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 Ricotta or 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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, 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 on EASY Ricotta Bruschetta.
- We'll sometimes season ricotta and serve it with Eggplant Parmigiana, Authentic Italian Sunday Sauce, or Italian Pink Sauce with Sausage!
Recipe FAQs
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.
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
Please leave a comment and star rating below in the recipe card! I love to hear what you think of our recipes. Feel free to tag us on Instagram @vindelgiudice.
📖 Recipe
Ricotta Filling (for Lasagna)
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
Ingredients
- 16 oz whole milk ricotta
- ½ cup mozzarella, grated
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use!
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 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.
- Perfect to use with Authentic Italian Lasagna, EASY Ricotta Bruschetta, or Chicken Rollatini!
Maria Estevez
I make a copy cat of the Real Good lasagna and use this ricotta mix. Perfect!!!
Vincent DelGiudice
Once you have this mixture down to memory, you can add it to most of your favorite dishes like ziti or lasagna and you'll never need the recipe again!