20 Creamy Ricotta Recipes to Brighten Every Meal

Ricotta cheese isn’t just for lasagna, it’s a versatile ingredient that can turn ordinary dishes into something special. From fluffy pancakes and zesty lemon desserts to savory pastas and baked casseroles, these ricotta recipes add creaminess, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, there’s a ricotta recipe here that’s perfect for your next meal.

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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Pasta cooks in a creamy lemon-ricotta sauce for a bright, flavorful dish. The ricotta adds richness while the lemon keeps it light. Herbs enhance the savory notes. Each bite is comforting yet refreshing.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Flaky pastry holds tender asparagus and creamy ricotta. Eggs bind the filling into a smooth custard. The flavors are delicate and savory. It works well for brunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Italian Ricotta Pie

A slice of custard pie topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a white plate with a fork. Another slice and a pink napkin are in the background. — Italian Ricotta Pie. Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

This sweet pie combines ricotta, sugar, and subtle flavorings in a tender crust. The filling is creamy and slightly dense. Each slice has a soft, satisfying texture. It is an elegant dessert or coffee-time treat.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Pie

Ricotta Cheese Cookies

A teacup with tea sits on a plaid saucer beside iced cookies with colorful sprinkles, with more cookies and a cup in the background on a green tablecloth. — Ricotta Cheese Cookies. Photo credit: The Foodie Affair.

Cookies made with ricotta are soft, moist, and tender. The cheese adds subtle richness without overpowering sweetness. Each bite has a delicate crumb. They are easy to make and lightly indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Cheese Cookies

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Roasted eggplant combines with ricotta-pesto sauce and olives over pasta. The ricotta adds creaminess and balances the earthy eggplant. The olives add briny notes. Each forkful is rich, savory, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Lemon Ricotta Muffins

Muffins are light, fluffy, and bright with lemon flavor. Ricotta adds moisture and tender texture. The zest and juice enhance freshness. They are perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Muffins

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Ricotta is baked with lemon for a creamy, slightly tangy dish. The texture is soft and custard-like. Herbs or spices can be added for depth. It works as a side or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)

A white plate with stuffed pasta shells topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and herbs, with a gold fork resting on the plate. — Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pasta shells are filled with a ricotta mixture and baked in sauce. Ricotta provides creamy texture and mild flavor. Each bite is hearty and comforting. Cheese melts into a cohesive, flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)

Zucchini Ricotta Bake

Layers of zucchini and ricotta are baked together. Eggs or sauce bind the ingredients for a tender casserole. The flavors are mild yet savory. Each serving is rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Bake

White Truffle Garlic Bread with Whipped Ricotta

Whipped ricotta spreads over warm bread with garlic and truffle flavor. The texture is creamy and smooth. Each bite is aromatic and indulgent. It works as a sophisticated appetizer or side.
Get the Recipe: White Truffle Garlic Bread with Whipped Ricotta

Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Soft cookies flavored with lemon are enhanced by ricotta. The cheese adds moisture and a tender crumb. Sweetness and citrus are balanced. They are simple, flavorful, and light.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese

A red bowl filled with crumbled white cheese sits on a red and white checkered cloth, with a lemon slice in the background. — Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese. Photo credit: Low Calorie Eating.

Whole milk ricotta is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. The texture is smooth yet slightly grainy. It forms the foundation for many ricotta-based recipes.
Get the Recipe: Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes are enriched with ricotta and lemon zest. Ricotta adds creaminess and tenderness. Each bite is soft, airy, and lightly citrusy. They are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie

This dessert pie combines creamy ricotta, sugar, and a hint of flavoring in a tender crust. The texture is smooth and rich. Each slice is lightly sweet and satisfying. It is a classic Italian dessert.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Italian Ricotta Pie

Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

Three stacked breaded patties topped with whipped cheese, roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs on a decorative plate with a gold fork and knife. — Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Layers of roasted eggplant are paired with whipped ricotta and herbs. The texture alternates between tender eggplant and creamy cheese. The flavors are savory and aromatic. Each serving is elegant and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Pasta is coated in a creamy ricotta and lemon sauce. The ricotta adds richness while the lemon brightens the dish. Herbs or cheese can enhance flavor. Each bite is comforting and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

These cookies are soft and tender with a bright lemon flavor. Ricotta adds moisture and a subtle richness. Each bite is light and flavorful. They are ideal for a sweet snack or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Summer Berries & Honey

Crispy crostini is topped with whipped ricotta, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey. The ricotta adds smooth creaminess. Berries bring brightness and sweetness. Each bite is balanced and visually appealing.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Summer Berries & Honey

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta adds creaminess to pasta tossed with fresh or roasted tomatoes. Herbs and olive oil enhance flavor. The dish is simple yet satisfying. Each bite is rich, fresh, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells

Beef and ricotta fill large pasta shells baked in sauce. Ricotta adds smooth texture to balance savory meat. Cheese melts into a cohesive dish. Each bite is hearty and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Beef Stuffed Pasta Shells