The scent of warm, cheesy Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni wafts through the air, beckoning you closer like a siren’s call. Picture this: tender pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, smothered in a rich marinara sauce that glistens invitingly. Each bite bursts with flavor, a delightful dance of textures that makes your taste buds sing.
As I sit down to enjoy this dish, memories flood back to family gatherings where laughter and love filled the air. This Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni has been a staple on our dinner table, perfect for cozy Sundays or festive celebrations. It’s not just food; it’s comfort, warmth, and a promise of deliciousness that lingers long after the meal is over.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- The explosion of flavors will leave your taste buds tingling with joy
- Its vibrant colors create an eye-catching centerpiece on any dining table
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side, it adapts beautifully to any meal plan
Ingredients for Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Lasagna Sheets: Choose thin sheets for easy rolling and cooking; they should be pliable but not too soft.
Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess; avoid low-fat varieties as they can be too watery.
Fresh Spinach: Opt for baby spinach for tenderness; wash thoroughly to remove any grit before use.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds depth; it melts beautifully into the sauce and filling.
For the Sauce:
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Select high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor base; watch out for added sugars.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides an aromatic kick; sauté until fragrant but not browned.
Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness to the sauce; cook until translucent for optimal flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni
Start with Sautéing Your Veggies
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic and chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant. This step lays the flavorful foundation of your sauce.
Prepare the Marinara Sauce
Add canned crushed tomatoes to your sautéed mixture along with salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes until thickened, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Mix Your Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, fresh spinach (chopped), grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed; it should look creamy and inviting.
Fill the Cannelloni
Lay out your fresh lasagna sheets on a clean surface. Spoon generous amounts of filling onto one end of each sheet and roll them tightly into cannelloni shapes like little pasta burritos.
Assemble in Baking Dish
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place your cannelloni seams down into the dish side by side while ensuring they’re snug but not squished together.
Top It Off
Pour remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed cannelloni generously. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top for that golden crust when baked—because who doesn’t love cheesy goodness?
Bake Away!
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Remove foil during last five minutes of cooking to achieve that perfectly bubbly top!
Let It Rest
After baking, allow your Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni to rest for about five minutes before serving; this helps everything set nicely so you can cut even pieces without spilling filling everywhere!
Serve With Flair
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy! Serve alongside a crisp salad or some garlic bread as you dive into this cheesy delight at family dinners or casual get-togethers.
And there you have it! A plateful of Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart—perfectly paving the way for laughter-filled evenings around the dining table. Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is a crowd-pleaser, offering a rich, creamy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds
- It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and can be customized with various fillings based on your preferences
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the filling. Cook the pasta al dente, then blend the spinach and ricotta mixture. Assemble your cannelloni by stuffing the pasta tubes and layering them with sauce before baking to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the ricotta for cottage cheese or add herbs like basil or oregano for an extra punch of flavor. You can also throw in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added depth and variety in your Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring that your beloved cannelloni stays creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter taste and better texture
- Don’t overstuff the cannelloni; it makes them hard to handle
- Always let the dish rest before serving to enhance the flavors
I remember the first time I served Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni at a family gathering. My cousin declared it was “the best thing since sliced bread,” which made me both proud and slightly concerned about his carb obsession!
FAQs:
What is Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni?
Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is a delightful Italian dish made by filling pasta tubes with a mixture of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese. The filled cannelloni is then typically topped with marinara sauce and baked until bubbly. This dish combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the rich creaminess of ricotta, creating a comforting meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.
How can I make Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni healthier?
To make Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni healthier, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for the cannelloni tubes. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or substitute part of it with low-fat alternatives. Adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to the filling can increase its nutritional value while keeping it flavorful. Additionally, using homemade marinara sauce allows you to control the ingredients and avoid added sugars.
Can I prepare Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni in advance?
Absolutely! Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni can be prepared in advance. After filling the pasta tubes and assembling your dish, cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the unbaked cannelloni. Just remember to adjust cooking times when you bake from frozen, as they may require additional time to heat through.
What sauces pair well with Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni?
While marinara sauce is a classic choice for Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni, other sauces can enhance its flavors too. A béchamel sauce adds a creamy element that complements the ricotta filling beautifully. Alternatively, a light pesto sauce can provide an aromatic twist. For those who prefer a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes to your marinara creates a lovely contrast with the milder filling.
Conclusion for Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni:
In summary, Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is a versatile and delicious dish that combines rich flavors and textures. By using fresh ingredients and making simple adjustments, you can create a healthier version of this Italian classic. Preparing this meal in advance makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, ensuring you always have something delightful on hand. Enjoy experimenting with different sauces and fillings to personalize your cannelloni experience!
Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is a comforting Italian dish that features tender pasta tubes generously filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, all bathed in a rich marinara sauce. This delightful recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll have this crowd-pleaser ready to enjoy in no time.
Ingredients
- 8 fresh lasagna sheets
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Fill each lasagna sheet with the ricotta mixture and roll tightly into cannelloni.
- Place cannelloni seam-side down in the baking dish; cover with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle additional Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes; remove foil during the last five minutes to achieve a bubbly top.
- Let rest for five minutes before serving; garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannelloni (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
