Ricotta

(Pastiera Napoletana) "My mother, who is a native of Calabria, Italy, but now resides in Brooklyn, learned to make the Neapolitan specialty, pastiera napoletana, from her sister-in-law when my parents were married, in 1941," writes Marie Pacella of Howard Beach, New York. "Since then, our family and close friends look forward to having this pie every Easter. My mother and my daughter and I still get together to make them—it has become a family tradition.

This easy-to-make lasagne evolved from a pasta dish that one of us enjoyed on a trip to Portofino, Italy, some 30 years ago. Our version is even quicker, using won ton skins, which cook in a flash. Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 45 min

A bowl of comfort with ricotta “meatballs,” tiny pasta, and lots of greens.

Split open like a baked potato, eggplant becomes a custardy vessel for dinner.

That can of pumpkin purée in your cabinet is for more than just pie.

Sweet-sour peppers meet crispy chickpeas, torn croutons, and a creamy swoosh.

Cannoli but make it ice cream. An egg-free homemade ricotta ice cream chock-full of crushed sugar cones, chocolate, and pistachios.

Sweet grilled beets and creamy ricotta pair exceptionally well with spicy Sichuanese mouthwatering sauce in this vegetarian side.

This foolproof recipe for ricotta gnocchi turns out pillowy dumplings with a delicate chew. The lemon-cream butter sauce is just right for any occasion.

Jarred artichokes are a versatile panty ingredient ideal for pastas, salads, and even toasts, as seen here piled high over a creamy ricotta spread.

This creamy, dreamy vegetarian pasta bake is a cross between spinach ricotta ravioli and baked ziti. Make ahead and freeze it for months for dinner on demand.

This manicotti recipe is made with delicate crepes instead of dried pasta, and the result is something heavenly.

Free yourself from the notion that lasagna is a weekend-only affair! This version is lighter, brighter, and faster than the baked casserole you’re used to.

Zucchini is one of summer’s most abundant offerings; here it stars on a pesto pizza alongside ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms and a showering of mint.

Let your summer eggplant and basil shine in this classic Sicilian pasta.

This is our quintessential summer dessert: rich ricotta cake swirled through with jammy berries in every bite.

Juicy stone fruit, toasted nori, and salty cheese—this recipe proves fruit salad doesn’t always have to be sweet to be great.

Sweet and creamy meets crunchy and tart.

When you bake this Middle Eastern dessert in a muffin tin rather than a party-size round, everyone gets as much of the crispy-crunchy, ghee-soaked pastry as possible.