Left with a tub of ricotta? Try these easy, delicious ideas to turn it into a quick, satisfying meal
We use it in pasta, pies, stuffing… and there’s always a little left in the container. Not enough to make a big dish, but way too much to throw away. And since it has such a mild flavor, we sometimes wonder how to use it without making the same thing over and over again.
Good news: ricotta is one of the easiest cheeses to slip into just about anything. It makes dishes more tender, creamier, and lighter on the palate, without overpowering the flavor. Whether in savory or sweet dishes, it really can do it all :)
In pasta dishes, it replaces cream in two minutes
If you have an open container of ricotta, pasta is definitely the quickest solution. Just mix the ricotta with a little pasta cooking water, lemon, pepper, Parmesan, or some fresh herbs to make a creamy sauce with no effort at all.
What we love is that it coats the pasta without weighing it down. Add walnuts, pistachios, smoked salmon, zucchini blossoms, or simply some lemon zest, and it instantly becomes more flavorful. It’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you want to eat well without having to break out a thousand and one pots and pans ;)
Here's a delicious recipe for vegetarian pasta with ricotta and lemon , where the acidity of the lemon blends perfectly with the light, creamy texture of the ricotta. Ready in just 20 minutes , this pasta is not only quick to prepare, but can also be...
Pasta with ricotta cream and basil is the perfect option for a quick and tasty dinner . A unique and irresistible dish prepared in minutes. The divine combination of ingredients has resulted in an intense and balanced flavor. It's also a...
A timeless classic, pasta with ricotta and walnuts is a meal course that, in its simplicity, encompasses surprising versatility . The creaminess of ricotta, meets the crunchiness of walnuts, creating an irresistible contrast of textures . The...
Creamy Smoked Salmon Ricotta Pasta is a recipe you should always consider when you’re running out of time but want to bring a tasty dish to the table! Salmon pasta is usually made with Philadelphia cream or cheese, but combining with ricotta and...
A mouth-watering meal that is very easy to prepare. The spaghetti is wrapped in a light and velvety cream made with ricotta cheese, squash blossoms, basil and grated Parmesan cheese, then a touch of crunchiness given by chopped pistachios added at...
As a stuffing, it makes everything melt-in-your-mouth
Ricotta is also perfect for stuffing. Ravioli, conchiglioni, cannelloni, savory crepes, vegetables… it adds a soft, creamy texture that pairs very well with spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, pumpkin, or herbs.
It’s kind of the magic ingredient in comfort food. Just mix, stuff, bake, or sauté, and the result immediately feels like a hearty dish, made with love. Even a simple stuffed pasta becomes much fancier with a ricotta filling :-)
Our little tip: be sure to season it well. Ricotta is mild, so it pairs perfectly with salt, pepper, lemon, nutmeg, Parmesan, or fresh herbs.
Homemade ravioli like in Italy is possible! This foolproof recipe is explained step by step. From the dough to the filling, it's all easy. What's better? This recipe can be adapted in many ways. Here we offer a vegetarian version, but feel free to add...
We're delving into traditional Italian recipes with these conchiglioni stuffed with ricotta and spinach , very often served at Easter or Christmas in Italy, a complete dish that appeals to the whole family! And the recipe isn't that complicated,...
Pesto cannelloni is a rich and enveloping meal, perfect for those who love intense flavors and soft textures. The creamy filling made with ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano and basil pesto gives an explosion of flavor, enhanced by a velvety béchamel...
Ricotta and mushroom crepes are an elegant, ultra-creamy dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves comforting flavors and vegetarian cooking without giving up richness. The crepes start with a smooth, silky batter of flour, eggs, milk, and butter,...
In lasagna and gratins, it lightens the filling
If you like dishes that are rich and creamy but not too heavy, ricotta is a great choice. In lasagna, it can replace some of the béchamel sauce or be mixed with vegetables to create a milder filling.
When combined with spinach, zucchini, artichokes, or even pesto, it adds creaminess without needing to add much cream. Plus, it pairs perfectly with tomatoes, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Needless to say, it’s right at home in Italian dishes ;)
It’s also a great idea when entertaining: prepare the dish ahead of time, pop it in the oven at the last minute, and everyone will enjoy it.
Let's make the best comfort food of all time: Lasagna! It is for sure the best meal and here we made a creamy combo of spinach, ricotta, Italian cheeses and bechamel sauce. Awaken the Garfield in you and follow our step by step recipe below ↓
For an ultra-comforting family dish that is easy to make, opt for lasagna! But today, we are not offering just any recipe: this one is gluten-free! Indeed, the pasta will be replaced by slices of zucchini! A great opportunity to get the whole family to...
As an appetizer, it can be served as a quick spread or enjoyed as a skewer!
You don’t have to wait until dinner to use ricotta! As an appetizer, it can easily be turned into a dip or a spread.
You can mix it with Parmesan, lemon, fresh herbs, a little olive oil, pepper, and chopped walnuts… Then serve it with breadsticks, toasted bread, or raw vegetables. It’s fresh, simple, and a nice change from store-bought spreads.
And if you’re in the mood for a slightly more original appetizer, you can even shape the ricotta into little balls. They look pretty on the table, are easy to prepare in advance, and everyone can nibble on them however they like :)
An easy and quick recipe to nibble on for an aperitif: ricotta balls. And not only is this recipe super yummy, but you can also offer different flavors to your guests. Pistachios, almonds, walnuts or even chives for those who are allergic to nuts,...
Looking for an appetizer idea that's a change from potato chips ? These cheese balls are ready in just a few minutes and always make an impression. Made with ricotta and Parmesan , they're fresh, melt-in-the-mouth and infinitely customizable: roll...
Want to give your Halloween party a surprise right from the start? These pumpkin-shaped cheese balls are as cute as they are easy to make! Simply mix ricotta and parmesan , season to taste, shape into balls, roll in paprika for color, and add a...
She uses it to whip up quick meals on pies and open-faced sandwiches
Ricotta on toast is really something we should make more often. Spread it on some toast, add some vegetables, smoked salmon, an egg, a few herbs, a drizzle of olive oil… and there you have a meal ready in just a few minutes.
It pairs wonderfully with fresh flavors: cucumber, lemon, basil, arugula, asparagus, beets… But it also works well with milder vegetables like butternut squash. The result: a pretty, satisfying open-faced sandwich that’s perfect with a salad.
It’s exactly the kind of recipe we love when we want to eat something delicious without really having to cook!
Perfect for a brunch, you will enjoy these toasts topped with ricotta, butternut, and egg. Easy to make, you can also enjoy them with a mixed salad for a meal :-) A colorful and vegetarian meal guaranteed!
For a refreshing summer touch, try this beautiful tart with ricotta, cucumber and smoked salmon ! It's the perfect combo for sunny days: the sweetness of ricotta, the freshness of cucumber and the delicate flavor of smoked salmon come together...
In the mood for a quick, easy and zesty recipe? These asparagus toasts tick all the boxes: crunchy, creamy, with that little touch of acidity that makes all the difference. Here, lightly browned asparagus meets a ricotta zest and a drizzle...
As a dessert, it has an incredibly soft texture
That's right: ricotta isn't just for savory dishes! It works wonders in desserts. It gives cakes a melt-in-your-mouth texture, makes cheesecakes creamier, and lets you create indulgent desserts without necessarily adding a lot of butter.
You can pair it with vanilla, lemon, chocolate, berries, or cherries. It adds that fresh, creamy touch that makes desserts a delightful way to end a meal.
If you have a container of ricotta left over, a ricotta cake is a great idea. It’s simple, economical, and perfect for both an afternoon snack and dessert.
For a light , gluten-free cake, make this delicious ricotta cake which will require only 4 ingredients .For a gourmet break without feeling guilty, this ultra-soft cake will definitely be a hit with your guests. Due to its low sugar content, you...
We love cheesecakes , but we know that, due to its fat and calorie content, it is a pleasure to be enjoyed in moderation... Or better yet, with a healthier version! Think it's not possible? Take a look at this recipe, much lighter and proteinier...
Are you a cheesecake fan? Here’s a new recipe that will bring you joy: vanilla ricotta cheesecake! It’s all on a base made from speculoos biscuits and topped with caramel and peanuts. You’re in for a treat for dessert! We’ll guide you through all the...
After all, ricotta is much more versatile than it seems
It can be turned into a pasta sauce, a rich and creamy stuffing, a spread base, a lasagna filling, a quick open-faced sandwich, or even a moist dessert.
The most important thing is not to leave it sitting at the back of the fridge, telling yourself, “I’ll deal with it later.” With a little lemon, some herbs, pasta, or pie crust, it can save a meal in just a few minutes!
Adèle Peyches
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