Ricotta Cheese Vegetarian Recipes for Delicious Meals

Ricotta cheese is a true gem in any vegetarian kitchen. Its creamy, mild flavor and luscious texture make it the perfect star for countless meatless recipes.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting baked pasta, a light and fluffy appetizer, or a hearty main dish, ricotta’s versatility shines through. From classic Italian favorites to inventive modern twists, ricotta cheese brings richness and protein to vegetarian meals without feeling heavy.

If you’ve ever wondered how to use up a tub of ricotta or want to add more vegetarian-friendly dishes to your repertoire, you’re in the right place!

In this post, we’ll explore three irresistible ricotta cheese vegetarian recipes: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, Whipped Lemon Ricotta Crostini, and Vegetarian Ricotta & Vegetable Lasagna. Each recipe is beginner-friendly, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to please vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Ready to discover your new favorite ricotta dish?

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

• Versatile: Ricotta cheese can be used in savory or sweet dishes, making it a staple in vegetarian cooking.
• High in Protein: Ricotta is packed with protein and calcium, keeping meals satisfying and nutritious.
• Easy to Prepare: These recipes are approachable for cooks of any skill level—no special techniques required.
• Family Friendly: The mild flavor of ricotta appeals to kids and adults, perfect for sharing at the dinner table.
• Great for Meal Prep: All these recipes can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Each dish looks and tastes gourmet but comes together easily at home.

Ricotta Cheese Vegetarian Recipes List

Let’s dive into our top three ricotta cheese vegetarian recipes. For each recipe, you’ll find a detailed ingredients list, required equipment, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and nutrition facts.

Don’t miss the serving suggestions and creative variations at the end!

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet
• Medium mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, drizzling with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Sauté the spinach. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Fill each shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture (about 2 tbsp per shell) and arrange them in the baking dish, open side up.
7. Top shells with remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use frozen spinach if you’re short on time. Thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding to the filling.
• Add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for more nutrition.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta shells.
• “This recipe freezes beautifully—assemble, freeze, and bake straight from the freezer for an easy weeknight meal!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.
• Pair with a side of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with a glass of your favorite white wine for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.

Whipped Lemon Ricotta Crostini

Ingredients

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Microplane or zester
• Baking sheet
• Bread knife
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice baguette into ½-inch slices and arrange on a baking sheet.
2. Brush bread lightly with olive oil. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
3. Make the whipped ricotta. In a bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey (or agave), sea salt, and black pepper. Whip with a hand mixer or vigorously whisk until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Spread whipped ricotta generously on toasted baguette slices.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs. Drizzle with extra honey (optional) for added sweetness and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a savory twist, top with roasted cherry tomatoes or sliced radishes.
• Make it vegan by using plant-based ricotta and agave syrup.
• Try orange zest for a different citrus flavor profile.
• “Whipped ricotta can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply re-whip before serving for maximum fluffiness!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a party appetizer or a quick snack with drinks.
• Pair with a bowl of Lipton Vegetable Dip and fresh veggies for a full appetizer spread.
• Add to a brunch board alongside fruit, jams, and cheeses.

Vegetarian Ricotta & Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling noodles, if needed)
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Sharp knife & cutting board
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare noodles according to package instructions if not using no-boil.
2. Sauté vegetables. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini, eggplant, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Mix ricotta filling. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/3 sautéed vegetables, 1/3 mozzarella, and 1/3 marinara sauce. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with sauce and remaining cheese on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.

Tips & Variations

• Swap veggies based on what’s in season—try mushrooms, kale, or carrots.
• Add spice with a pinch of crushed red pepper or fresh herbs like oregano and thyme.
• Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking for fuss-free entertaining.
• “Lasagna freezes perfectly. Let cool, slice into portions, and freeze for up to 2 months.”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
• Serve with homemade vegan bread or garlic knots.
• Round out the meal with a refreshing fruit dessert, or try this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe for something special.

Tips & Variations for All Recipes

• Homemade Ricotta: If you have extra time, making ricotta from scratch can elevate any of these dishes.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or cashew-based ricotta for a vegan twist—see our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for more creamy ideas.
• Batch Cooking: Double any recipe and freeze leftovers for busy weeks.

• “Ricotta cheese is incredibly forgiving—feel free to experiment and add your own favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables.”

Nutrition Facts Summary

Conclusion

Ricotta cheese opens up a world of possibilities for vegetarian meals, from hearty classics to light and modern bites. Its creamy texture, subtle taste, and nutritional benefits make it a favorite among home cooks seeking variety and comfort.

These recipes—Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, Whipped Lemon Ricotta Crostini, and Vegetarian Ricotta & Vegetable Lasagna—demonstrate just how easy and rewarding it is to cook with ricotta.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a festive brunch, or a meal-prep session, ricotta cheese can be your secret weapon for delicious, satisfying vegetarian dishes. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these recipes your own.

And if you’re looking to expand your vegetarian repertoire even further, be sure to check out our guides to Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Happy cooking!

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