9 Best Recipes Using Ricotta Cheese for Delicious Dishes

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance many dishes. It adds a creamy texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with both savory and sweet recipes. In this article, I will share nine of the best recipes that showcase ricotta cheese in delicious and creative ways.

From pastas to desserts, ricotta plays a key role in various cuisines. I will explore how this cheese can transform simple ingredients into satisfying meals or treats. Each recipe will highlight its unique qualities and show how easy it is to incorporate ricotta into your cooking.

1. Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Lemon ricotta pancakes are light and fluffy pancakes made with ricotta cheese and fresh lemon juice. This combination gives them a unique flavor and a soft texture.

I find these pancakes easy to make. The main ingredients are ricotta cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Here are the steps to prepare them:

1. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 eggs, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
2. Add the zest of one lemon, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
4. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the ricotta mixture until just combined.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil or butter.
6. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

These pancakes are perfect for breakfast or brunch. I often serve them with maple syrup or fresh fruit.

2. Creamy Ricotta Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Ricotta Pasta with Spinach is a delicious and easy dish to make. I love how the richness of ricotta cheese pairs well with fresh spinach. This meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

To make this dish, I start by cooking my pasta. I usually use about 8 ounces of pasta. While the pasta cooks, I prepare the sauce. In a pan, I heat some olive oil and add 2 cups of fresh spinach. I sauté the spinach until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Next, I drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the spinach. I then mix in 1 cup of ricotta cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. I also like to add a bit of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

I toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, I add a little reserved pasta water. Finally, I serve it hot, often garnished with some fresh herbs. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes and is both satisfying and nutritious.

3. Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ricotta stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish. They are large pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, herbs, and spices. This dish is simple to make and perfect for a family meal.

To prepare this dish, I start by cooking the pasta shells according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. While the shells cook, I mix together 1 cup of ricotta, 1 cup of grated mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning in a bowl.

Once the shells are cooked, I carefully drain them and let them cool slightly. I then fill each shell with the ricotta mixture. I use a spoon to make sure they’re nicely packed.

Next, I spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. I place the stuffed shells on top of the sauce, and then cover them with more marinara. Finally, I sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.

I bake the dish in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. When the cheese is bubbly and golden, I know it’s ready to serve. This dish is satisfying and great for any occasion.

4. Ricotta Cheesecake

Ricotta cheesecake is a creamy dessert made using ricotta cheese, which gives it a light texture. It is a delicious twist on traditional cheesecake and is easy to prepare.

To make ricotta cheesecake, I gather the following ingredients: 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pre-made graham cracker crust.

The steps to create this dessert are straightforward. First, I preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Next, I mix the ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.

After that, I pour the filling into the graham cracker crust. It is then time to bake for about 45 minutes or until the center is set. Once baked, I let it cool for a bit and refrigerate for at least four hours before serving.

This cheesecake is perfect for any occasion. The ricotta brings a creamy richness that makes each slice delightful.

5. Roasted Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza

Roasted Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza is a delicious and simple dish. It combines fresh vegetables with creamy ricotta on a crispy crust. This recipe is easy to make and great for any meal.

To prepare, I first preheat my oven to 475°F (245°C). Then, I chop vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. I toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Next, I spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast them for about 20 minutes.

While the vegetables roast, I roll out my pizza dough. I like to use store-bought for convenience. Once the vegetables are done, I take them out and let them cool for a few minutes.

Then, I assemble the pizza. I spread ricotta cheese over the dough. After that, I add the roasted vegetables on top. I finish with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for extra flavor.

I bake the pizza in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Once it’s ready, I let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoying the flavors of the roasted veggies and creamy ricotta is a real treat.

6. Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a comforting Italian-American dish. It features pasta, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and melted cheese on top. It is a great option for family dinners or gatherings.

Making Baked Ziti is easy and enjoyable. It typically takes about 30 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake. This dish is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

To prepare Baked Ziti, I follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook 1 pound of ziti or any pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
4. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Layer half of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of 2 cups of marinara sauce.
5. Repeat the layers, topping with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

I enjoy serving it hot, often with a side salad or garlic bread.

7. Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni is a classic Italian dish that features pasta filled with a tasty mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese. It is a comforting meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

I find this dish easy to make, even for those new to cooking. The steps are straightforward and require basic cooking skills.

1. Prepare the Filling: Mix cooked spinach with ricotta cheese, salt, nutmeg, and parmesan.
2. Fill the Cannelloni: Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each pasta tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
3. Make the Sauce: Blend crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in a pan.
4. Assemble: Spread some sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, place the filled cannelloni on top, and cover with more sauce.
5. Bake: Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.

This dish is delicious and perfect for any meal. It can be served with a side salad or bread for a complete dinner.

8. Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Cookies are light and flavorful treats that I enjoy making. The ricotta cheese adds moisture and a tender texture. The bright lemon flavor makes them refreshing and perfect for any occasion.

They are easy to prepare, even for beginners. In just a few simple steps, I can have delicious cookies ready to bake.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, I mix together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and the zest of one lemon.
3. I then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 egg, mixing until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, I combine 2 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt.
5. Slowly, I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. I scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. I bake them for 12-15 minutes, until they are lightly golden.

Once cooled, I enjoy these cookies dusted with powdered sugar. Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet and citrusy goodness.

9. Ricotta Gnocchi

Ricotta gnocchi are light and fluffy dumplings made using ricotta cheese. They are a delightful twist on traditional potato gnocchi. I find this recipe simple and satisfying.

To make ricotta gnocchi, I start with a few basic ingredients: ricotta cheese, flour, an egg, and salt. Combining these, I create a soft dough that is easy to work with.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 1 beaten egg and a pinch of salt.
2. Gradually add 1 to 1.5 cups of flour until I have a soft dough.
3. On a floured surface, roll the dough into small logs and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
4. Roll each piece against a fork for texture.

Next, I bring salted water to a boil and drop in the gnocchi. They cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float. Once cooked, I can toss them with my favorite sauce or serve them simply with butter and sage.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Ricotta Cheese?

Ricotta cheese is not just a versatile ingredient; it also offers significant nutritional advantages. I find its rich protein and calcium content particularly beneficial for maintaining a healthy diet. Below, I’ll explore these essential nutrients that ricotta provides.

How Much Protein Does Ricotta Cheese Contain?

Ricotta cheese is a great source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and growth. One cup of ricotta can contain around 28 grams of protein. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake without consuming too many calories.

Additionally, protein plays a crucial role in hormone production and maintaining a healthy immune system. Incorporating ricotta into meals can help meet daily protein requirements, especially for athletes or those involved in regular physical activity.

How Does Ricotta Cheese Support Calcium and Bone Health?

Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, and ricotta cheese is rich in this mineral. A typical serving can provide approximately 25% of the daily calcium requirement.

Getting enough calcium is particularly important for preventing osteoporosis and other bone-related issues as we age. Including ricotta in your diet can be a tasty way to boost calcium intake. I often use it in both savory and sweet dishes to enhance flavor while promoting bone health.

How Do You Choose the Right Ricotta Cheese?

When selecting ricotta cheese, it’s important to understand the differences between fresh and processed varieties, as well as the benefits of choosing organic options. Each type has unique features that can impact the taste and quality of your dishes.

What Are the Differences Between Fresh and Processed Ricotta Cheese?

Fresh ricotta cheese is made from high-quality milk and has a light, creamy texture. I prefer fresh ricotta for its flavor and moisture. It works well in recipes like lasagna and cannoli, adding a rich, creamy element.

Processed ricotta, on the other hand, may include additives to enhance flavor and shelf life. While it is convenient and often cheaper, it can lack the depth of flavor found in fresh varieties. It’s suitable for cooking but might not perform as well in dishes where ricotta is the star ingredient.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Organic Ricotta Cheese?

Choosing organic ricotta cheese can enhance the taste and quality of my meals. Organic options typically come from cows that are fed organic feed and raised without hormones or antibiotics.

This approach often results in richer flavors and a higher nutritional value. When shopping, I look for brands that are certified organic to ensure I’m getting the best product. Using organic ricotta can make a noticeable difference in recipes, especially in simple dishes where the cheese is a key component.