15 Italian Recipes With Ricotta Cheese: Baked Ziti & More!

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Italian ricotta cheese with these mouth-watering recipes. From classic baked ziti and homemade lasagna to sweet treats like lemon ricotta cake and homemade cannoli, these recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this beloved Italian cheese.

Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade ricotta, these dishes are bursting with authentic Italian flavors. And for those looking for a quick and easy meal, there’s also a 15-minute lemon ricotta pasta recipe that will satisfy your cravings in no time.

If you’re craving a comforting and creamy pasta dish or a sweet and indulgent dessert, these Italian ricotta cheese recipes are sure to satisfy. So, grab your apron and get ready to cook up some deliciousness. Buon appetite!

Italian baked ziti with ricotta cheese

This Italian baked ziti recipe is a delicious and easy way to incorporate creamy and flavorful ricotta into a classic Italian dish. The ziti pasta is layered with a rich tomato sauce and a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Fresh mozzarella slices on top add an extra level of creaminess and texture.

What makes this easy baked ziti recipe even better? The ziti casserole is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a great option for parties or busy weeknights.

We love: Italian Baked Ziti with Ricotta Cheese (by No Plate Like Home)

Lemon ricotta pasta

This 15-minute lemon ricotta pasta (or pasta al limone con ricotta) is a perfect example of how simple ingredients come together for a delicious and satisfying meal.

The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, nutty Parmesan, lemon juice, and zest creates a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite al dente Italian pasta—it makes a great spaghetti sauce!

In just a few easy steps, you can have this dish on the table and ready to be enjoyed by the whole family. Add some arugula or spinach for a nutritious flavor boost and a well-rounded meal. And, for a little extra kick, feel free to top it off with a sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes.

We love: 15 Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta (by Midwest Foodie)

Easy ricotta-stuffed zucchini boats

Ricotta cheese is a staple in traditional Italian cuisine, and this easy ricotta stuffed zucchini boats recipe is a delicious way to showcase its creamy and slightly tangy flavor.

The ricotta is combined with mozzarella and Romano cheese, along with sautéed garlic, shallots, and grated vegetables, creating a flavorful and indulgent filling for the zucchini boats. Topped with more cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is a perfect main course or side dish for any meal.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s a simple but impressive dish that will become a favorite in any Italian food lover’s recipe repertoire.

We love: Easy Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats (by She Loves Biscotti)

Spinach & ricotta stuffed shells

These easy spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a delicious and comforting Italian dish perfect for any occasion. The jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and spinach, and then smothered in a flavorful marinara sauce.

This dish is quick and easy to make. Plus, you can prep it in advance and bake it right before serving.

Enjoy the classic flavors of Italy with this delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

We love: Easy Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells (by Salted Mint)

Whipped ricotta dip with honey and herbs

Ricotta cheese is a staple in many Italian dishes, but have you ever thought of using it as a dip? This whipped ricotta dip is a delicious and easy way to showcase the creamy and versatile cheese.

With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes, you can create a flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with crunchy baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh veggies. The honey and herbs add a touch of sweetness and freshness to balance out the rich ricotta.

This dip is perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a quick and easy snack. Give it a try and taste how delicious and versatile ricotta cheese can be.

We love: Whipped Ricotta Dip with Honey and Herbs (by Maritime Country Kitchen)

Spicy pesto and cheese stuffed zucchini involtini

This spicy pesto and cheese stuffed zucchini involtini is a fantastic way to incorporate creamy and delicious ricotta cheese into an Italian dish. The zucchini ribbons are filled with a flavorful mixture of fresh ricotta and fontina cheese, along with a touch of homemade or store-bought basil pesto.

But the real star of the show is the spicy, herb-infused tomato sauce that adds a creamy and delicious element to the dish. The zucchini ribbons soften in the oven, while the ricotta cheese mixture becomes irresistibly melty.

Topped with fresh mozzarella cheese and served with a sprinkle of fresh basil and thyme, this dish is a perfect example of how ricotta cheese can elevate a classic Italian recipe.

We love: Spicy Pesto and Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Involtini (by Half Baked Harvest)

Baked ricotta

This baked ricotta recipe is a tasty and versatile appetizer to serve warm or cold. The creamy ricotta cheese is mixed with Parmigiano Reggiano and herbs, creating a flavorful base that is then topped with a fresh and vibrant tomato topping.

The easy dish is a delicious dip with crackers or as a spread for crostini. It’s a great option for a quick and impressive appetizer for any occasion.

The combination of creamy ricotta and tangy parmesan, paired with the bright flavors of the tomato topping, makes this dish a perfect addition to any Italian-inspired meal. It’s a simple yet delicious way to incorporate ricotta cheese into your cooking.

We love: Baked Ricotta (by An Italian in my Kitchen)

Baked Italian lasagna with ricotta

This homemade baked Italian lasagna with ricotta is the ultimate comfort food. Made with four different types of cheese – shredded mozzarella, whole milk ricotta, goat cheese, and grated parmesan cheese – this lasagna is a cheesy delight that will melt in your mouth.

But it’s not just the cheese that makes this recipe stand out. The secret ingredients – lemon zest and fresh parsley – add an authentic Italian flavor that sets this lasagna apart from the rest.

And let’s not forget about the hearty meat sauce made with both ground beef and Italian sausage. This rich and flavorful sauce is the perfect complement to the creamy cheese layers. Baked to golden perfection, this lasagna is the perfect dish for a Sunday family dinner or any special occasion.

We love: Homemade Baked Italian Lasagna with Ricotta (by Josie + Nina)

Ricotta gnudi

Ricotta gnudi, also called ricotta gnocchi, are delicate and pillowy dumplings made with ricotta cheese, flour, egg yolks, and salt. These heavenly little dumplings are similar to gnocchi, but the use of ricotta cheese instead of potato gives them a lighter and fluffier texture.

This recipe is simple yet delicious, with ricotta cheese as the star ingredient. Mix and shape, then boil the dumplings until they float to the surface, and serve with your choice of sauce. The result is a creamy and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

Whether you choose to hand-roll or pipe out the gnudi, this recipe is a great way to showcase the versatility of ricotta cheese and elevate your pasta game.

We love: Ricotta Gnudi Recipe (Ricotta Gnocchi) (by Savoring The Good®)

Italian lemon ricotta cookie

If you’re a fan of soft and tender cookies, then this Italian lemon ricotta cookie recipe is a must-try.

These ricotta cookies have a moist crumb and a zesty lemon flavor perfect for tea or coffee dipping. Topped with a lemon glaze and extra zest for added brightness, these cookies are a delicious addition to any holiday cookie tray.

Made with ricotta cheese, these cookies have a soft and creamy texture that sets them apart from traditional Italian cookies. The recipe is easy to follow and the cookies come together quickly, making them a great option for a last-minute dessert or gift.

We love: Italian Lemon Ricotta Cookie (by Josie + Nina)

Roasted beet and ricotta salad

This roasted beet and ricotta salad is a delicious and unique way to enjoy fresh ricotta. The creamy ricotta cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet and earthy roasted beets, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.

The honey and orange zest in the ricotta mixture add a touch of sweetness and citrusy brightness, while the simple dressing of orange juice, olive oil, and white wine vinegar ties all the flavors together.

This salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning with the vibrant colors of the beets and the dollops of ricotta on top. It’s a perfect side dish for any Italian-inspired meal or a great option for a light lunch.

We love: Roasted Beet And Ricotta Salad (by FoodieCrush)

Homemade Sicilian cannoli

Looking for something sweet? Satisfy your cravings for authentic Sicilian cannoli with this homemade recipe that will have you making perfect crispy shells and a classic ricotta filling.

The shells are made from a simple dough, rolled thin and fried until golden brown and crispy.

And, the filling is made from drained ricotta and powdered sugar, creating a creamy and slightly sweet mixture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy shells. For a touch of citrus, add in some lemon or orange zest or top with candied orange, nuts, or chocolate chips.

While this recipe may take some time and practice, the result is well worth it for a truly authentic and delicious Sicilian dessert.

We love: Homemade Sicilian Cannoli (by Inside The Rustic Kitchen)

Lemon ricotta cake

Lemon ricotta cake is a classic Italian dessert perfect for any occasion. This cake is light and fluffy, with a refreshing burst of citrus flavor.

The ricotta cheese in the batter gives the cake a rich and moist texture, making it stand out from traditional lemon cakes.

It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the perfect dessert to serve at a dinner party or for a special occasion.

We love: Lemon Ricotta Cake (by Life, Love, and Good Food)

Creamy Italian ricotta cheesecake

This creamy Italian ricotta cheesecake is a must-try for any cheesecake lover. Made with a combination of cream cheese and ricotta cheese, this dessert has a rich and creamy texture that is simply irresistible.

The graham cracker crust adds a delicious crunch to each bite. And, the fresh berry sauce topping adds a burst of fruity flavor to the creamy dessert.

Perfect for any special occasion or as a make-ahead dessert for a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile as you can use either fresh or frozen berries for the sauce.

We love: Creamy Italian Ricotta Cheesecake Recipe (by Baker by Nature)

Whipped ricotta toast crostini with roasted tomatoes

This whipped ricotta toast crostini with roasted tomatoes recipe is a delicious and versatile way to use ricotta cheese in an Italian-inspired dish. The creamy and peppered whipped ricotta is spread onto slices of toasted bread and topped with jammy roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

This dish is perfect as an appetizer, a simple breakfast, or even for a light lunch. The ricotta cheese adds a creamy and rich element while the roasted tomatoes add a burst of sweetness.

Fresh thyme leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly cracked black pepper complete the must-try recipe for any ricotta cheese lover.

We love: Whipped Ricotta Toast Crostini With Roasted Tomatoes (by FoodieCrush)

Italian ricotta doughnuts

These Italian ricotta doughnuts are a delicious and unique way to use ricotta cheese in a sweet treat.

The doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor thanks to a hint of orange zest and juice. And, a generous dusting of powdered sugar gives the perfect finishing touch.

They’re also super easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion. The ricotta cheese adds a subtle creaminess to the dough, making it even more irresistible. Make sure to serve them warm and fresh for the ultimate indulgence.

We love: Italian Ricotta Doughnuts (by Inside The Rustic Kitchen)

Frequently asked questions

I hope you feel inspired to try out some of these delicious Italian ricotta cheese recipes. From the best baked ziti casserole to the flavorful pasta al limone, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Even the sweet tooths are covered with delicious ricotta cakes, cookies, and cannoli!

Which recipe will you try first? Let me know in the comments below!