?

A8: Of course! Feel free to add spices like oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of cinnamon to add depth and flavor to the marinara sauce.

In conclusion, Instant Pot spaghetti squash with marinara is a delicious, healthy, and time-saving dish that everyone can enjoy. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can have a perfectly cooked spaghetti squash in minutes. Whether you're following a low-carb diet or looking for a gluten-free alternative to pasta, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, why wait? Give it a try and indulge in a bowl of spaghetti squash goodness!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

More vegetables

See all →