Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni: A Classic Italian Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both creamy and flavorful, Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni is the answer. This Italian classic combines tender pasta tubes filled with a rich spinach and ricotta mixture, smothered in a savory tomato sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the entire process of making Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni, answer frequently asked questions, provide nutritional information, and share tips to make this dish even more delicious. Let’s get started!

Spinach and ricotta cannelloni

This Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni recipe is a creamy, flavorful Italian classic perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Filled with a rich spinach and ricotta mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, this dish is easy to make and customizable. Includes step-by-step instructions, FAQs, nutrition facts, and tips for preparation. Ideal for vegetarians, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead or frozen. Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Buon appetito!

Servings 6

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 12 cannelloni tubes
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Filling

  In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
• Fill the Cannelloni Tubes

  Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
• Assemble the Dish

  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

  Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer over the sauce.

  Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all the tubes are covered.

  Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
• Bake

  Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

  Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Serve

  Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works perfectly. Simply sauté it with a little olive oil until wilted, then drain any excess liquid before mixing it with the ricotta.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the cannelloni, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.

3. Can I freeze Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

4. What can I serve with this dish?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.

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Nutrition Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron, thanks to the spinach and ricotta.

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Special Notes and Tips

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cannelloni tubes if needed.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to the filling for extra flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different twist.

Calories: 320kcal

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni, Italian pasta recipe, vegetarian cannelloni, baked pasta dish, ricotta and spinach filling

Final Thoughts

Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni is a timeless Italian dish that’s both comforting and elegant. With its creamy filling, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese topping, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight.

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