Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni

Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni

This Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni is a comforting Italian classic, featuring tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, baked in a rich tomato and mascarpone sauce. It's a delightful dish that combines fresh herbs and cheeses for a perfect family meal.

Vegetarian

Prep Time

40 min

Cook Time

35 min

Servings

6

Cannelloni, originating from Italy, is a beloved pasta dish where tubes of pasta are stuffed with delicious fillings, often incorporating cheeses and greens like spinach, then baked under a luscious sauce. This particular recipe highlights the creamy texture of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses paired with fresh spinach, bringing a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The tomato sauce, enriched with garlic, basil, and a hint of sweetness from sugar and vinegar, adds a vibrant dimension to the dish. Historically, cannelloni has roots in Italian cuisine as comfort food, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. This recipe's creamy filling and robust tomato sauce make it an excellent centerpiece for a hearty dinner. Serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty bread can round out the meal beautifully. Additionally, the dish can be frozen before or after baking, offering flexibility for meal planning. Whether you're preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni embodies the essence of Italian comfort cooking — simple ingredients transformed through careful preparation into an irresistible dish.

Ingredients

  • 3 400g can Chopped Tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 8 cloves chopped Garlic
  • 3 tbsp Caster Sugar
  • 2 tblsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • Bunch Basil Leaves
  • 2 tub Mascarpone
  • 3 tbsp Milk
  • 85 g Parmesan
  • 2 sliced Mozzarella
  • 1 kg Spinach
  • 100 g Parmesan
  • 3 tub Ricotta
  • pinch Nutmeg
  • 400 g Cannellini Beans

Instructions

Begin by preparing the rich tomato sauce. Warm the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat and gently fry the chopped garlic cloves for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn. Stir in the caster sugar and red wine vinegar, then add the chopped tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this mix simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a luscious consistency. Just before finishing, fold in fresh basil leaves for a fragrant lift. Divide this vibrant sauce evenly among two or more shallow ovenproof dishes. (Tip: This sauce freezes beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead and freeze for later use.) Next, prepare the creamy filling. Place the fresh spinach in a large colander and pour over boiling water in batches to wilt it quickly. Allow the spinach to cool until you can handle it, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible – this step is crucial to avoid watery filling. Roughly chop the spinach and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add 100g of freshly grated Parmesan and the ricotta cheese tubs. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to boost the flavors. Mix until combined. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C if using a fan oven) or gas mark 6. To fill the cannelloni tubes, use a piping bag or a sturdy plastic bag with the corner snipped off to neatly squeeze the spinach and ricotta mixture into each tube, ensuring they’re generously filled. Lay the filled tubes side by side over the prepared tomato sauce. In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone with milk until silky smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then spoon this creamy sauce evenly over the cannelloni. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and lay slices of mozzarella on top for a golden, bubbly finish. You now have the option to freeze the uncooked cannelloni for future meals or proceed to bake them. To cook, bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling with melted cheese. Once out of the oven, allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving to let it set slightly. This resting time helps bring all the flavors together and makes serving easier. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy feast!

Quick Info

Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
75 min
Servings
6

You May Also Like