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    Home » Recipes » Italian Recipes

    12 Ricotta Cheese Recipes: Sweet and Savory Dishes

    Updated: Jul 25, 2023 · Published: May 15, 2023 by Andrea

    collage of 9 images showing savory and sweet ricotta cheese recipes. Image with Text for Pinterest.

    Ricotta is incredibly versatile and can be used for sweet and savory recipes - Check out these family-friendly easy ricotta cheese recipes!

    Looking for easy ricotta cheese recipes? We've got you covered!

    Ricotta cheese is a smooth and creamy Italian cheese that's made from the leftover whey when other cheeses are produced.

    Its mild and slightly sweet flavor makes it a fantastic addition to both sweet and savory dishes, and it goes well with a wide variety of ingredients like fruits, nuts, veggies, and meats.

    Did you know? You can make homemade ricotta cheese with just 2 ingredients!

    In Italian cooking, ricotta cheese is commonly used to stuff pasta, spread on bread, or added to desserts like cheesecake and cannoli.

    It's also great in savory dishes like lasagna, meatballs, and frittata.

    Check out these ricotta cheese recipe ideas for what you can do with delicious Italian cheese!

    Jump to:
    • Ricotta Meatballs
    • Mafalda Pasta with Ricotta and Tomato Sauce
    • Ricotta Gnocchi
    • Vegetarian Lasagna
    • Tomato Bruschetta with Ricotta
    • Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells
    • Asparagus Ricotta Frittata
    • Ricotta Cheesecake
    • Lemon Ricotta Cookies
    • Lemon Ricotta Cake
    • New York style Cheesecake
    • Limoncello Cake

    Ricotta Meatballs

    spaghetti with ricotta meatballs.

    The BEST ricotta cheese meatballs! Juicy and soft inside and crispy outside, here's how to make meatballs with ricotta the authentic Italian way!

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Mafalda Pasta with Ricotta and Tomato Sauce

    Mafalda pasta with napoletana sauce made with ricotta cheese and tomatoes.

    Dinner ready in 20 minutes with this mafaldine pasta with Napoletana sauce - Learn all the tips to make this classic recipe for mafalda pasta!

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Ricotta Gnocchi

    homemade ricotta gnocchi served with butter and sage.

    Homemade ricotta cheese gnocchi are ready in just 20 minutes - They're light, pillowy and you can easily make a big batch and freeze for later!

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Vegetarian Lasagna

    vegetarian lasagna with white sauce

    The no-cook ricotta sauce in this veggie-packed lasagna is an absolute winner!

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Tomato Bruschetta with Ricotta

    Cherry tomato confit bruschetta with ricotta and basil pesto over wood board, served with ricotta and pesto on the side.

    Bursting with authentic Italian flavors, this tomato bruschetta is a breeze to make! Whether you're hosting a party or just hanging out with friends, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Shells

    spinach ricotta pasta shells

    These classic Italian Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells are SO delicious! They're super easy to make and perfect for those looking for a lighter, vegetarian pasta bake.

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Asparagus Ricotta Frittata

    asparagus frittata on a plate.

    This asparagus frittata is the ultimate spring recipe, and the addition of ricotta makes it super fluffy and tasty. Whip it up in no time for a satisfying meal that will leave you craving more!

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Ricotta Cheesecake

    Italian ricotta cheesecake topped with fresh berries and confectioner's sugar.

    Prepare to be amazed by this incredible Italian baked ricotta cheesecake.

    It's a heavenly dessert that boasts a light and fluffy texture, and the best part is, you only need three simple ingredients to whip it up!

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Lemon Ricotta Cookies

    italian ricotta cookies. with lemon and glaze.

    If you haven't tried ricotta cheese cookies yet, you're missing out on one of the most beloved Italian desserts out there!

    And for good reason, these cookies are soft, fluffy, and oh-so-pillowy, with a mouthwatering lemon flavor that hits all the right notes.

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Lemon Ricotta Cake

    lemon ricotta cake cut into square slices drizzled with lemon glaze over the top.

    Get ready to experience a slice of Italian heaven with this traditional Italian lemon ricotta cake recipe. It's all about that soft and spongy texture that'll have you coming back for seconds.

    The best part? You won't find any butter or oil in this recipe!

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    New York style Cheesecake

    new york style ricotta cheesecake

    Get ready to indulge in the most heavenly New York Style raspberry cheesecake, featuring a sweet and tangy creamy filling that includes ricotta cheese.

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Limoncello Cake

    limoncello mascarpone cake

    This authentic Italian limoncello mascarpone cake is such a party winner!

    But here's the secret: if you don't have mascarpone on hand, you can easily substitute it with creamy ricotta cheese!

    CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

    Pin and Save For Later

    collage of 9 images showing savory and sweet ricotta cheese recipes. Image with Text for Pinterest.

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      Tuna Meatballs
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      Asparagus Ricotta Tart
    • pasta al forno.
      Pasta al Forno - Italian Pasta Bake
    • octopus pasta.
      Octopus Pasta
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    Comments

    1. Nina lenny says

      May 20, 2023 at 5:30 pm

      I can't wait to make them

      Reply

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    Andrea Soranidis, founder of The Petite Cook.


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