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Ricotta cheese brings an irresistible creaminess and lightness to savory dinner dishes.
Its smooth texture and subtle, milky flavor make it the perfect base for stuffed pastas, creamy bakes, and crispy tarts.
Whether folded into lasagna layers or dolloped onto flatbread, ricotta elevates every bite with softness and richness.
These recipes range from Italian classics to creative, modern meals that highlight ricotta’s versatility.
Explore these 24+ ricotta cheese dinner recipes and enjoy how effortlessly this ingredient transforms your evening meals.
24+ Creamy Ricotta Cheese Dinner Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings
Ricotta cheese proves to be one of the most versatile and satisfying ingredients in the kitchen.
These 24+ ricotta cheese dinner recipes range from creamy pastas to baked vegetable dishes, all rich in flavor and comfort.
Whether you’re preparing a vegetarian feast or a simple weeknight meal, ricotta adds that perfect touch of creamy indulgence.
You can bake it, stir it, or layer it—each method brings new possibilities to your dinner plate.
Rediscover the joy of creamy, satisfying meals with these creative ricotta recipes.
Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Tender pasta shells are generously filled with a mixture of creamy ricotta and sautéed spinach.
A light marinara sauce brings acidity and balance, while melted mozzarella adds a gooey, golden topping.
The ricotta filling is rich yet delicate, seasoned with nutmeg and garlic for warmth.
This dish is a classic comfort meal with timeless appeal.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights at home.
Ricotta and Tomato Tart
Buttery puff pastry holds a creamy ricotta base layered with ripe cherry tomatoes and herbs.
As it bakes, the ricotta becomes lightly golden, while the tomatoes burst with sweetness.
Fresh basil and cracked black pepper finish it with brightness and bite.
Serve it with a side salad or enjoy it as a light vegetarian main.
Elegant, flavorful, and ready in under an hour.
Ricotta Gnocchi
These pillowy gnocchi are made with ricotta instead of potatoes, creating a softer, lighter texture.
They cook up tender and delicate, perfect with a drizzle of brown butter and sage.
Each bite melts on the tongue with subtle richness and a savory finish.
Serve with pesto, marinara, or roasted vegetables for variety.
A handmade Italian meal that feels luxurious yet approachable.
Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups
Thin slices of grilled zucchini are rolled around a garlic-infused ricotta filling.
Baked in a tomato basil sauce until bubbly, they become soft, savory, and deeply satisfying.
A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds nutty crispness to each roll.
Great as a vegetarian dinner or a unique side dish.
Fresh, low-carb, and bursting with summer flavor.
Ricotta and Spinach Frittata
This frittata is light and fluffy, thanks to whipped eggs and dollops of creamy ricotta.
Wilted spinach, shallots, and herbs bring color and earthy depth to the mix.
The ricotta melts gently into the eggs, creating luscious pockets of richness.
Bake until golden and slice into wedges for serving.
An easy dinner that also doubles as a next-day brunch.
Ricotta Chicken Meatballs
These chicken meatballs are made extra tender with the addition of creamy ricotta.
Seasoned with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan, they bake into juicy, flavorful bites.
They’re light yet satisfying and pair beautifully with pasta or zoodles.
Serve with your favorite red sauce or lemony broth.
A protein-packed dinner that’s anything but dry.
Ricotta Stuffed Eggplant
Roasted eggplant halves are filled with a creamy mix of ricotta, herbs, and marinara.
Baked until bubbling, the flavors meld into a comforting, cheesy experience.
A sprinkle of mozzarella on top adds a golden crust.
Serve alongside a grain salad or crusty bread.
Hearty, vegetarian, and perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Mushroom Ricotta Pasta
This pasta dish combines earthy sautéed mushrooms with a silky ricotta-based sauce.
Garlic, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice elevate the flavor to restaurant-worthy.
The ricotta clings to the noodles, giving every bite a creamy, comforting finish.
Top with fresh parsley and cracked pepper for brightness.
A quick dinner that feels both elegant and nourishing.
Ricotta and Kale Flatbread
A crisp flatbread crust is layered with garlicky kale and creamy ricotta cheese.
As it bakes, the cheese melts into the greens, creating a savory, slightly tangy balance.
A drizzle of chili oil or honey adds a final pop of contrast.
Serve as a main dish or cut into wedges for a shareable starter.
Simple, bold, and packed with flavor.
Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
These juicy chicken breasts are filled with a seasoned ricotta and spinach mixture.
Seared and then baked, they lock in moisture and flavor.
The ricotta adds richness without heaviness, balancing beautifully with the lean chicken.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad.
A wholesome yet indulgent twist on a classic protein.
Ricotta Veggie Lasagna
This lasagna layers roasted vegetables, tangy tomato sauce, and fluffy ricotta cheese.
Each bite is packed with creamy, savory, and roasted notes.
Mozzarella and Parmesan finish the top with a golden, bubbly crust.
It’s hearty without being overly heavy.
Perfect for vegetarian nights or as a make-ahead crowd-pleaser.
Ricotta Pasta with Lemon and Peas
This spring-inspired pasta blends creamy ricotta with lemon zest, sweet peas, and Parmesan.
The sauce is light and refreshing, clinging to every noodle.
Fresh mint or basil adds a fragrant twist at the end.
Great for a quick dinner that still feels bright and special.
A fresh and fast way to enjoy ricotta’s creaminess.
Ricotta and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
Large mushroom caps are filled with a savory mix of ricotta, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs.
Baked until golden and tender, they’re juicy with a crispy top.
The filling is creamy and aromatic, making every bite feel indulgent.
Serve with a grain bowl or leafy salad.
An excellent vegetarian main or elegant side.
Sweet Potato Ricotta Bake
Mashed sweet potatoes and whipped ricotta are layered into a creamy casserole.
Hints of cinnamon, sage, and nutmeg bring cozy flavor to every bite.
The top browns to a slight crisp while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
Serve with grilled meat or sautéed greens.
A warming, unexpected way to use ricotta in dinner.
Ricotta and Broccoli Stuffed Shells
These jumbo shells are packed with a blend of creamy ricotta and steamed broccoli florets.
Baked in marinara and topped with mozzarella, they’re comforting and colorful.
The broccoli adds a slight crunch and earthy contrast to the cheese.
Serve with garlic bread or a green salad.
A well-balanced and family-friendly vegetarian dinner.
Ricotta Corn Cakes
Golden corn cakes are made tender and moist with the help of ricotta cheese.
Each bite is sweet, savory, and crisp around the edges.
Serve them with a tomato salad, avocado, or even a fried egg on top.
The ricotta gives them richness without making them dense.
An easy, creative dinner that celebrates seasonal ingredients.
Ricotta Pesto Pasta Bake
This bake layers pasta, basil pesto, and spoonfuls of ricotta for a cheesy, herb-packed dinner.
Mozzarella melts across the top, creating a gooey, golden crust.
The ricotta adds softness that balances the bold pesto flavor.
Bake until bubbling and serve warm.
Great for prepping ahead or feeding a hungry group.
Butternut Squash Ricotta Ravioli
Homemade or store-bought ravioli filled with squash and ricotta are served in a brown butter sage sauce.
The filling is sweet and creamy, while the sauce adds nutty depth.
A touch of Parmesan enhances the richness without overwhelming it.
Perfect for cozy fall or winter dinners.
A refined yet comforting dish with complex flavor.
Ricotta and Caramelized Onion Galette
A rustic tart filled with ricotta cheese and slow-cooked caramelized onions.
The crust is flaky and golden, with a savory-sweet balance inside.
Fresh thyme and black pepper add subtle aromatic depth.
Serve it with a simple salad or roasted beets.
An elegant yet relaxed dinner option.
Ricotta Eggplant Involtini
Thin eggplant slices are rolled around a garlicky ricotta filling and baked in marinara sauce.
The rolls become tender and infused with flavor as they cook.
A topping of melted mozzarella adds just the right amount of indulgence.
Serve with polenta or couscous for a full meal.
A Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s hearty and refined.
Ricotta and Artichoke Pasta
Marinated artichokes are tossed with hot pasta and ricotta for a creamy, tangy twist.
A splash of lemon juice and olive oil brings it all together.
The ricotta coats everything without feeling heavy.
Top with capers or parsley for contrast.
Quick, elegant, and full of Mediterranean flavor.
Ricotta and Beet Flatbreads
Roasted beets and whipped ricotta make a vibrant topping for crisp flatbreads.
The sweetness of the beets pairs beautifully with the cool creaminess of the cheese.
Finish with arugula and balsamic drizzle for brightness.
These flatbreads are colorful, flavorful, and nutrient-rich.
Ideal for a vegetarian dinner that feels fresh and artistic.
Ricotta-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Baked acorn squash halves are filled with a savory mix of ricotta, sage, garlic, and breadcrumbs.
The contrast between the tender squash and creamy filling is comforting and satisfying.
A drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of Parmesan complete the dish.
Perfect for fall dinners or a holiday table centerpiece.
Nutritious, festive, and full of rustic charm.
Ricotta and Lentil Bolognese
This hearty lentil Bolognese is simmered in tomatoes and spices, then swirled with creamy ricotta before serving.
The ricotta adds richness and body to the sauce without needing meat or cream.
Serve it over pasta or polenta for a deeply satisfying plant-based dinner.
Top with basil and crushed red pepper for extra kick.
Comforting, protein-rich, and full of umami flavor.
Conclusion
With these ricotta cheese dinner recipes, mealtime gets a major upgrade in both taste and texture.
From rustic galettes and roasted squash to hearty pasta bakes and cheesy flatbreads, ricotta brings richness without heaviness.
It works beautifully in every season and suits both quick meals and special occasions.
So open that tub of ricotta and get inspired—your next delicious dinner is only a few creamy dollops away.
Let these recipes guide you into the softer, richer side of savory home cooking.