Dairy, Cheese |

Ricotta Cheese

N/A (Dairy Product) Allergen-Free
ricotta cheese

The Forktionary Angle

"The light, airy, and creamy foundation of Italian comfort food."

Definition

A fresh, soft, Italian whey cheese, traditionally made from the leftover whey of other cheeses, known for its creamy, slightly sweet, granular texture.

Technical Metrics

Moisture Content

Contains up to 80% water, contributing to its soft, airy texture.

Origin Meaning

"Ricotta" literally means "recooked" in Italian, referring to its production from whey.

Protein Source

Primarily contains whey protein, which is easily digestible.

Chef’s Secret

For an extra-creamy texture in lasagna or dips, whip ricotta with a spoonful of cream or milk and a pinch of salt before mixing with other ingredients.

Buying Guide

Look for fresh, whole milk ricotta for best flavor and texture. Check expiration dates.

Flavor Pairings

Spinach pasta tomatoes lemon honey fruit chocolate herbs (basil parsley).

Recipes Using Ricotta Cheese

Main Dish Low Carb Preparation Dietary

Killer Lasagna

This lasagna recipe, a family favorite passed down through generations, delivers a killer combination of rich meat sauce and creamy cheese. Get ready to experience a taste of nostalgia and pure comfort food! Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a deliciously satisfying lasagna that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Main Ingredient Main Dish Preparation 4 Hours Or Less

3 Cheese Beef Stuffed Shells

Indulge in these cheesy, meaty 3 Cheese Beef Stuffed Shells! A family favorite recipe passed down from a friend, this comforting dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, all wrapped in tender jumbo pasta shells and baked to golden perfection.

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Time To Make European 4 Hours Or Less Vegetables

4 Cheese Lasagna

Indulge in this family-favorite 4 Cheese Lasagna recipe! Layers of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone cheeses are perfectly combined with rich meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting and unforgettable meal. Easy to follow instructions for a delicious lasagna the whole family will love.

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Occasion Occasion Pasta Rice And Grains Time To Make

Acadia's Lasagna

Indulge in this irresistible Acadia's Lasagna recipe! A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for family dinners or weeknight feasts. This recipe uses a 12x8x2 inch baking dish and yields 6 generous servings. Get ready for layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella – pure lasagna heaven! #lasagna #italianfood #comfortfood #onepotmeal #easyrecipe #dinnerrecipe

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Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains Taste Mood Eggs Dairy

Anthony's Favorite Stuffed Shells

This heartwarming recipe is a family favorite, especially for my son Anthony! Simple, easy, and bursting with cheesy, comforting flavor, these stuffed shells are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. For a lighter take, check out our healthier lite-bleu version (Recipe #276033). Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious and satisfying dish!

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Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Equipment

Apple Lasagna

A crowd-pleasing, warm apple dessert that's surprisingly easy to make! This twist on classic lasagna features layers of flaky pasta, sweet apple pie filling, and creamy cheese, topped with a buttery crumble. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in.

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Lasagna Number Of Servings Lasagna Main Dish

Authentic Italian Crock Pot Lasagna

This irresistible Crock-Pot lasagna recipe, passed down through generations of my Italian family, delivers rich, savory flavors with surprising ease. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this slow-cooked masterpiece requires minimal effort for maximum taste. Enjoy tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, and a vibrant meat sauce, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. This recipe is easily adaptable to larger gatherings, and can even be prepped a day in advance for ultimate convenience!

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One Dish Meal Lunch Stove Top Occasion

Backwoods Home Baked Macaroni Cheese To Kill For

This killer macaroni and cheese recipe, straight from the pages of Backwoods Home Magazine courtesy of John Silveira, will have you saying 'wow!' A creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Get ready for a taste of homemade heaven!

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60 Minutes Or Less Meat Pasta European

Baked Macaroni Delight

This classic Baked Macaroni Delight recipe, straight from an old Polly-O cheese cookbook, delivers a hearty and comforting Italian-American pasta bake your family will crave. Imagine layers of tender pasta, savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. Serve with a simple salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Even better the next day!

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Preparation Manicotti Weeknight Pasta

Baked Manicotti Bolognese Ragu

Experience a flavor explosion with this Baked Manicotti Bolognese Ragu! Our rich and flavorful meat sauce, subtly complements the creamy ricotta filling and perfectly cooked manicotti pasta. This recipe generously provides extra sauce – perfect for serving alongside extra pasta or enjoying delicious leftovers. Get ready for a comforting Italian classic that's both impressive and easy to make!

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Main Dish One Dish Meal Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains

Baked Manicotti With Meat Sauce

This classic Baked Manicotti recipe, inspired by a vintage women's magazine, has been a family favorite for generations! Enjoy tender manicotti shells overflowing with a rich meat and cheese filling, smothered in a luscious tomato sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. Double the recipe (as I do!) and freeze half for a future meal. Serve with a fresh salad, garlic bread, and a bold red wine for a truly unforgettable Italian feast.

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Occasion Cheese Casseroles 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Pasta Dish

Indulge in this comforting and cheesy Baked Pasta Dish! Perfectly baked layers of pasta, creamy sauce, and your favorite veggies create a mouthwatering masterpiece. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a taste of pure comfort!

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Spaghetti Course Time To Make Preparation

Baked Spaghetti Cheesy Spicy

This isn't your average baked spaghetti! Developed by sisters for late-night study sessions (and many happy bellies since!), this recipe delivers cheesy, spicy goodness in abundance. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers – it freezes beautifully and can even be prepped the day before. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Rice And Grains Beef Oven

Barilla No Boil Lasagna

This 5-star lasagna recipe is a game-changer! Using Barilla no-boil lasagna noodles, this recipe cuts down on prep time significantly, resulting in a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful lasagna in under 90 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this crowd-pleasing dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Easily doubled for freezing and sharing – ideal for housewarmings or baby showers!

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Main Ingredient Occasion Preparation Presentation

Bbq Stuffed Shells

Get ready to be amazed! These BBQ Stuffed Shells are a unique and surprisingly delicious twist on a classic. Perfectly tender jumbo pasta shells are brimming with a flavorful BBQ-infused filling, then baked to bubbly perfection. A crowd-pleasing side dish for your next potluck or BBQ, or a hearty main course alongside potato salad and baked beans. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this unexpected culinary delight!

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Time To Make Beef 60 Minutes Or Less Taste Mood

Beef And Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups For Two

Indulge in a delicious and romantic dinner for two with these easy-to-make Beef & Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups! This recipe, adapted from a grocery store cookbook, creates restaurant-quality flavor in just 45 minutes. Perfect for a cozy night in, these savory roll-ups are packed with tender beef, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, all nestled in a rich tomato sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. Impress your date or simply treat yourself to a gourmet meal without the fuss!

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Taste Mood Low In Something Main Ingredient Eggs

Best Eggplant Aubergine Lasagna

This incredibly easy Eggplant Aubergine Lasagna recipe is a crowd-pleaser, packed with nutrition, and perfect for meal prepping! Enjoy layers of tender eggplant, rich ricotta, and vibrant tomato sauce. This recipe is easily divided into portions and frozen for future meals. Serve with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.

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Course Main Dish Time To Make One Dish Meal

Chicken And Cheese Enchiladas

Elevate your weeknight meal with these irresistible Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas! A flavorful twist on a family favorite, this recipe uses leftover grilled or smoked chicken for a quick and easy dinner. Tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa combine in warm tortillas for a satisfying and delicious dish the whole family will crave.

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