How To Cook Butternut Squash In A Pressure Cooker

You can cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker in about 15 to 20 minutes, and it comes out perfectly tender every single time.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker without wrestling with a rock-hard gourd for an hour, you’re in the right place.
 
The pressure cooker steams it fast, keeps the flesh sweet and creamy, and saves you from babysitting a hot oven.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker, plus tips for prepping, seasoning, and using the cooked squash.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

Why Cooking Butternut Squash in a Pressure Cooker Works So Well

Cooking butternut squash in a pressure cooker works so well because steam and pressure do the tough work for you.
 
Here’s why this method beats other options:
 

1. It Cuts Cooking Time Dramatically

Roasting a whole butternut squash can take 45 to 60 minutes in the oven.
 
When you cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker, that time drops to around 15 to 20 minutes.
 
That’s a huge win on busy weeknights when you want dinner on the table fast.
 

2. The Flesh Stays Moist and Sweet

Pressure cooking traps moisture inside the pot.
 
This means your butternut squash steams in its own natural sweetness instead of drying out.
 
The result is silky, creamy flesh that’s perfect for soups, purees, and mash.
 

3. No Tough Cutting Required

Butternut squash is notoriously hard to peel and chop raw.
 
The good news is you can cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker whole or in large halves.
 
Once it’s done, the skin slips right off and the squash practically falls apart.
 

4. It’s Hands-Off and Foolproof

Once you lock the lid and set the timer, you can walk away.
 
No stirring, no flipping, no checking every few minutes.
 
Just natural release and you’re done.
 

How to Cook Butternut Squash in a Pressure Cooker Step by Step

Learning how to cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker takes just a few simple steps.
 
Here’s the full process:
 

1. Prep the Squash

Rinse the squash under cold water to remove any dirt.
 
If it fits in your cooker, you can leave it whole.
 
If not, cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
 

2. Add Water to the Pot

Pour in one cup of water for a 6-quart pressure cooker.
 
This creates the steam that cooks the butternut squash.
 
Place a trivet or steamer basket inside so the squash doesn’t sit directly in the water.
 

3. Place the Squash Inside

Set the whole squash or halves on the trivet.
 
If you’re cooking pieces, arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding.
 

4. Lock the Lid and Set the Timer

Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
 
For a whole butternut squash, cook on high pressure for 20 to 25 minutes.
 
For halves or cubes, 10 to 12 minutes is usually enough.
 

5. Let the Pressure Release Naturally

When the timer beeps, turn off the heat and let the pressure come down on its own.
 
This takes about 10 to 15 minutes and finishes the cooking gently.
 

6. Check for Doneness

Open the lid and pierce the squash with a fork.
 
If it slides in with no resistance, your butternut squash is done.
 
If it’s still firm, lock the lid and cook for 3 to 5 more minutes.
 

Ways to Use Your Pressure Cooked Butternut Squash

Once you know how to cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker, you’ll want to use it in everything.
 
Here are some of my favorite ways:
 

1. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Mash the cooked flesh and blend it with broth, onion, and a splash of cream.
 
Since the squash is already soft, the soup comes together in minutes.
 

2. Butternut Squash Puree

Blend the flesh with butter, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg.
 
This makes a smooth side dish that pairs well with chicken or roast pork.
 

3. Pasta and Grain Bowls

Cube the cooked butternut squash and toss it into pasta, quinoa, or farro.
 
It adds a sweet, hearty element that makes any bowl feel like a full meal.
 

4. Baby Food

Puree the cooked squash with a little water or breast milk.
 
It’s naturally sweet, so most babies love it.
 

5. Freeze It for Later

Scoop the flesh into freezer bags and press flat.
 
It keeps for up to three months, so you can cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker once and enjoy it for weeks.
 

So, How Do You Cook Butternut Squash in a Pressure Cooker?

You cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker by adding water, placing the squash on a trivet, and cooking on high pressure for 10 to 25 minutes depending on the size.
 
It’s fast, it’s easy, and the results are consistently tender and sweet.
 
Now that you know how to cook butternut squash in a pressure cooker, you can skip the long oven wait and get dinner moving in minutes.
 
Give it a try this week and see how simple it really is.