Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
Tender tubes of pasta filled with creamy spinach and ricotta cheese, wrapped in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, perfect for a cozy dinner or gathering.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Filling
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella for topping
For the Pasta
- 12 cannelloni tubes
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer while you prepare the filling.
- Tip: Use homemade marinara for a fresher flavor, or choose your favorite jarred brand for convenience.
Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until fully combined, creating a rich and creamy filling.
Fill the Cannelloni
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture. Don’t worry about overfilling; it adds a lovely creaminess when baked.
- Tip: For easier filling, use a piping bag to dispense the filling into the pasta tubes.
Assemble the Dish
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the filled cannelloni side by side, then cover with the remaining marinara sauce. Top with fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella.
Bake and Serve
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Tip: Let the cannelloni rest for about 5 minutes before serving to make it easier to slice.
Notes
A few small choices can make this dish feel even more settled and balanced: use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, experiment with cheeses like feta or goat cheese in the filling, add freshly chopped herbs such as basil or parsley for extra brightness, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little heat, and pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.