The first time I took a bite of Ricotta Paccheri, my taste buds danced like they had just won the lottery. Imagine large, ridged pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta, drizzled with a vibrant tomato sauce that sings of summer. refreshing Mediterranean salad The aroma wafting from the kitchen was enough to draw family and friends into the dining room, where laughter mingled with the scent of garlic and basil. This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration on a plate.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for ricotta in Ricotta Paccheri?
- Can I make Ricotta Paccheri ahead of time?
- How long does cooked Ricotta Paccheri last in the fridge?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I served it to my friends during an impromptu dinner party. They were skeptical at first—after all, who puts ricotta in pasta tubes? But one bite later, they were reminiscing about their own childhood dinners as they piled their plates high. zesty lemon cheesecake Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a fancy dinner soirée, Ricotta Paccheri brings joy and flavor that no one can resist.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Ricotta Paccheri recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills while delivering maximum flavor
- The combination of creamy cheese and tangy tomato sauce creates a delightful explosion in your mouth
- Its stunning presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests at any occasion
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to seasonal ingredients or dietary preferences
I served this dish at our last family reunion, and everyone asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Paccheri Pasta: Choose high-quality dried paccheri for the best texture; its size holds the filling beautifully.
Ricotta Cheese: Fresh ricotta adds creaminess; look for whole-milk varieties for richer flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for that nutty flavor that complements the ricotta perfectly.
Fresh Basil: Grab some fragrant basil leaves; they elevate the dish with aromatic freshness.
Tomato Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works; choose a sauce rich in herbs for added depth.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic base in your sauce.
Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling and sautéing; it enhances flavors beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors together; don’t skip these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Boil Your Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add paccheri and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes—ensuring not to burn the garlic.
Add Tomato Sauce: Pour your tomato sauce into the skillet with sautéed garlic. Let simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with grated parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Mix until smooth and creamy without any lumps.
Stuff Paccheri Pasta: Using a small spoon or piping bag (if you’re feeling fancy), carefully fill each piece of paccheri with the ricotta mixture. Don’t worry if some spills out; it just means more cheesy goodness!
Bake It All Together: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed paccheri on top and cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese over everything before baking for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
Now you have an incredible Ricotta Paccheri dish waiting to be devoured! The combination of textures from the creamy filling and hearty pasta will keep everyone coming back for more. savory ground chicken meatloaf rich and creamy pasta dish Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Ricotta Paccheri is a creamy, dreamy dish that captures the essence of Italian comfort food
- With its rich flavors and delightful textures, it’s perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself
- The balance of ingredients creates a visually stunning presentation that tastes as good as it looks
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling paccheri until al dente while sautéing garlic in olive oil. Combine them with ricotta and herbs for a flavorful pasta dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta with mascarpone for an extra creamy texture or add spinach for color and nutrients. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes for heat. For more inspiration, check out this Mascarpone Stuffed Dates recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Ricotta Paccheri in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil to maintain its creaminess. For more inspiration, check out this Cucumber Caprese Salad recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Ricotta Paccheri, ensure your pasta is not overcooked to maintain a perfect bite
- Opt for fresh ricotta; it makes all the difference in flavor and texture
- Always taste your sauce before serving; small adjustments can elevate the dish significantly
Cooking this Ricotta Paccheri reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would fight over seconds—food always brings us together, doesn’t it?
FAQ
What can I substitute for ricotta in Ricotta Paccheri?
Mascarpone or cottage cheese works well if you’re looking for an alternative texture.
Can I make Ricotta Paccheri ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything and store separately until you’re ready to bake or serve.
How long does cooked Ricotta Paccheri last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Ricotta Paccheri
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Ricotta Paccheri, a delightful Italian dish that combines large pasta tubes filled with fresh ricotta cheese and smothered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home. With its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation, Ricotta Paccheri will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz paccheri pasta
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook paccheri according to package instructions until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Prepare the sauce: Add tomato sauce to the skillet with garlic, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Mix until smooth.
- Stuff paccheri: Fill each piece of paccheri with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the tomato sauce in a baking dish, layer stuffed paccheri on top, cover with remaining sauce, sprinkle Parmesan on top, and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
