Lasagna filling

This is a classic, creamy filling for Italian-American style lasagna, where ricotta cheese is blended with eggs, herbs, and often Parmesan to create a rich, binding layer. It is traditionally layered between pasta sheets and a meat or vegetable sauce, providing a soft, cheesy contrast to the other components. The dish originates from Italy, with the ricotta-based filling being particularly popular in Southern Italian and Italian-American cuisine.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This filling is high in protein and fat, primarily from the ricotta cheese and eggs, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates if mixed with other ingredients like spinach or breadcrumbs. It is a good source of calcium and protein, with a rough calorie ballpark of 150-250 calories per half-cup serving, depending on the specific recipe and fat content of the cheese.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	18 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	680 mg
Calcium	300 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	400 IU
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Zinc	2.8 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the use of ricotta in lasagna is a hallmark of Southern Italian cooking, where fresh, whey-based cheeses are abundant. Nutritionally, it provides a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream, making it a protein-rich alternative to other creamy fillings.