Ricotta Filling

This is a ricotta filling that is perfect for all your favorite stuffed pasta and classic Italian meal! It's a delicious staple that works for lasagna, manicotti, stuffed shells, and eggplant rollatini!

Try using our ricotta filling in Italian Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce and Ricottaor Authentic Italian Baked Ziti!

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A Helpful Ricotta Filling Recipe

It's so important to keep certain recipes on hand. Ricotta filling is used in so many Italian recipes, it's great to have the mixture recipe so that it is one less thing to worry about. It's the same as the breadcrumb mixture we use for Italian Chicken Cutlets. It can be used for so many recipes that it's important to have the basics down to save time!

This ricotta filling for lasagna and other recipes is delicious, flavorful, and extra creamy! My mother has made it this way for as long as I can remember. I'd watch her make it by feel, without ever looking at a recipe or measuring the ingredients! Thankfully, I was able to measure out her recipe!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

1. Ricotta. Whole milk ricotta is the best option here. It will be the thickest and the most creamy. Every ricotta is different. I'd choose either Trader Joe's brand or Bel Gioso. Those are my two favorite brands and the closest to homemade ricotta.
2. Parmigiano. Make sure to use freshly grated parmesan. The already grated parmesan won't melt well and it creates a funky texture. You can substitute pecorino romano or grana padano.
3. Mozzarella. I like to use whole milk low-moisture mozzarella. The low moisture is great for ricotta filling because it won't create a runny texture when it melts.
4. Garlic. You can substitute 1.5 teaspoon of garlic powder.

*Please see the recipe card below for more information on ingredients.

How to Make Ricotta Filling

Step 1: Combine 16 oz ricotta, ½ cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of parmesan, 1 egg, 3 tablespoon parsley, salt, pepper, and 1 clove of garlic, minced, together in a bowl.

Step 2: Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to use. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pro-Tip

1. The longer you store this ricotta mixture in the refrigerator, the more intense the garlic flavor will be. If you plan on storing it in the refrigerator for multiple days, I would suggest substituting garlic powder.

What to use Ricotta Filling for

A good ricotta mixture recipe is perfect to have on hand because you can use it in so many different recipes.

• Baked Pasta. It is a staple in our baked pasta recipes like Authentic Italian Lasagna, Authentic Italian Baked Ziti,Baked Cheese Manicotti, and Italian Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce and Ricotta.
• You can use it to stuff different meats and vegetables like chicken rollatini or eggplant rollatini.
• It's a delicious toast topper and can be used onEASY Ricotta Bruschetta.
• We'll sometimes season ricotta and serve it withEggplant Parmigiana, Authentic Italian Sunday Sauce, orItalian Pink Sauce with Sausage!

Recipe FAQs

Do I have to add egg to Ricotta filling?

If you're going to bake it, yes. It helps bind it together so it doesn't just melt all over the dish and create a watery mess.

How long does ricotta filling last in the fridge?

Up to 3 days, but the flavor will get more intense with time, especially if there is fresh garlic in it!

More Dressings and Sauces

• Creamy Lemon Sauce
• Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
• Creamy Red Pepper Sauce
• Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing