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 ;)
A vegetarian first course with a delicate flavor. The acidity of lemon pairs well with the fresh, creamy taste of ricotta, creating a perfect balance. Ricotta and lemon pasta takes just 20 minutes to make and is very easy to digest . You can...
Pasta with ricotta cream and basil is the perfect option for a quick and very tasty dinner . A unique and irresistible dish prepared in minutes. The divine combination of ingredients has resulted in an intense, balanced flavor. It's also a...
A timeless classic, pasta with ricotta and walnuts is a first course that, in its simplicity, offers surprising versatility . The creaminess of ricotta meets the crunchiness of walnuts, creating an irresistible contrast of textures . The delicate...
Tasty and very quick to prepare, pasta with salmon and ricotta is a dish to keep in mind when you have little time but want to serve a flavourful pasta dish. Salmon pasta is usually made with cream or Philadelphia, but pairing it with ricotta and...
A mouth-watering first course that is very easy to prepare. The spaghetti is coated in a light and velvety cream made with ricotta, squash blossoms, basil and grated Parmesan, with a touch of crunch from chopped pistachios added at the end of...
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.
You can make ravioli just like in Italy! This foolproof recipe takes you through every step. From the dough to the filling, it's all easy—what could be better? This recipe can be adapted in all sorts of ways. Here we offer a vegetarian version, but...
A traditional first course in Italian cuisine. Conchiglioni stuffed with ricotta and spinach are perfect for Sunday lunch, as well as special occasions such as Easter or Christmas: a complete, nutritious dish the whole family will enjoy. This...
Pesto cannelloni are a rich, comforting pasta dish, perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and soft textures. The creamy filling , made with ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and basil pesto, is bursting with flavor, enhanced by a velvety béchamel...
Ricotta and mushroom crêpes are an elegant, creamy first course, perfect for anyone who loves comforting flavors and vegetarian cooking without giving up indulgence. The crêpes are made with a smooth batter of flour, eggs, milk, and butter, then...
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.
What's on the menu for lunch today? Vegetarian lasagna ! But there's no question of skimping on flavor—not at all! We can assure you that you'll love the combination of ricotta and spinach . The result is extra creamy and, above all, wonderfully...
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 at aperitif time: ricotta balls. Not only are these balls wonderfully creamy, but you can also offer your guests a variety of flavors. Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or even chives for those who are allergic to...
Looking for an appetizer idea that's a nice 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:...
Want to surprise your guests right from the start of your Halloween party ? 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 them in paprika for color,...
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 brunch, you'll love these toasts topped with ricotta, butternut squash, and egg. Easy to make, they're also delicious served with a mixed salad for a meal :-) A colorful vegetarian meal guaranteed!
For a refreshing summer touch, try this ricotta, cucumber and smoked salmon tart ! 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 perfectly. Quick and...
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 gently lemony ricotta ,...
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 requires (you read that right!) just 4 ingredients , and you don’t even need to weigh them. How great is that? ;-) For a guilt-free treat, this ultra-soft cake is sure to be a...
We love cheesecakes , but we know that, because of their fat and calorie content, they’re best enjoyed in moderation… Or better yet, you can enjoy a healthier version! Think that’s not possible? Take a look at this much lighter, higher-protein recipe...
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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