Spinach and ricotta cannelloni
Get ready to dig into a dish that is equal parts fancy and delicious. These spinach and ricotta cannelloni combine classic Italian flavours in tender pasta tubes filled with a mix of creamy ricotta and spinach. It is smothered in rich chopped tomatoes and covered with a decadent béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. It is the perfect balance of cheesy, savoury, tangy, and earthy. Delicious for both kids and adults, it is perfect for iftar.
Ingredients
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Feta, crumbled
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200 g |
|---|---|
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Bechamel sauce with cheese
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500 ml |
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Frozen spinach, thawed and drained
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450 g |
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Ricotta cheese
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300 g |
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Chopped tomatoes
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1 can |
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Cannelloni Tubes, dried
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16 |
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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90 g |
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Black pepper
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Instructions
Tips
Be sure to use high-quality, dried cannelloni tubes as they cook more evenly and hold their shape when cooked. Fill the tubes gently to avoid breaking them and try to fill them all the way through and to the edges to get an even distribution of filling in every bite. As for the filling itself, drain the ricotta cheese and thawed spinach to remove any excess liquid and prevent the spinach and cheese mixture from becoming too watery. Mix the ingredients for the filling thoroughly to ensure that everything is well combined and that the flavour is evenly distrusted throughout the spinach and ricotta cannelloni filling.
Questions about spinach and ricotta cannelloni
Making spinach and ricotta cannelloni can seem like a daunting task, but with our easy recipe and a few tips and tricks, it is quite easy. Read on to learn more about the famous pasta dish below.
What is spinach and ricotta cannelloni?
How to make cannelloni with ricotta and spinach?
What sauce to use for baked spinach and ricotta cannelloni?
Other recipes
Cannelloni with ricotta and spinach in tomato and béchamel sauce
Ricotta and spinach cannelloni is a true Italian masterpiece packed with bold flavours and tantalising textures. The filling is made from a mix of ricotta cheese, feta, and spinach and seasoned with pepper. It offers a creamy and earthy taste that pairs wonderfully with the combination of topped tomato sauce and béchamel sauce.
The tanginess of the tomatoes cut through the richness of the béchamel, creating a harmonious flavour profile only made better by the nutty and salty accent of the grated parmesan on top. When baked in the oven, the pasta becomes tender and the flavours meld together in the best possible way, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish. This spinach and ricotta cannelloni will be a hit with everyone joining the meal.
If you like classic Italian flavours, you should check out our recipes for one pot lasagne, cauliflower Margherita pizza with mozzarella cheese, and aubergine spaghetti bolognese.
Cheesy béchamel sauce for creaminess
The cheesy béchamel sauce is the cherry on top of the spinach ricotta cannelloni. Made from a mix of butter, flour, milk, and grated cheese, this sauce is the definition of indulgence. The addition of the cheesy béchamel sauce provides an added layer of creaminess to the cannelloni with spinach and ricotta that elevates it from just a regular pasta dinner to a true feast. It creates a smooth and rich texture that complements the tender pasta and filling and adds a nutty and slightly salty flavour, which pairs well with the tanginess of the tomato sauce and the earthy and creamy notes of the ricotta and spinach filling.
Add feta cubes for saltiness
Feta cheese is a great addition to the filling of the spinach and ricotta cannelloni, as it adds a delicious saltiness to the dish. The balance between ricotta and feta cheese in the filling is what makes it so delicious. Ricotta cheese provides a creamy and mild flavour that balances out the sharp and salty flavour of the feta. This creates a well-rounded flavour that is exquisite and allows for the spinach to shine through, making each bite of the spinach and ricotta cannelloni so enjoyable and satisfying.
Impress with Italian cannelloni with ricotta and spinach
If you want a dish that tastes amazing, looks fancy and impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, our spinach and ricotta cannelloni recipe is just right for you. The long and cylindrical pasta tubes filled with rich and flavourful spinach and cheese, covered in a delicious tomato and béchamel sauce, and topped with parmesan cheese make for a visually stunning presentation that is sure to impress your guests. Despite their impressive appearance, spinach and ricotta cannelloni are incredibly simple to make so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home without any fuss.
Add your own touch
Adjusting the filling is a great way to customise the spinach and ricotta cannelloni to your liking and give it a personal touch. Whether you want to add some extra spices or incorporate new ingredients, the possibilities are endless.
If you are looking for a bit of heat or a touch of aromatic herb flavour, mix some red pepper flakes, dried basil, or lemon zest into the filling. It will enhance the spinach and ricotta cannelloni with bold flavours. You can also try incorporating new ingredients into the filling, such as mushrooms, courgette, or aubergine, to add more texture and make it even more delicious.
