Best 6 Creamy Zucchini And Ricotta Spread Recipes

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For those seeking a delectable and versatile dish that combines the flavors of summer vegetables with a touch of creamy indulgence, look no further than the creamy zucchini and ricotta spread. As a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, light lunch, or even as a savory spread on crostini, this culinary creation blends the delicate sweetness of zucchini with the rich, creamy texture of ricotta cheese. With a few simple ingredients and a touch of culinary magic, you can whip up this delightful spread that's perfect for any occasion.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA SPREAD



Creamy Zucchini and Ricotta Spread image

Serve this Mediterranean-inspired dip at your next get-together. Just as creamy as hummus but with a touch of creamy ricotta and bright lemon zest, it's sure to be a hit.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium zucchini, grated on the large holes of a box grater
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/2 cup ricotta
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • In a medium nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add zucchini, garlic, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender and golden brown in spots, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool to room temperature (or refrigerate, up to overnight; bring to room temperature before continuing). Add ricotta, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 75 g, Fat 5 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 4 g

ZUCCHINI RICOTTA BAKE



Zucchini Ricotta Bake image

What something different than a normal lasagna dish? This recipe will fit the bill and it is only 4 points.

Provided by Audrey M

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 lbs zucchini
15 ounces light ricotta cheese
1/2 cup fat free egg substitute
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs, divided
5 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon minced parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 (26 ounce) jar low sodium spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded part skim reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Coat a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cut zucchini lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices.
  • Place in a basket over 1 inch of boiling water.
  • Cover and steam for 5-6 minutes or until just tender.
  • Drain; pat dry.
  • In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg substitute, 3 Tablespoons bread crumbs, 3 Tablespoons Parmesan, parsley, oregano, basil and pepper; set aside.
  • Spread a third of the spaghetti sauce in prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with 2 Tablespoons bread crumbs.
  • cover with half of the zucchini, ricotta mixture and mozzarella.
  • Cover with remaining sauce.
  • Combine remainin crumbs and Parmesan; sprinkle over top.
  • cover and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Uncover; bake 15 minutes longer.
  • Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

ZUCCHINI RICOTTA BAKE



Zucchini Ricotta Bake image

I have made this lasagna-like zucchini casserole frequently over the years and shared the recipe with many. Recently, my daughter had some heart trouble, so I adapted the recipe to cut fat and calories. We think this version is just as delicious. -Eleanor Hauserman, Huntsville, Alabama

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 pounds zucchini
1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs, divided
5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 jar (28 ounces) meatless pasta sauce
1-1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cut zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-in. slices. Place in a basket over 1 in. of boiling water. Cover and steam until just tender, 5-6 minutes. Drain; pat dry. , In a large bowl, combine ricotta, egg substitute, 3 tablespoons bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, parsley, oregano, basil and pepper; set aside. , Spread a third of the spaghetti sauce in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons bread crumbs. Cover with half of the zucchini, ricotta mixture and mozzarella. Repeat layers of sauce, zucchini, ricotta mixture and mozzarella. Cover with remaining sauce., Combine remaining crumbs and Parmesan; sprinkle over top. Cover and bake 45 minutes. Uncover; bake until golden brown, 15 minutes longer. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 150 calories, Fat 5g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 513mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

BAKED ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH CREAMY RICOTTA



Baked Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Ricotta image

Baked zucchini noodles in a savory sauce with creamy ricotta to top it off!

Provided by mkhurt

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup diced onion
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 pound ground turkey
1 (16 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (16 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups zucchini noodles
7 tablespoons ricotta cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
5 leaves basil, thinly sliced
1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add ground turkey and cook and stir until browned, crumbly, and no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Pour in marinara sauce and diced tomatoes; let simmer until thick, about 10 minutes.
  • Squeeze zucchini noodles to get most of the water out. Add to the skillet and stir to combine. Add ricotta cheese in 1-tablespoon dollops around the skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes to set up. Sprinkle with basil and red pepper flakes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 431.2 calories, Carbohydrate 26.9 g, Cholesterol 98.2 mg, Fat 21.9 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 31.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 917.7 mg, Sugar 14.3 g

ZUCCHINI & RICOTTA SHELLS



Zucchini & Ricotta Shells image

Creamy pasta shells with zucchini, ricotta cheese, and a hint of lemon, from May 2010 Canadian Living's Mother's Day special.

Provided by Katzen

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 15m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups pasta shells, medium or 4 cups pasta shells, large
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 zucchini
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons mint, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • In a saucepan of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
  • In a large bowl, toss together pasta, ricotta, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and half of the reserved cooking liquid.
  • Meanwhile, quarter each zucchini lengthwise. With knife, cut away core; cut on bias into slices.
  • In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute zucchini until tender, about 5 minutes. Add to pasta, along with mint, green onion, lemon juice, and enough cooking liquid for desired creaminess, tossing to coat.

ZUCCHINI AND RICOTTA CASSEROLE



Zucchini and Ricotta Casserole image

Thanks to the magic of mint, the goodness of garlic, and a generous topping of baked ricotta, this zucchini side dish will soon become a family favorite!

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Squash     Zucchini

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 large zucchini, cut into bite-size pieces
4 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ cup (packed) finely chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
salt to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese, or as needed
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Mix zucchini, garlic, mint, olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt in a large bowl until zucchini is evenly coated; transfer to a baking dish.
  • Drop dollops of ricotta cheese atop zucchini mixture. Season with cayenne pepper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until zucchini is tender and cheese is browned, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 125.9 calories, Carbohydrate 8.3 g, Cholesterol 12.7 mg, Fat 8.1 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 67.9 mg, Sugar 3 g

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, tender zucchini for the best flavor and texture. If your zucchini is large, you may need to peel it before shredding.
  • Be sure to squeeze out as much excess moisture from the zucchini as possible before adding it to the spread. This will help to prevent the spread from becoming too watery.
  • Use high-quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture. If you can, try to find ricotta cheese that is made from whole milk.
  • Season the spread to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
  • Serve the spread immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Creamy zucchini and ricotta spread is a versatile and delicious appetizer or snack. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Serve it with crackers, bread, or vegetables for a quick and easy meal.

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