Name: Spaghetti Squash with Asparagus Ricotta Lemon and Thyme
Total time: PT-479636H59M34S
Ingredients: 1 large spaghetti squash: The star of the dish, providing a light, pasta-like texture.; 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps to roast the squash and sauté the asparagus.; Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Provides a tender, crisp contrast to the soft spaghetti squash.; 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, luxurious texture to the dish.; Zest of 1 lemon: Infuses the dish with bright, citrusy notes.; Juice of 1 lemon: Adds acidity to balance the richness of the ricotta.; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves: Introduces a subtle herbaceous flavor that ties everything together.; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the savory profile of the dish with its nutty, salty taste.; Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of earthy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large spaghetti squash: The star of the dish, providing a light, pasta-like texture.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps to roast the squash and sauté the asparagus.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Provides a tender, crisp contrast to the soft spaghetti squash.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, luxurious texture to the dish.
Zest of 1 lemon: Infuses the dish with bright, citrusy notes.
Juice of 1 lemon: Adds acidity to balance the richness of the ricotta.
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves: Introduces a subtle herbaceous flavor that ties everything together.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the savory profile of the dish with its nutty, salty taste.
Fresh sage leaves for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of earthy flavor.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: 🔥 Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your spaghetti squash roasts evenly and achieves the perfect texture.
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: 🍝 Begin by cutting the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them. Drizzle the squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Cook the Asparagus: 🌿 While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still retains a crisp texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix the Ricotta: 🍋 In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. This mixture will add a creamy, tangy element to the dish.
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: 🍝 Once the squash is fully roasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to gently shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the strands to a large bowl, which will serve as the base of your dish.
Assemble the Dish: 🍲 Add the sautéed asparagus to the bowl with the shredded spaghetti squash. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine them. Add dollops of the ricotta mixture on top, distributing it evenly. Finally, sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the overall flavor.
Garnish and Serve: 🌿 For an optional but beautiful finishing touch, garnish the dish with fresh sage leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors while they’re at their peak.

Preheat the Oven: 🔥 Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your spaghetti squash roasts evenly and achieves the perfect texture.

Cook the Asparagus: 🌿 While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the trimmed and cut asparagus pieces and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still retains a crisp texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix the Ricotta: 🍋 In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. This mixture will add a creamy, tangy element to the dish.

Prepare the Spaghetti Squash: 🍝 Once the squash is fully roasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a fork to gently shred the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Transfer the strands to a large bowl, which will serve as the base of your dish.

Garnish and Serve: 🌿 For an optional but beautiful finishing touch, garnish the dish with fresh sage leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors while they’re at their peak.