Lemon and Basil Ricotta Spaghetti Squash

Fresh squeezed lemon and garden picked basil light up this fresh spaghetti squash meal! Drizzled olive oil with a hint of garlic and creamy ricotta cheese accents the nutty flavor of the squash, giving this dish layers of flavor!

lemon ricotta spaghetti squash displayed on a table

Lemony Ricotta Pasta With Basil

I was just waiting for the perfect moment to cook this squash up. The weekend slowed down to a manageable pace where I was able to think clearly for one second. I finally had the perfect moment to create this ultra-simple dish, making sure each ingredient spoke for itself.

Spaghetti squash isn’t the first vegetable to come to mind when it comes to Summer dishes, but it certainly provides the perfect crunch to this dish! The nutty flavor of the spaghetti squash pairs beautifully with the peppery boldness of the fresh basil. A thin coat of olive oil helps spread the ricotta cheese throughout the dish, giving it a smooth and creamy taste.

lemon ricotta spaghetti squash in a white bowl

Chef’s Tips

  • Take a peeler, and peel a line around the squash vertically. Use a sharp knife and cut the squash in half.
  • Using s sharp knife, poke holes along the squash vertically. Place the squash (one at a time) in the microwave for 5 minutes a piece. Carefully remove from the microwave and cut along the dotted line.
  • For those who like a touch of spiciness, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top or integrate some thinly sliced chili peppers into the mix.
learn how to cut a spaghetti squash in half and roast it

How to roast a spaghetti squash:

  • Preheat the oven to 400° F.
  • Cut the spaghetti squash in half using the tips from above.
  • Scoop out the insides of the squash and discard.
  • Rub olive oil on the inside of the squash. Sprinkle salt and pepper, then place the squash cut side down on a baking sheet.
  • Poke holes in the skin of the squash with a fork.
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 30- 40 minutes, or until fork tender. Lager squash will take 40 minutes, or longer. I like my noodles al dente, so 30 minutes seems to be the sweet spot.
  • Remove from oven and enjoy!
roasting a spaghetti squash at 400 degrees maintains the form and flavor.

Why Spaghetti Squash?

Spaghetti squash is a wonderful, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. It is a goldmine of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. Consuming spaghetti squash can help improve digestion, boost the immune system, and support vision health.

Pairing Suggestions:

This dish can be perfectly complemented with a side of garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. If you’re looking to pair a drink, a light white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would beautifully enhance the flavors.

fork tender spaghetti squash is easy to make noodles with!

How to make Lemon and Basil Ricotta Spaghetti Squash:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Cut the spaghetti squash in half, discarding the insides.
  2. Place the cut side of the squash down on a baking sheet. Poke holes in the skin with a fork. Bake for 30-40 minutes.
  3. When squash is done cooking, shred the squash with a fork, creating the noodles.  Place noodles in a bowl, and toss in the lemon, olive oil, salt, basil, garlic powder, and ricotta. Replate in the squash skin, and mangia!
lemon ricotta spaghetti squash ingredients prepared.

Ingredients

  • 2 spaghetti squashes
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • lemon
  • basil
  • ricotta cheese
  • garlic powder
Spaghetti squash, olive oil, lemon, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the only ingredients needed for this lemon ricotta spaghetti squash meal!

Benefits of Lemon and Basil:

Lemon is not just a tangy fruit; it is loaded with vitamin C, which can rejuvenate the skin, promote weight loss, and aid digestion. Basil, on the other hand, is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, and calcium. It’s an anti-inflammatory herb and can help combat stress and act as an adaptogen.

Storage and Leftovers:

If you end up with leftovers, this dish can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, pop it into the microwave or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil.

fork and a white plate with lemon ricotta spaghetti squash on a beautiful table

My Pasta Dishes

  • Penne au Gratin made easy! This saucy meal is the soul food of all American- Italian food! Spicy Italian sausage is pan seared with peppers and mushrooms, and baked in alla vodka sauce with loads of cheese and penne pasta. This is a fabulous meal to feed a large hungry family!
  • This Red Wine Pasta Sauce is full of robust flavors, making this sauce a meal in itself! This simple 10 ingredient sauce will have you swearing off canned sauce for good! Bold red wine, Italian herbs, and a pinch of honey makes this sauce an absolute hit!
  • Easy Stuffed Shells With Spinach is a dish that calls for elegant simplicity. Red wine sauce from scratch compliments the herb and spinach ricotta that fills the al dente shells. This is an effortlessly delicious classic!
  • This easy, simple ingredient, 20 Minute Creamy Lemon Orzo With Salmon is a fresh tasting meal.  With light hints of lemon and Parmesan cheese, this dinner is satisfyingly delicious.
lemon ricotta spaghetti squash plated inside the spaghetti squash skin.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay in touch! I love to see your creations! Tag me at #SeaSaltSavorings to show me what you’ve made!

lemon ricotta spaghetti squash in a white bowl

Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti Squash

Sea Salt Savorings
Fresh squeezed lemon and garden picked basil light up this fresh spaghetti squash meal!  Drizzled olive oil with a hint of garlic and creamy ricotta cheese accents the nutty flavor of the squash, giving this dish layers of flavor!

5 from 33 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 353 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 spaghetti squash
  • 3 TBS olive oil divided
  • 2 TBS lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup ricotta
  • 1/2 cup chopped basil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400° F. Using a very sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash vertically in half. For easier tips on cutting, see blog post. Scoop out the center, discarding seeds. Using 1 TBS of olive oil, grease the insides of the squash. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Lay the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Using a fork, poke holes in the skin. Place in oven and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
  • Once the squash is done cooking, let cool for 10 minutes. Using a towel to hold the squash since the it will still be very warm, scrape your fork horizontally across, creating "strands" of spaghetti. Scrape all the strands out of the squash and into a large bowl.
  • Once all the squashes have been scraped, you can discard the skin, or keep to replate. Add olive oil, lemon juice, ricotta, garlic powder, salt and fresh basil to the bowl. Stir to combine. Replate in the squash skin, or serve up as is! Mangia!

Nutrition

Calories: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 10gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 425mgPotassium: 599mgFiber: 7gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 856IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 240mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition values are estimates, for exact values consult a nutritionist.

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Let’s cook together!

It's as if we're in the kitchen together. Grab a glass of wine, a box of pasta, and something fresh from the fridge. Dinner tonight can be done in just 30-minutes and finished with family around the table.

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    5 from 33 votes (32 ratings without comment)

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    One Comment

    1. Jennifer DaQuila-Mazzey says:

      5 stars
      Delicious! Added some Parmesan to the mix and topped w/ mozzarella. Put in oven no high broil for less than five mins.