It’s a beautiful day, and the smell of simmering tomato sauce wafts through the air like an old friend. You can almost hear it whispering, “Pasta night is calling, my dear.” Enter Ricotta Paccheri, a dish that promises to delight your taste buds while wrapping you in a comforting embrace. stuffed pasta rolls With its creamy ricotta filling and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
Picture this: you gather your loved ones around the table, their faces lighting up as you serve up heaping portions of this culinary wonder. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant soirée with friends, Ricotta Paccheri steals the show every time. cheesy sliders Trust me when I say that each mouthful brings warmth and joy—like a hug from your grandma after a long day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Ricotta Paccheri recipe combines simplicity with incredible flavors, making dinner preparation effortless
- Each bite is a creamy explosion of flavor that dazzles the senses
- The colorful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any table
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress!
I remember the first time I made Ricotta Paccheri for my friends. Their eyes widened in delight after the first bite, and let’s just say there were no leftovers that night! Italian minestrone soup.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Paccheri Pasta: Look for large tubes; they hold the filling beautifully and provide a delightful bite.
- Ricotta Cheese: Opt for fresh ricotta for creaminess; it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Fresh Basil: A handful of fragrant basil elevates the dish with its aromatic touch.
- Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought sauce; consistency is key here.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds depth and richness to each serving.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors; don’t skimp on seasoning!
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps enhance flavors while keeping things moist during baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Boil the Paccheri: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add paccheri pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine fresh ricotta, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and half of the parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well-blended and creamy.
Stuff the Pasta: Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each paccheri tube generously with the ricotta mixture. The more filled they are, the better!
Layer with Sauce: Spread some tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Arrange stuffed paccheri on top in a single layer. Pour remaining sauce over them generously. For more inspiration, check out this Roasted Boursin Stuffed Dates recipe.
Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese over the top for that golden crust. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Now you have Ricotta Paccheri ready to wow everyone at your dinner table! Serve hot with extra basil sprinkled on top for that fresh touch. For more inspiration, check out this Cucumber Caprese Salad recipe.
In conclusion, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself after a long week, Ricotta Paccheri is bound to become your new go-to recipe! So roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and dive into this delightful culinary adventure—you won’t regret it!
You Must Know
- Ricotta Paccheri is not just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The creamy ricotta filling paired with the al dente pasta creates a comforting experience that will warm your soul
- Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your cravings or pantry finds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the paccheri until al dente, then prepare your sauce while they cook. This way, everything comes together seamlessly, ensuring the pasta stays flavorful and fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta for mascarpone for a richer taste or toss in sautéed spinach for extra nutrition. Adding fresh herbs can also brighten up the dish beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your ricotta is well-drained to avoid a watery filling; this keeps the dish creamy but not soupy
- Always taste your sauce before combining it with pasta, and adjust seasonings as needed for perfection
- Lastly, experiment with different cheese blends for added flavor complexity!
Sharing my first attempt at making Ricotta Paccheri was unforgettable; my friends raved about it, insisting I should start my own cooking show – I politely declined!
FAQ
What is Ricotta Paccheri?
Ricotta Paccheri is a pasta dish featuring large tube-shaped pasta filled with creamy ricotta cheese. Mediterranean hummus.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can mix ricotta with mozzarella or feta for varied flavors and textures.
How do I make the filling more flavorful?
Add herbs like basil or parsley and spices such as nutmeg to elevate the ricotta filling taste.
Ricotta Paccheri
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Ricotta Paccheri is a comforting Italian dish that features large pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta cheese, fresh basil, and topped with rich tomato sauce. Each bite offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also visually stunning, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces paccheri pasta
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil.
- Boil salted water in a large pot; add paccheri and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan until blended.
- Stuff each paccheri with the ricotta mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish; arrange stuffed paccheri in a single layer on top. Pour remaining sauce over them.
- Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese; cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 612mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 34mg
Keywords: Ensure ricotta is well-drained for a non-watery filling. Experiment by adding spinach or using mascarpone for added richness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
