Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Bake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Bake, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This rich and comforting dish combines tender pasta tubes filled with a luscious mix of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices, all topped with a gooey layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan. With its warm, bubbling tomato sauce, this baked cannelloni will be a hit on your dinner table. Serve it alongside a crisp salad and some crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal. Gather your loved ones and share the joy of homemade Italian cuisine!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant cannelloni tubes
400 g (No preparation needed)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Heat in a pan)
Onion
1 large (Finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Crushed)
Frozen spinach
1 kg (Thawed and drained)
Ricotta cheese
750 g (Beaten)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Pasta sauce
2 (575 g) jars (Use your favorite jarred sauce (e.g., Dolmio Classic sauce))
Salt
to taste (No preparation needed)
Pepper
to taste (No preparation needed)
Mozzarella cheese
400 g (Shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the thawed spinach, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes, until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with beaten ricotta cheese, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
6
Stuff each cannelloni tube generously with the ricotta and spinach mixture using a spoon or a piping bag, placing them in a greased baking dish as you go.
7
Pour the tomato pasta sauce evenly over the stuffed cannelloni, ensuring every tube is well covered.
8
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top, creating a cheesy layer.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
10
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked cannelloni!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of this Cannelloni Bake?
The dish features a creamy and comforting flavor profile combining luscious ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, aromatic nutmeg, and a rich tomato sauce topped with gooey mozzarella.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) before you begin baking the cannelloni.
How much spinach is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 kg of frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
Do I need to pre-boil the cannelloni tubes?
No, this recipe uses 400g of instant cannelloni tubes which require no preparation or pre-boiling.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the finely chopped onion in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent.
What are the key ingredients in the ricotta filling?
The filling consists of 750g of beaten ricotta cheese, the cooked spinach mixture, 2 beaten eggs, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
How do I fill the cannelloni tubes without making a mess?
You can generously stuff each tube with the ricotta and spinach mixture using either a spoon or a piping bag.
How much pasta sauce is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for two 575g jars of your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce.
Should I cover the dish while it is in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
What is the total baking time for the cannelloni?
The total baking time is 30 minutes: 20 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
Which cheeses are used for the topping?
The topping is made with 400g of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Bake is a vegetarian dish.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the 2 crushed garlic cloves after the onion is translucent and cook for one additional minute until fragrant.
What role do the eggs play in the filling?
The 2 beaten eggs act as a binder for the ricotta and spinach mixture, helping it hold its shape inside the tubes.
How much nutmeg is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to season the ricotta mixture.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should I prepare the spinach before adding it to the filling?
Heat the thawed spinach in a skillet with the garlic and onion for about 2 minutes until heated through, then let it cool slightly.
Does the pasta sauce need to cover all the tubes?
Yes, ensure every cannelloni tube is well covered with sauce to ensure the pasta cooks properly.
What is the final indicator that the dish is ready to be removed from the oven?
The dish is ready when the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Let the cannelloni sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Can I use any brand of pasta sauce?
Yes, you can use your favorite jarred sauce, such as Dolmio Classic sauce.
Is the onion finely chopped or sliced?
The recipe specifies that the onion should be finely chopped.
What serving suggestions are provided for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the cannelloni with a crisp salad and some crusty bread.
How much mozzarella is needed for the cheesy layer?
You will need 400g of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What size of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large onion.
Does the ricotta need any preparation?
Yes, the 750g of ricotta cheese should be beaten before being combined with other ingredients.
What tags define this recipe category?
Tags for this recipe include Italian, pasta, vegetarian, casserole, comfort food, and baked dish.
Is the nutmeg ground or whole?
The recipe uses ground nutmeg.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What makes this dish a 'casserole' type?
It is considered a casserole because it is prepared in a single baking dish and baked in the oven until bubbling.