Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is like an Italian hug on a plate. Picture soft pasta tubes enveloped in a creamy, cheesy filling, all swimming in a rich tomato sauce that smells like heaven. Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet The moment you pull this dish out of the oven, your kitchen will transform into a cozy trattoria, where every bite dances on your taste buds, bursting with flavors and textures.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use store-bought cannelloni?
- How do I know when the cannelloni is cooked?
- Can I prepare Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful meal holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni; my friends devoured it like they hadn’t eaten in days! It was a chilly evening, and the warm aroma filled my apartment, making everyone feel right at home. Funnel Cake for dessert Trust me; this dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni recipe makes dinner prep a breeze with its straightforward steps
- Every bite is a delightful mix of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach wrapped in tender pasta
- The vibrant colors of the sauce make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for both weeknight meals and fancy gatherings
I still chuckle thinking about how my cat, Bella, tried to sneak a bite while I was busy plating it. Spoiler alert: she didn’t get any!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cannelloni Pasta Tubes: These are essential for holding all that cheesy goodness; look for the sturdy kind!
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it forms the base of our filling; opt for whole milk ricotta for extra richness.
- Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves; they add color and nutrients to our dish. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan to sprinkle on top for that signature savory flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, it should be rich and flavorful.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the filling with a delicious aroma that makes your kitchen smell divine.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté your spinach and garlic to perfection before mixing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Sauté the Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Toss in fresh spinach until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with ricotta cheese and half of the grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well mixed.
Prepare Your Pasta Tubes: Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the ricotta-spinach mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Place them upright in a baking dish.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce generously over the filled cannelloni until they’re nicely covered. Save some sauce for drizzling later!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining parmesan on top, then bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until golden brown.
After pulling this beauty from the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving so no one burns their tongue! Enjoy your delectable Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni with some crusty bread or a simple salad on the side—because who doesn’t love carbs? Turkey Meatballs for a side option.
You Must Know
- Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt hug on a plate
- The combination of creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach, all wrapped in tender pasta, creates a delightful experience for the senses
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the cannelloni tubes to al dente. While they cook, sauté spinach and mix it with ricotta for filling. This sequence ensures everything is fresh and perfectly timed.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spinach with other greens like kale or add nutmeg for extra warmth. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep that cheesy goodness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni, ensure your filling is not too watery to avoid soggy pasta
- Always season your filling well; it makes all the difference in flavor
- Lastly, remember to cover the dish while baking to keep it moist and delicious!
It was my cousin’s wedding when I first nailed this recipe. Watching everyone relish my Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni made me feel like a culinary superstar! Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought cannelloni?
Absolutely! Store-bought cannelloni saves time while still delivering great taste.
How do I know when the cannelloni is cooked?
The cannelloni should be tender yet firm enough to hold its shape after baking.
Can I prepare Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni ahead of time?
For more inspiration, check out this strawberry spinach salad recipe.
Yes! Assemble it a day before, then bake right before serving for best results.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Delicious Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni, where tender pasta tubes are filled with a creamy ricotta and fresh spinach mixture, all bathed in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or elegant gatherings, delivering a warm, heartwarming experience with every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 fresh cannelloni pasta tubes
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 3-4 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach-ricotta mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce generously over the filled cannelloni. Reserve some sauce for drizzling later.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cannelloni (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
