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

Pasta Rice And Grains Dinner Party Weeknight Equipment

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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4 Hours Or Less Pasta Shells Time To Make Main Ingredient

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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Main Ingredient Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Course

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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Lasagna Lasagna Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less

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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Presentation Main Ingredient Occasion Savory

Authentic Baked Ziti

Experience the magic of authentic Italian cuisine with this incredible Baked Ziti recipe! Unlike its lasagna cousin, our ziti boasts a unique flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. Using only the freshest ingredients – including fresh mozzarella (no substitutes!), and ideally, Marzano tomatoes (Progresso whole Italian tomatoes work in a pinch) – this recipe guarantees a dish you'll never forget. Discover the difference fresh herbs make, and elevate your Italian cooking tonight!

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Course Ground Beef Lasagna Pasta

Awesome Crock Pot Lasagna

This slow-cooker lasagna is a game-changer! Impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this Crock-Pot Lasagna requires minimal prep and delivers maximum deliciousness. Say goodbye to hours spent tending to the oven and hello to a comforting, cheesy masterpiece!

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Cheese Number Of Servings Preparation Lasagna

Awesome Lasagna No Boil Easy

Craving a comforting, cheesy lasagna but short on time? This incredibly easy no-boil lasagna recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort! Our tweaked family recipe uses Italian sausage for a rich, savory taste (easily swappable for ground beef), and boasts layers of creamy ricotta, vibrant tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella. Get ready for a crowd-pleasing dish that's ready in under 2 hours!

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Comfort Food Taste Mood Potluck Course

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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Cuisine One Dish Meal European Cuisine

Baked Manicotti With Pepperoni Meat Sauce

Craving a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? This Baked Manicotti with Pepperoni Meat Sauce recipe is your answer! Using convenient no-boil lasagna noodles, this recipe is surprisingly quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights. Adapted from Cook's Country TV and perfected for family enjoyment, this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a taste of pure Italian-American deliciousness!

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Dietary Vegetables Eggs Dairy Pasta

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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Main Ingredient Occasion Penne American

Baked Pasta With Sun Dried Tomatoes And Ricotta Cheese

Escape the stress of your day with this comforting and healthy baked pasta dish! Made with whole wheat penne, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy ricotta cheese, this recipe is surprisingly easy and delivers big on flavor. It's the perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and wholesome. Get ready for a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite!

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Holiday Event Easy Low In Something Occasion

Baked Spinach Cheese

This creamy, cheesy spinach casserole is a crowd-pleaser! A baker's heat shield prevents over-browning, ensuring perfectly golden cheese and tender spinach throughout. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a delicious side dish or light meal.

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One Dish Meal Main Ingredient Inexpensive One Dish Meal

Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells

Experience the irresistible taste of authentic Italian comfort food with our Baked Stuffed Pasta Shells! This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress. Tender pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy cheese mixture and smothered in rich spaghetti sauce. Easy to make, yet bursting with flavor, these stuffed shells are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal!

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Time To Make Time To Make Presentation Occasion

Baked Ziti And Italian Sausage

Say goodbye to traditional tomato-based baked ziti! This recipe features a creamy, cheesy sauce and savory Italian sausage, creating a rich and satisfying dish the whole family will crave. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this unique twist on a classic is sure to become a new favorite. Feel free to adjust the sausage quantity – we won't judge if you need extra for those hungry teenagers!

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Main Ingredient Pasta Main Dish Preparation

Baked Ziti With Spinach And Cheese

Feed a crowd this deliciously cheesy and satisfying Baked Ziti with Spinach! This budget-friendly casserole is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve alongside a fresh salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete and unforgettable meal.

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Pasta Dietary Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less

Beef Cheese Manicotti

This irresistible Beef Cheese Manicotti recipe, inspired by the Food Network's Everyday Italian, is surprisingly simple to make yet delivers incredible flavor! Perfect for a family dinner or a large gathering, this recipe easily scales up or down. Enjoy tender manicotti shells overflowing with a savory blend of ground beef, ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all bathed in a rich tomato sauce. Get ready for a taste of Italy that everyone will adore!

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Lasagna Course Taste Mood Spinach

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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Holiday Event Romantic Eggs Dairy Italian

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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