Spaghetti squash has become an increasingly popular low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta. While fresh spaghetti squash is readily available in most grocery stores when in season, the process of preparing it can be time consuming and messy. This has led to many people wondering if you can purchase spaghetti squash that is already cooked and prepared to save time in the kitchen.
Can You Buy Pre-Prepared Spaghetti Squash?
The good news is yes, pre-prepared spaghetti squash is available for purchase from select stores and online retailers. This pre-cooked spaghetti squash offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy the veggie without having to bake and shred a whole squash yourself. There are a few different forms you can buy it in:
Refrigerated Pre-Prepared
Some grocery stores like Trader Joe’s offer fresh, refrigerated spaghetti squash in the produce section that has already been cooked, shredded, and packaged. This refrigerated version has a short shelf life of around a week. It provides freshly cooked spaghetti strands ready to heat and eat or add to recipes.
Frozen Pre-Prepared
Frozen pre-cooked spaghetti squash is also available at many mainstream grocery retailers like Walmart or Target. This is often sold in microwaveable bags or containers that you can reheat or pop in the oven before serving. The frozen pre-shredded squash will keep for months in the freezer. Popular frozen brands include Frieda’s and Trader Joe’s.
Canned Pre-Prepared
Canned spaghetti squash provides a shelf-stable option that is pre-cooked and ready to heat. Some popular brands offering canned spaghetti squash include Del Monte, Progressive, and Bella Viva Orchards. The canning process softens the strands so they are ready to eat after warming. Canned squash will keep for 1-2 years unopened.
Where to Buy Pre-Prepared Spaghetti Squash
Here are some of the best places to find pre-cooked spaghetti squash:
Grocery Stores
Check the refrigerated and frozen vegetable sections at local grocery retailers like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, ShopRite, etc. Larger chains often carry pre-prepped versions. The availability may depend on your region.
Natural Food Stores
Health food markets like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Earth Fare, and Fresh Thyme will frequently stock fresh, frozen, or canned pre-made spaghetti squash options. This is especially true when the vegetable is in season.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is a prime spot to pick up pre-cooked spaghetti squash. They sell it refrigerated and frozen under their own label. Their inexpensive prices make it a budget-friendly option.
Walmart
Walmart stores carry an assortment of nationally available frozen and canned spaghetti squash products under brands like Frieda’s and Del Monte. Their everyday low prices make it affordable.
Online Shopping
You can order pre-prepared spaghetti squash online from grocery delivery services like Instacart and FreshDirect or sites like Amazon and Walmart.com. This provides access to a wide range even if local stores don’t carry it.
Cost of Pre-Made Spaghetti Squash
Buying pre-cooked spaghetti squash does come at a premium cost versus preparing it from a whole squash yourself. Here are some average price points:
Refrigerated
$3.99 – $5.99 for a 22 oz package
Frozen
$1.99 – $3.49 for a 16 oz microwavable bag
Canned
$1.99 – $3.99 for a 15 oz can
The convenience factor makes pre-prepped worth the extra cost for many people. It’s cheaper than buying prepared meals and still provides nutritious vegetable servings for your diet. Waiting for sales and coupons can help save on packaged versions.
Pros of Buying Pre-Prepared
Here are some of the biggest benefits of purchasing cooked spaghetti squash instead of making it from scratch:
Saves Time
Having the squash already cooked, cooled, and shredded saves lots of time prepping. No need to bake a whole squash for 50 minutes.
Avoids Mess
Pre-prepped squash means you skip the work of halving or deseeding raw squash and the mess of shredding hot, cooked flesh. There’s minimal clean up.
More Convenient
You can enjoy spaghetti squash anytime without planning ahead to cook it. The pre-made options keep for days or months.
Easy to Portion
Packaged shredded squash allows you to quickly portion out servings for meals versus cutting up a whole baked squash.
Less Food Waste
Cooking a large squash often leads to leftovers and waste. Pre-prepped portions reduce the excess.
Potential Downsides
There are a couple possible disadvantages to keep in mind:
Higher Cost
Prepared versions can cost around 2-3 times as much as preparing spaghetti squash yourself from a whole vegetable.
Shorter Shelf Life
The refrigerated pre-prepped squash only lasts about a week. Frozen and canned have longer shelf lives.
Can Lose Nutrients
Some nutrients may degrade more over time from pre-cooking versus using fresh. But pre-prepped provides far more nutrition than pasta.
Added Ingredients
Check labels for any preservatives, seasonings, etc. added to packaged varieties if you want plain shredded squash.
How to Cook Pre-Prepared Spaghetti Squash
Here are tips for cooking the different forms of pre-made spaghetti squash:
Refrigerated
– Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
– Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
– Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes if squash seems too wet.
Frozen
– Microwave frozen squash in pouch for time specified on bag, usually around 5 minutes.
– Bake frozen squash at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.
– Saute in skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes to warm through.
Canned
– Drain liquid from can and rinse strands with cold water.
– Warm in skillet or microwave until heated through, 1-3 minutes.
How to Use Pre-Prepared Squash
Pre-cooked spaghetti squash is ready to eat straight from the package or incorporate into dishes both savory and sweet. Here are some easy ways to use it:
Side Dishes
– Toss strands with olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.
– Mix with marinara sauce and meatballs.
– Combine with sauteed veggies and garlic.
Main Dishes
– Make squash “pad thai” with peanut sauce.
– Stuff shells with spaghetti squash and ricotta.
– Layer in casseroles or lasagna.
Salads
– Chill and toss into spinach or kale salads.
– Mix with chopped veggies, chicken, and vinaigrette.
– Use in Southwest salad with black beans and corn.
Breakfast
– Saute and serve with fried eggs.
– Add to crustless vegetable quiche.
– Use instead of hash browns in skillet breakfast.
Conclusion
Pre-prepared spaghetti squash provides a simple shortcut for enjoying this healthy veggie pasta swap anytime. While pricier than making from scratch, the convenience and time savings make it worthwhile for many. Check grocery stores, natural markets, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart for fresh refrigerated, frozen, and canned pre-cooked options ready to heat and eat. With a little creative seasoning and mix-ins, pre-made spaghetti squash can be a fast low-carb side, main, or breakfast.