If you are craving a comfort dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Ricotta Paccheri Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Creamy ricotta fills the large, tender paccheri pasta tubes, while fragrant garlic and basil add layers of vibrant flavor. The combination of smooth cheese, al dente pasta, and a touch of golden garlic oil creates a dish that tastes like a warm embrace, perfect for sharing around the table with friends or family. Every bite sings with simplicity and richness, making this recipe an absolute must-try for anyone who loves Italian-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ricotta Paccheri Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible flavors and textures, from the creamy ricotta to the bright basil that wakes up the palate.
- 12 oz paccheri pasta: These large tubular noodles are perfect for stuffing and soak up sauces beautifully.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a rich, smooth creaminess that fills each paccheri with a delicious softness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, savory depth that complements the ricotta perfectly.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Brings a bright, herbal freshness that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling and the garlic oil with an aromatic punch that’s simply irresistible.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Used to sauté garlic and gently coat the stuffed pasta for a subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors in the dish.
How to Make Ricotta Paccheri Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Paccheri Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until it reaches that perfect al dente texture — tender but with a slight bite. This ensures the pasta holds its shape beautifully when stuffed and cooked further.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
While the pasta cooks, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir until everything is well combined into a creamy, flavorful filling that will fill the paccheri tubes with a luscious, aromatic center.
Step 3: Stuff the Paccheri
Drain the cooked pasta and allow it to cool just enough so you can handle it without burning your fingers. Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each paccheri tube with the ricotta mixture. Filling them well is key to ensuring every bite bursts with that rich flavor.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add additional minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, which should take about a minute. This infused oil will lightly coat the stuffed pasta, adding an irresistible, garlicky aroma.
Step 5: Cook the Stuffed Paccheri
Gently place the filled paccheri into the skillet, taking care not to crowd or break them. Toss the pasta carefully in the garlic oil, allowing the external layer to warm and absorb the infused flavors without becoming mushy or falling apart.
Step 6: Serve with Extra Parmesan and Basil
Plate the paccheri while still hot and sprinkle generously with more grated Parmesan and freshly chopped basil for a vibrant finish. This adds a lovely texture contrast and visual appeal that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Ricotta Paccheri Recipe
Garnishes
To amplify the joy of this dish, fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan are perfect garnishes. They bring a bright herbal note and a salty richness that makes each forkful feel extra special. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil at the end adds a shimmering finish.
Side Dishes
This Ricotta Paccheri Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. The freshness balances the richness of the stuffed pasta and adds a refreshing contrast to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just make this dish feel a little more festive, serve the paccheri individually plated with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dusting of smoked paprika. Alternatively, arrange the stuffed pasta in a beautiful ceramic baking dish and bake briefly with a light layer of tomato sauce for a baked twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Ricotta Paccheri can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from sticking together, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, separate the stuffed paccheri in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing after sautéing, as texture may change.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated stuffed paccheri gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results, then warm carefully to maintain the creamy texture and pasta firmness.
FAQs
What is paccheri pasta?
Paccheri are large, tubular pasta shapes that are perfect for stuffing because their wide, hollow centers can hold generous fillings, like the creamy ricotta in this recipe.
Can I use other cheeses instead of ricotta?
Ricotta is ideal because of its creamy, mild flavor and smooth texture. However, you can experiment with mascarpone or a blend of ricotta and cream cheese if you want a slightly different richness.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Ricotta Paccheri Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish, relying on cheeses and fresh herbs for flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, a small amount of dried basil can be used, though fresh basil offers a far more vibrant flavor. Alternatively, fresh spinach or parsley can add a green, fresh element.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy filling, so to make it vegan you would need to substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives, such as cashew cream or vegan cheese, and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Ricotta Paccheri Recipe is truly a treasure to keep in your culinary collection. Its comforting yet fresh blend of flavors makes it perfect for any occasion, whether a cozy night in or a special dinner with friends. Once you experience the joy of biting into those creamy, garlicky stuffed pasta tubes, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish. Give it a try and watch how it effortlessly wins everyone’s hearts.
Print
Ricotta Paccheri Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Ricotta Paccheri recipe features large, tender paccheri pasta tubes generously stuffed with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture, infused with fresh basil and garlic. Quickly sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil, this dish offers a perfect blend of creamy, herby, and savory flavors, making it an elegant yet easy-to-make Italian-inspired meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz paccheri pasta
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Aromatics
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided: some for mixture and some for sautéing)
Other
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and allow to cool slightly, so they are easier to handle.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a creamy filling.
- Stuff the Paccheri: Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each paccheri tube generously with the ricotta mixture, ensuring not to break the pasta shells.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add additional minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Stuffed Paccheri: Gently place the stuffed paccheri into the skillet. Toss lightly to coat the pasta with the garlic-infused olive oil, heating through without breaking the tubes.
- Serve: Plate the paccheri while hot. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- If a piping bag is not available, use a small spoon to fill the paccheri tubes carefully.
- Be gentle when sautéing stuffed paccheri to avoid breaking the pasta shells.
- For a richer taste, you can add a splash of cream to the cheese mixture.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil if necessary, but fresh is preferred for optimal flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or a glass of white wine.
