Mediterranean Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

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Delicious Mediterranean spinach ricotta cannelloni baked to perfection
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Mediterranean Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

Introduction

Mediterranean Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Italy right into your kitchen. It’s made with pasta tubes filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta cheese filling, all baked in a savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or anytime you crave a warm, comforting meal.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe offers more than just delicious flavors. It’s a great way to include more greens in your diet with the fresh spinach while enjoying a rich and cheesy filling. It’s also a fantastic choice for those who enjoy preparing meals ahead of time, making it easy to have a homemade dish ready when you need it. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that people of all ages will love!

How to Make Mediterranean Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

Making Mediterranean Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is easier than you might think. With a handful of fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a fantastic meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup cooked, drained)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, nutmeg, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Stuff the filling into cannelloni tubes.
  4. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  5. Spread some sauce in a baking dish and place the stuffed cannelloni on top.
  6. Pour remaining sauce over the cannelloni.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.

How to Serve Mediterranean Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

Serve the cannelloni hot from the oven. You can drizzle some extra sauce over the top or sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Mediterranean Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 days. You can also freeze the uncooked assembled cannelloni for up to a month. Just make sure to cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

Tips to Make Mediterranean Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

  • Make sure to squeeze out all the excess water from the spinach if using fresh. This will keep the filling from being too watery.
  • Feel free to add some herbs like basil or oregano to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
  • Experiment with different cheeses; mixing in mozzarella could give it a lovely stretchiness!

Variation

For a twist, try adding some cooked ground meat or sautéed mushrooms to the filling. You can also use whole wheat cannelloni for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach is a great option. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before using it in the filling.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge before baking. Just adjust the baking time if it’s chilled.

3. What sauce should I use?
You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs for a fresh taste.

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Mediterranean Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

  • Author: olivia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

A delightful dish with pasta tubes filled with creamy spinach and ricotta, baked in a savory sauce, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup cooked, drained)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, nutmeg, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Stuff the filling into cannelloni tubes.
  4. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  5. Spread some sauce in a baking dish and place the stuffed cannelloni on top.
  6. Pour remaining sauce over the cannelloni.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Squeeze out excess water from spinach for the filling. Feel free to add herbs like basil or mozzarella for added flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: cannelloni, spinach, ricotta, pasta, Italian, vegetarian

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