Zesty Vegetarian Cannelloni

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Equipment:
Large pot
baking dish
mixing bowl
spoon
oven

Cuisine Type: Italian

Zesty Vegetarian Cannelloni is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with a healthy twist, making it perfect for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. This recipe features tender pasta tubes stuffed with a vibrant mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and fresh herbs, all topped with a zesty homemade tomato sauce.

It’s a comforting meal that not only satisfies the taste buds but also nourishes the body with wholesome ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can easily customize the filling according to your preferences. The combination of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach provides a lovely contrast to the tangy tomato sauce, while the addition of herbs like basil and oregano enhances the overall flavor profile.

This Zesty Vegetarian Cannelloni is ideal for a family dinner or a special gathering, as it can be made ahead of time and simply baked just before serving.

Ingredients:

12 cannelloni pasta tubes
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
2 cups marinara sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cannelloni pasta tubes for about 5 minutes, or until they’re slightly softened but still firm. Drain and set aside to cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated, ensuring the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Be generous with the filling, but avoid overstuffing to prevent breakage. Place the filled cannelloni in a lightly greased baking dish.
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed cannelloni, ensuring that all the pasta is well covered. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for added flavor and moisture.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the pasta is tender.
Once baked, allow the cannelloni to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Extra Tips:

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers to the cheese filling. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta, to give the dish a unique twist.

If you’d like to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the cannelloni and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.

Enjoy your delicious Zesty Vegetarian Cannelloni!