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Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl
baking dish
saucepan
wooden spoon
oven
Cuisine Type: Italian
Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni is a classic Italian dish that showcases the delightful combination of creamy ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, all enveloped in tender pasta tubes. This dish isn’t only comforting and hearty but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings.
The homemade tomato sauce adds a layer of richness, while the cheese filling provides a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. This recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a taste of Italy without needing extensive culinary skills. The cannelloni can be assembled ahead of time, allowing you to pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
With a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top and a side salad, this dish transforms any meal into a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 12 cannelloni tubes
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This will be your filling for the cannelloni.
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture. Place the filled tubes in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the filled cannelloni, ensuring that all the pasta is covered. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the cannelloni from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Extra Tips:
To save time, you can use pre-made marinara sauce or even a store-bought spinach and ricotta filling. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or the marinara sauce.
For an extra touch, serve the cannelloni with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete Italian meal.
Enjoy your delicious creation!