10+ Ricotta Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance many dishes. You can find countless delicious recipes that feature ricotta, making it a great choice for both sweet and savory meals.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting, using ricotta can elevate your cooking and baking.

From creamy pasta sauces to fluffy desserts, ricotta adds a unique texture and taste. You can enjoy it in simple recipes or get creative with more complex dishes that will impress your family and friends.

Get ready to explore the wonderful world of ricotta cooking!

1) Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Lemon ricotta pasta with spinach is a quick and tasty meal you can make in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something light yet satisfying.

To start, you’ll mix creamy ricotta cheese with fresh lemon juice and zest. This gives the dish a bright flavor. The spinach adds color and nutrition.

You can serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added taste. Enjoy this delicious dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (like spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and add spinach. Cook until wilted.
4. Combine pasta and ricotta mixture in the pan. Stir well.
5. Serve hot with parmesan cheese on top.

2) Creamy Ricotta Gnocchi

Creamy ricotta gnocchi is a delightful dish that’s easy to make. You can create these soft dumplings with a few simple ingredients. They pair well with a variety of sauces for a rich flavor.

Start by mixing ricotta cheese with flour, egg, and a bit of salt. This dough is light and airy. Roll it out into small pieces and shape them into gnocchi.

For a delicious sauce, you can use butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Gently heat everything together until creamy. Then, toss in your gnocchi and enjoy a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2-3 pinches salt
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and salt.
2. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small pieces and shape them.
4. Boil water and cook the gnocchi until they float.
5. In a pan, heat heavy cream and add Parmesan.
6. Toss cooked gnocchi in the sauce before serving.

3) Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes

Fluffy ricotta pancakes are a delicious twist on traditional pancakes. The ricotta cheese makes them extra soft and moist. You will love how they soak up syrup or honey.

To make these pancakes, start by mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, combine the ricotta, milk, and eggs. Then, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together.

Cook the pancakes on a griddle heated to about 350°F (180°C). Flip them when you see bubbles forming. They should be golden brown on both sides.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix ricotta, milk, and eggs until smooth.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
4. Heat griddle to 350°F (180°C).
5. Pour batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbly.
6. Flip and cook until golden brown. Enjoy!

4) Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Making homemade ricotta cheese is simple and rewarding. You only need a few ingredients, and it takes less than an hour.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will be amazed at how creamy and fresh it tastes. Using homemade ricotta can elevate many dishes, from pasta to desserts.

You can make it with just whole milk and a few extras like cream and vinegar. The process involves heating the milk and adding the vinegar. This helps the curds separate from the whey.

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until it reaches 185°F (85°C).
2. Stir in the salt and vinegar.
3. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to remove whey.
5. Enjoy your homemade ricotta!

5) Ricotta and Spinach Lasagna

Ricotta and spinach lasagna is a comforting dish that layers flavors in every bite. The creamy ricotta pairs wonderfully with fresh spinach and rich cheese. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

You can use store-bought lasagna noodles or make your own for a delicious twist. Adding a touch of nutmeg enhances the flavors and makes the dish even more savory.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
5. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6) Ricotta-Stuffed Shells

Ricotta-stuffed shells are a delicious and satisfying dish. You can fill jumbo pasta shells with creamy ricotta cheese and bake them in marinara sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner.

To start, mix ricotta with herbs, garlic, and mozzarella for added flavor. You can also add spinach for a healthy twist. Fill each shell with the mixture, then place them in a baking dish.

Pour marinara sauce over the shells and sprinkle with more cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. You’ll love how the cheese melts and the flavors blend together.

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions.
3. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
4. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture.
5. Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Place filled shells in the dish and cover with more sauce.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Enjoy!

7) Orange Ricotta Crepes

Orange ricotta crepes are a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert. The combination of creamy ricotta and fresh orange zest creates a light and flavorful filling. These crepes are easy to make and are perfect for impressing family and friends.

To begin, you’ll make thin crepes using flour, eggs, and milk. For the filling, mix ricotta cheese with sugar and a bit of orange zest. You can also add a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.

Once the crepes are cooked, spread the filling and roll them up. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness. Enjoy your homemade orange ricotta crepes!

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1.5 cups flour (sifted)
• 2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Zest of 1 orange

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, milk, and sugar.
2. Gradually add sifted flour and salt; whisk until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in batter to form a thin layer.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes until edges lift; flip and cook for another minute.
5. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, orange zest, and vanilla.
6. Spread ricotta filling on each crepe, roll them up, and serve warm.

8) Ricotta Cheesecake

Ricotta cheesecake is a delicious twist on traditional cheesecake. It offers a lighter texture and a unique flavor, making it a favorite for many dessert lovers. The use of ricotta cheese adds creaminess without being overly heavy.

You can enjoy ricotta cheesecake plain or topped with fruit. It pairs well with berries, citrus, or even chocolate. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to parties.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and ricotta until smooth.
3. Add sugar and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add melted butter.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased springform pan.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until set.
7. Let cool before serving.

9) Baked Mostaccioli with Ricotta

Baked mostaccioli with ricotta is a delicious and comforting pasta dish. It combines tender mostaccioli pasta with layers of creamy ricotta cheese and savory meat sauce.

You can easily make this recipe for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of melted mozzarella on top makes it extra special.

Ingredients

• 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage and drain any excess fat.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

10) Ricotta and Basil Pizza

Ricotta and basil pizza is a tasty dish that you can easily make at home. The creamy ricotta cheese combined with fresh basil creates a delicious topping. You’ll love how quick and simple it is!

Start with your favorite pizza dough. Spread a generous layer of ricotta cheese on top. Next, add fresh basil leaves for flavor. If you like, sprinkle on mozzarella cheese for extra gooeyness.

Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade ricotta and basil pizza with your family or friends!

Ingredients

• Pizza dough
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
3. Spread ricotta cheese evenly on the dough.
4. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese if desired.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.