Ricotta/7 recipes

Rice con queso: a layered Mexican-American casserole of brown rice, black beans, ricotta, Monterey Jack, and cheddar with green chilies. A vegetarian pantry dinner that bakes in 30 minutes flat.

Shrimp boat on a crispy Boboli shell with lemon ricotta, artichoke hearts, and herb-sautéed shrimp in a white wine reduction. Ready in 30 minutes flat.

Pan-seared chicken breasts get draped in a tangy mustard sauce with dry sherry and a creamy ricotta-yogurt finish. All the richness of a cream sauce with half the guilt.

Vegetarian spinach and mushroom lasagna with ricotta-spinach filling and a pureed mushroom-soy sauce in place of tomato. British-style meatless main with deep umami flavor for 6.

Mediterranean lasagna layers tender pasta with eggplant in tomato sauce and a creamy mix of ricotta, feta, and yogurt. A vegetarian Greek-Italian fusion lasagna without ground meat or heavy bechamel.

Savory cheese tart with Jarlsberg and ricotta blended smooth, baked in a blind-baked crust with fresh tomato slices and herbs on top. An elegant brunch or light dinner centerpiece.

Crustless spinach and cheese pie with ricotta, Gruyere, ham, mushrooms, zucchini, and a whisper of nutmeg. Italian-style savory pie, low-carb, ready in 45 minutes.

Stacked crepe tower layered with spinach, ricotta, smoked ham, and roasted red peppers, baked under cheese sauce and Parmesan. A stunning make-ahead centerpiece.

Lo-cal cheese cake swaps cream cheese for low-fat ricotta and cottage cheese, fruit sugar for white, and folds in beaten egg whites for an airy, lighter cheesecake without the dairy bomb.

A succulent and savory lasagna made with mild pork sausage, mushrooms and a variety of tasty cheeses.

Stuffed snow pea pods filled with a ricotta and cream cheese filling with shredded radish and chives. A crisp, no-cook appetizer that's low-calorie and elegant.

Italian-inspired layered dessert with sponge cake soaked in rum and orange liqueur, sweetened ricotta cream, and fresh berries. A boozy, elegant trifle for special occasions.

One-pan skillet lasagna with ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and uncooked noodles simmered right in the sauce. Classic lasagna flavors, zero oven, one dish cleanup.

Italian Easter pie with layers of ricotta, mozzarella, smoked ham, spinach, sweet red peppers and fresh basil between two flaky pie crusts. A hearty holiday centerpiece served warm or room temperature.

Chocolate and strawberry stuffed French toast: whole-wheat sandwiches filled with ricotta, fresh berries, and chocolate chips, griddled until golden. A lighter twist on weekend brunch indulgence.

Fluffy lemon cheesecake swaps cream cheese for ricotta and lightens up with skim milk and reduced-fat crust. A bright, citrusy dessert with a soft, almost custardy crumb in a graham cracker shell.