Delicious Cannelloni recipe with Ricotta and Spinach

Growing up, I loved the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. Today, I’m excited to share a cannelloni recipe with ricotta and spinach. It brings back those cherished memories for you to enjoy in your kitchen.

This dish is not just another Italian recipe. It’s a journey that turns simple ingredients into a delicious meal.

Imagine making a dish that’s not only tasty but also good for you. Our spinach and ricotta cannelloni is packed with protein. It’s a balanced meal that will make you happy and support your health goals.

Introduction to Traditional Italian Stuffed Pasta

Explore the world of authentic Italian flavors with stuffed pasta. Cannelloni is a culinary gem that brings Italy’s heart to your kitchen. These tasty pasta tubes are ideal for vegetarian recipes and traditional cooking.

Origins of Cannelloni in Italian Cuisine

Cannelloni is a favorite dish in Southern Italy, especially in Campania and Sicily. Traditionally crafted by home cooks, it symbolizes family gatherings and creativity. The name “cannelloni” means “large tubes” in Italian, fitting its shape perfectly.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Celebrates authentic Italian flavors with simple ingredients
Offers a versatile vegetarian recipe option
Provides a restaurant-quality meal you can prepare at home
Allows for creative filling variations

Key Benefits of Homemade Cannelloni

Homemade cannelloni offers many benefits:

Complete control over ingredient quality
Customizable fillings to suit dietary preferences
Cost-effective alternative to restaurant dining
Opportunity to master traditional Italian cooking techniques

“Cooking is about passion, and cannelloni embodies the true spirit of Italian culinary tradition.” – Chef Mario Rossi

By trying this recipe, you’ll turn your kitchen into a real Italian trattoria. You’ll create memories and flavors that feel like a trip to Italy.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cannelloni

Making delicious cannelloni starts with picking top-notch ingredients. These will make your ricotta cheese fillings and spinach stuffing shine. Start by choosing fresh, high-quality parts that bring real Italian taste to your kitchen.

To make the best cannelloni, you need a few key items. These turn a simple pasta dish into a fancy meal. Here are the must-haves:

Fresh Spinach (500g) – the star of your spinach stuffing
Ricotta Cheese (250g) – creamy base for ricotta cheese fillings
Parmesan Cheese (25g) – for added depth of flavor
Cannelloni Tubes (12 pieces) – dried pasta from the supermarket
Fresh garlic
Lemon zest and juice
Fresh basil leaves

The quality of your ingredients really matters. Fresh is always best for this classic Italian dish. If you can’t find fresh spinach, frozen spinach works too.

“Great cooking starts with great ingredients” – Italian Cooking Proverb

Here are some wine pairing ideas to go with your cannelloni:

White Wines	Red Wines
Pinot Grigio	Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Sauvignon Blanc	Sangiovese
	Merlot

Pro tip: Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps mix flavors better in your ricotta cheese fillings and spinach stuffing.

Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips

Making tasty homemade pasta rolls needs the right tools and smart prep. Preparing cannelloni is an art that mixes skill with the right kitchen gear. Let’s look at the key tools and tips to make your cooking smooth and fun.

Required Cooking Tools

To make great baked pasta casseroles, you’ll need certain kitchen tools:

Large colander for draining pasta
Non-stick frying pan
Medium-sized saucepan for sauces
Oven-proof baking dish
Piping bag or large ziplock bag for filling pasta tubes
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board

Prep Work Essentials

Good prep is crucial for perfect homemade pasta rolls. Mise en place – having all ingredients ready before cooking – makes cooking easier.

Preparation Step	Time Requirement
Wilting spinach	5-7 minutes
Preparing ricotta filling	10 minutes
Making tomato sauce	15 minutes

Time-Saving Tips

“Preparation is half the battle in creating delicious meals!” – Professional Chef

Smart cooking tricks can cut down prep time:

Use pre-wilted frozen spinach to save time
Prepare sauces ahead and chill them
Chop veggies while sauces simmer
Clean as you go to avoid big cleanup later

By using these tools and tips, you’ll make your cannelloni-making journey efficient and fun.

Cannelloni recipe with ricotta and spinach

Making the perfect cannelloni with ricotta and spinach needs care and love. This dish turns your dinner into a taste of Italy. It’s a feast for your taste buds.

Get your ingredients ready. For this tasty cannelloni, you’ll need:

18 oz frozen spinach (thawed)
18 oz ricotta cheese
2 x-large eggs
3 cloves crushed garlic
¾ cup mozzarella cheese
Pinch of salt

First, heat your oven to 210°C (410°F). Mix the ricotta, spinach, eggs, and garlic in a big bowl. Make sure the filling is smooth and tasty.

“The secret to great cannelloni is in the careful balance of flavors and textures.” – Italian Cooking Tradition

Fill the pasta tubes gently. Spoon the ricotta and spinach mix into each tube. Be careful not to break the pasta.

To get the best taste, layer your cannelloni in a baking dish. Use tomato sauce and more cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Nutritional highlights per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	257 kcal
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	15g

Your homemade cannelloni is ready! Top it with fresh basil. Enjoy this real Italian dish that adds comfort and flavor to your meal.

Making the Perfect Ricotta and Spinach Filling

Making a great ricotta cheese filling is key to delicious cannelloni. Your spinach stuffing will make this classic dish stand out. It’s all about careful preparation and the right flavors.

Proper Spinach Preparation

Begin with fresh, top-quality spinach for your filling. Here’s how to do it right:

Wash spinach well to get rid of dirt
Blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes
Quickly move to ice water to stop cooking
Drain well and squeeze out extra water
Chop spinach finely for a smooth mix

Achieving the Right Filling Consistency

Your spinach stuffing should be creamy but firm. It should be spreadable and not leak during baking.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Whole Milk Ricotta	16 oz	Creamy base
Chopped Spinach	1 cup	Flavor and nutrition
Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup	Depth of flavor

Seasoning Guidelines

Enhance your ricotta cheese fillings with the right seasoning. A bit of nutmeg, fresh black pepper, and lemon zest can make your spinach stuffing amazing.

“The secret to an amazing cannelloni lies in the balance of your filling’s flavors.” – Italian Culinary Tradition

Pro tip: Mix ingredients gently to keep them light and airy. Don’t overmix, or your filling will be dense and heavy.

Mastering the Tomato Sauce Base

Making an authentic Italian tomato sauce is an art. It turns your cannelloni into a true culinary masterpiece. The sauce is the heart of any Italian dish, adding depth and rich flavors.

To make the perfect sauce, start with top-notch ingredients. Fresh garlic is key – slice it thinly to unlock its strong flavor.

Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing
Select San Marzano tomatoes for best results
Choose fresh herbs for maximum flavor

Your sauce-making technique is just as important as the ingredients. Slow cooking is key to developing complex flavors. Start by sautéing garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant but not browned. Then, add your tomatoes and let them simmer gently.

“In Italian cooking, patience transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.” – Chef Mario Batali

Pro tip: Add dried herbs like oregano or basil during simmering. They’ll give your sauce that traditional Italian aroma. Let the sauce reduce slowly to concentrate its flavors. This will make it rich and velvety, perfect for your ricotta and spinach cannelloni.

The aim is to make a sauce that enhances without overpowering the ricotta filling. Your homemade tomato sauce will take your dish to new heights of deliciousness.

Assembly and Baking Techniques

Making the perfect baked pasta casseroles needs attention to detail. Your cannelloni will turn into a delicious dish with the right assembly and baking.

Filling the Pasta Tubes

Filling your cannelloni tubes requires a smart plan. Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off. This way, you fill evenly without spills.

Cut a small corner of the bag for precise filling
Gently squeeze filling into each pasta tube
Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting

Layering Methods for Optimal Flavor

Layering is key for tasty stuffed pasta dishes. Begin by spreading half the tomato sauce in your dish. Place the filled cannelloni tubes on top, then add the rest of the sauce and cheese.

Baking Temperature and Timing

Getting the baked pasta just right needs careful temperature control. Bake covered at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Then, remove the cover and bake for another 10 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly.

“The secret to great cannelloni is in the details of assembly and baking.” – Italian Cooking Maestro

Baking Stage	Temperature	Time
Covered Baking	400°F	20 minutes
Uncovered Baking	400°F	10 minutes

Pro tip: Let your cannelloni rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Your stuffed pasta dishes will look as good as they taste.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Keeping your oven-baked pasta fresh is key. Your homemade cannelloni can stay tasty and soft with the right care.

Proper storage keeps your spinach and ricotta cannelloni delicious and safe. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container
Maximum refrigerator storage: 3-4 days
Freezer storage: Up to 2-3 months

Reheating Techniques

Bring back the taste of your homemade pasta rolls with these methods:

Reheating Method	Temperature	Time
Oven	350°F (175°C)	20-25 minutes
Microwave	High Power	2-3 minutes

“The key to perfect reheated cannelloni is maintaining moisture and temperature,” says professional Italian chef Marco Rossi.

When reheating frozen pasta, add 5-10 minutes to cooking time. Make sure it heats to 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Meal Prep Tips

Cool completely before storing
Use shallow containers for even cooling
Thaw frozen cannelloni overnight in the refrigerator

Pro tip: Sprinkle fresh Parmesan and a few basil leaves before serving to refresh the flavors of your reheated homemade pasta rolls.

Conclusion

Your cannelloni recipe with ricotta and spinach is more than a meal. It’s a celebration of Italian cooking tradition. This vegetarian recipe turns simple ingredients into a special dining experience. It connects you with generations of cooks who have mastered this dish.

Creating this cannelloni takes patience and passion. It’s perfect for family dinners or special events. The mix of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and rich tomato sauce makes it unforgettable. You can also make it your own by adjusting it to your taste and dietary needs.

Making cannelloni is both an art and a tasty journey. From picking the best ingredients to layering and baking, each step is a part of an authentic Italian experience. It will impress and satisfy everyone at your table.

Cooking is about joy, connection, and sharing. Your homemade cannelloni is a love letter to Italian food. It brings warmth and flavor to your table. Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach is a great substitute. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing with ricotta cheese. It’s a quick and easy swap.

How long can I store leftover cannelloni?

Store leftover cannelloni in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat it in a 400°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes.

Can I freeze this cannelloni recipe?

Absolutely! Freeze it for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating. It’s perfect for busy weeks.

What wines pair well with spinach and ricotta cannelloni?

White wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pair well. A light Italian red, like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, also works. The wine’s acidity complements the dish.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it’s a vegetarian recipe. It’s nutritious and flavorful, making it a great choice for meat-free meals.

How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This recipe is quick and easy, taking about 45 minutes. It’s perfect for home cooks with basic skills, offering a restaurant-quality meal.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Definitely! You can assemble it 1-2 days before baking. It’s great for meal planning or dinner parties.

What can I serve alongside this cannelloni?

A simple green salad and crusty bread are perfect. The salad adds freshness, balancing the rich cannelloni.

Did you like this recipe?

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4.7 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)

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Delicious recipe

01/27/2025

Nice recipe – really liked that everything was in one pan

jasmin

Good recipe