Few dishes capture the warmth and comfort of Italian cuisine quite like a bubbling pan of oven-baked cannelloni. This Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni, nestled in a rich tomato sauce and topped with golden, melted cheese, is everything you want in a cozy meal. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with spinach and ricotta, making it indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a cozy dinner, or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal, this dish is bound to impress.
How Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni Became a Family Favorite
The first time I tried cannelloni, it was at a small Italian trattoria while traveling, and it was love at first bite. I remember thinking, “Why haven’t I been making this at home?” Since then, it’s become one of our family’s go-to dishes whenever we want something that feels like a little celebration. There’s something magical about the creamy ricotta mixed with fresh spinach, all stuffed into pasta and topped with a deliciously rich tomato sauce. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which is a win in my book!
Over the years, we’ve tweaked this recipe slightly, sometimes adding extra herbs or swapping out cheeses, but the core ingredients—spinach, ricotta, tomato sauce, and pasta—stay the same. This classic combination, simple as it is, never fails to deliver on flavor.
A Bit of Background on Cannelloni and Italian Cuisine
Cannelloni, meaning “big pipes” in Italian, is a type of pasta originally from Italy, where stuffed pasta is a beloved specialty. Traditionally, cannelloni is stuffed with a mixture of meat, cheese, and vegetables, then baked in a sauce until everything is perfectly tender. Italians have a knack for turning simple, high-quality ingredients into something extraordinary, and cannelloni is a perfect example.
Spinach and ricotta cannelloni is a popular vegetarian version, combining the creamy, mild flavor of ricotta with the earthy, fresh taste of spinach. Ricotta is a staple in Italian cooking, used in both savory and sweet dishes. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it ideal for stuffed pasta like cannelloni or ravioli. Spinach, on the other hand, adds a pop of color, nutrients, and a subtle flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese for creamy richness
- 2 cups fresh spinach finely chopped, for a nutrient boost
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, umami depth
- 1 large egg beaten, to bind the filling
- Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning
- Nutmeg a pinch, for warmth and complexity
For the Cannelloni:
- 12-14 cannelloni tubes ready for stuffing
- 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 1 small onion finely chopped, for sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic minced, for aromatic foundation
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes for the sauce base
- 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity
- 1 tsp dried oregano for herbaceous flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Baking:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for a melty top
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, half of the Parmesan cheese, egg, a pinch of nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Fill the Cannelloni: Spoon the spinach and ricotta mixture into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the mixture.
- Assemble the Dish: Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer. Cover with the remaining tomato sauce. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the cannelloni rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is great for melting, adding a mixture of cheeses can enhance the flavor. Consider blending mozzarella with more Parmesan on top for a richer taste or even a bit of smoked provolone for a smoky note.
Enjoy crafting this Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni, a dish that promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors, baked to perfection for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Add a Comment