SUPER FAST / FEWER THAN 10 INGREDIENTS / QUICK RELEASE / VEGETARIAN
Spaghetti Squash with Herbs and Butter
6 servings
It’s fast and easy to steam a spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot. The flesh, once cooked, separates into tiny threads, like little bits of spaghetti (or more like bright yellow short spiralized butternut squash noodles). We’ve fancied up this simple preparation a bit with fresh herbs and lots of butter. The easiest way to remove the seeds from the squash halves before steaming is with a serrated grapefruit spoon.
1½ cups water
One 3- to 3½-pound spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise, the seeds scraped out
¼ cup (½ stick) butter, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon packed fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon stemmed fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon table salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1. Pour the water into a 6- or 8-quart cooker. Put the spaghetti squash halves skin side down in the pot—not both flat, of course, but maybe one flat and one angled up against it. Lock the lid onto the cooker.
2.
Set the machine for: PRESSURE COOK
Set the level for: MAX
The valve must be: 
Set the time for: 8 minutes with the KEEP WARM setting off
If necessary, press: START
Set the machine for: PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL
Set the level for: HIGH
The valve must be: Closed
Set the time for: 10 minutes with the KEEP WARM setting off
If necessary, press: START
3. Use the quick-release method to bring the pot’s pressure back to normal. Unlatch the lid and open the cooker. Use large kitchen tongs and a metal spatula to transfer the hot squash halves to a nearby cutting board. Cool for 10 minutes. Discard the water in the insert. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into threads and into a large bowl.
4.
Press the button for: SAUTÉ
Set it for: MEDIUM, NORMAL, or CUSTOM 300°F
Set the time for: 5 minutes
If necessary, press: START
5. Melt the butter in the cooker. Add the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then add the squash threads. Cook, stirring almost constantly, until the squash has absorbed the butter and the herbs are evenly distributed, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the SAUTÉ function, pour the contents of the hot insert into a serving bowl, and cool for a minute or two before serving.