There’s something undeniably enchanting about a dish that wraps comfort and elegance into every bite, and Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni is a shining star in that realm. This timeless classic invites you into a world where tender pasta tubes cradle a luscious blend of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta, all bathed in a rich, velvety sauce. More than just a meal, it’s a warm hug at the end of a long day, a culinary reminder that simple ingredients, when combined with care, create magic on a plate. Join us as we explore the secrets behind this beloved comfort food, uncovering tips and tricks to transform your kitchen into an Italian trattoria filled with heart and soul.
Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni unfold a world of comforting Italian flavors that marry tender pasta tubes with a velvety blend of spinach and ricotta cheese. This classic dish charms with its delicate texture and rich creaminess, evoking memories of family dinners and hearty home-cooked warmth. Originating from the heart of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, the luscious combination of fresh spinach and ricotta offers both nutrition and indulgence, elevated by a perfectly smooth béchamel sauce. It’s a dish that invites both novice and experienced cooks to master an artful balance of taste, texture, and presentation.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield
- Servings: 6 generous portions
Difficulty Level
- Medium – ideal for home cooks ready to impress with classic Italian finesse
Ingredients
- 12 cannelloni tubes, dried or fresh
- 500g fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 400g ricotta cheese
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the béchamel sauce:
- 60g unsalted butter
- 60g all-purpose flour, sifted
- 600ml whole milk, warmed
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach filling: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted and most moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer spinach to a fine sieve; press gently to remove excess liquid. Let cool completely.
- Combine the filling: In a large bowl, mix the cooled spinach with ricotta cheese and Parmesan. Season with salt and white pepper. Set aside.
- Make the béchamel sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened (about 7-8 minutes). Season with salt, white pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Fill the cannelloni tubes: Using a piping bag or small spoon, carefully fill each tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture. Take care not to overfill to prevent breaking.
- Assemble the dish: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange filled cannelloni side by side in the dish. Pour the remaining béchamel evenly over the top, ensuring full coverage.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and garnish: Let the cannelloni rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and aroma.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success
- Spinach Prep: Ensure all excess moisture is squeezed from the spinach to avoid a watery filling and soggy pasta.
- Ricotta Substitute: For a creamier texture, blend half the ricotta with mascarpone cheese or cottage cheese if preferred.
- Béchamel Tips: Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps and achieve a silkier sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and béchamel a day in advance. Assemble just before baking for convenience and freshness.
- Alternative Filling: Feel free to add finely chopped mushrooms or sautéed leeks for an earthier flavor dimension.
- Pasta Options: Fresh cannelloni tubes cook faster and offer a softer bite, while dried tubes hold shape better but require longer baking.
Serving Suggestions
Present your creamy spinach and ricotta cannelloni on a warm ceramic platter, allowing the béchamel to glisten invitingly. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a scattering of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil elevate the visual appeal and freshen the palate. Pair this comfort classic with a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness. For beverages, chilled sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a delicate herbal iced tea complements perfectly.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
Expand your Italian cooking skills by exploring our Creamy Vegetable Lasagna recipe or learn more about the nuances of béchamel sauce from Serious Eats’ detailed guide.
Q&A
Q&A: Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni – A Comfort Classic
Q1: What makes Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni a comfort classic?
A1: This dish is a harmonious blend of tender pasta tubes filled with a luscious mixture of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese. It’s baked in a rich béchamel or tomato sauce until bubbling and golden, delivering warmth and indulgence that instantly soothes the soul-true comfort food at its finest.
Q2: Can I use frozen spinach, or is fresh better?
A2: Both work beautifully! Frozen spinach is a great time-saver and still packs plenty of flavor once properly squeezed dry to avoid sogginess. Fresh spinach provides a brighter, earthier note. Either way, the creamy ricotta balances perfectly, creating a silky filling.
Q3: What’s the secret to making the filling extra creamy and flavorful?
A3: The magic lies in combining ricotta with a hint of parmesan or pecorino, a touch of garlic, and freshly ground nutmeg. The nutmeg adds warmth without overpowering. Plus, gently sautéing the spinach with garlic and a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the taste from simple to sublime.
Q4: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! Cannelloni is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Assemble the tubes, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the finished dish even more comforting and cohesive.
Q5: Are there gluten-free or vegan adaptations?
A5: For gluten-free, swap regular cannelloni tubes with gluten-free pasta or even use thinly sliced zucchini ribbons rolled around the filling. Vegan versions can replace ricotta with cashew cream or tofu blended with nutritional yeast and lemon juice, and swap béchamel for a plant-based white sauce.
Q6: What side dishes complement this creamy cannelloni?
A6: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables offer a refreshing contrast to the richness. A glass of chilled white wine or a light Italian red also pairs beautifully, rounding out a cozy, satisfying meal.
Q7: How do I prevent the cannelloni from drying out during baking?
A7: Make sure the tubes are snugly nestled in enough sauce-whether tomato-based or béchamel. Covering the dish with foil for most of the baking time locks in moisture. Removing the foil towards the end lets the top brown to a perfect golden finish without drying the filling.
With these tips and tricks, your creamy spinach and ricotta cannelloni will become a beloved staple, bringing a slice of cozy Italian comfort to your table any night of the week!
To Conclude
As the final forkful of creamy spinach and ricotta cannelloni melts into your memory, you’ll find that this comfort classic is more than just a meal-it’s a warm embrace on a plate. With its luscious ricotta filling and velvety spinach-infused sauce, this dish invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and celebrate the timeless joy of homemade Italian cooking. Whether for a cozy night in or a special gathering, creamy spinach and ricotta cannelloni remains a delicious reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together to create the most unforgettable flavors. So go ahead-roll up those cannelloni, bake with love, and enjoy a taste of comfort that never goes out of style.
