Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is like a cozy hug on a plate, with its tender pasta tubes encasing creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach. Picture this: the aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a dish that promises to be both comforting and satisfying, perfect for family gatherings or those nights when you simply want to impress yourself. Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

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 make Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni ahead of time?
- What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
- How do I prevent the pasta from breaking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Remember that one time you tried to impress your in-laws with your cooking skills? You ended up ordering takeout instead? Well, fear not! This Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is here to save the day and your culinary reputation. Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups Trust me, nothing brings people together quite like a bubbly tray of cannelloni fresh from the oven, ready to be devoured in all its cheesy glory.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish that pleases everyone
- Its vibrant green filling adds visual appeal, making it irresistible on any table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for customization—swap in your favorite greens or add some herbs for an extra kick
Cooking this dish has always brought smiles to my family’s faces, especially when they see it bubbling away in the oven.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Manicotti or Cannelloni Pasta: Choose sturdy pasta tubes that can hold up to baking without breaking.
- Ricotta Cheese: Fresh ricotta gives the best texture; look for creamy varieties for optimal flavor.
- Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach for a tender bite; it wilts beautifully and blends well with other ingredients.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own for a fresher taste; it adds a delightful nutty flavor to the dish.
- Marinara Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; just ensure it’s rich and robust for maximum flavor impact.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic will elevate the aroma and taste; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
- Eggs: A small addition helps bind the filling together, ensuring every bite is cohesive and delicious.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil enhances flavor; use extra virgin for the finest taste experience.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors; adjust according to your personal preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you wash and chop the spinach. This way, everything’s ready when you are!
Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in minced garlic until fragrant, then add chopped spinach until wilted—about 3 minutes should do.
Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended; it should look creamier than your average ice cream!
Fill Your Pasta: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each manicotti tube with that heavenly mixture. Don’t worry if it gets messy; just think of it as culinary abstract art.
Create Your Sauce Base: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds moisture during baking—trust me on this one!
Bake It Up: Arrange filled cannelloni snugly in the baking dish. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese before covering with foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered and then remove foil for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
Now let those enticing aromas fill your home! When you pull this out of the oven, prepare yourself for some serious compliments!
Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side. Enjoy every mouthful of this Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni as it transports you back to those cozy family dinners where laughter fills the air alongside tasty bites! Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad.
You Must Know
- Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is a crowd-pleaser; it’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor
- Perfect for impressing guests, this dish allows you to sneak in some greens while satisfying hearty appetites
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the ricotta filling while your pasta cooks. Once the pasta is ready, assemble it quickly to ensure it doesn’t stick together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spinach for Swiss chard or add herbs like basil for extra flavor. You could even sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cannelloni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh spinach for a vibrant color and taste; frozen spinach can be watery
- Don’t overstuff the cannelloni; a little goes a long way for even cooking
- Always taste your ricotta mixture before filling to balance flavors perfectly
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last piece of cannelloni. It’s always heartwarming to see loved ones enjoy something I created.
FAQ
Can I make Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni ahead of time?
For more inspiration, check out this strawberry spinach salad recipe.
Yes, you can assemble it a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese works well as a lower-fat alternative for ricotta in this recipe.
How do I prevent the pasta from breaking?
Make sure to cook your pasta al dente and handle it gently while assembling.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is a comforting Italian dish that combines tender pasta tubes with a rich filling of creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach, all topped with savory marinara sauce. This dish not only warms the heart but also impresses at any gathering, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its delightful layers of flavor and easy preparation, it’s a must-try recipe that will bring smiles to your table.
Ingredients
- 12 manicotti or cannelloni pasta tubes
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted (about 3 minutes).
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Fill each pasta tube with the ricotta mixture using a piping bag or spoon.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange filled cannelloni in the dish and cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle with more Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannelloni (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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