To start, gather all the ingredients you’ll need. For this recipe, you will need 12 cannelloni pasta tubes, 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of spinach (thawed if using frozen, or blanched and chopped if using fresh), 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 clove of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cannelloni pasta according to the package instructions, but aim for an al dente texture as the tubes will continue to cook in the oven later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Now it’s time to fill the cannelloni tubes. Take a spoonful of the ricotta and spinach mixture and carefully stuff it into each pasta tube. You can use the back of the spoon or your fingers to push the filling all the way to the ends of the tube. Repeat this process until all the tubes are filled.
Next, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer in the dish. If you have any leftover filling, you can spread it over the top of the filled pasta tubes. This will create a delicious cheesy crust.
To top off the dish, pour your favorite tomato sauce over the cannelloni. You can use a homemade sauce or a jarred sauce, whichever you prefer. Ensure the pasta tubes are evenly coated with the sauce. Sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a crispy top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Once done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the cannelloni hot, alongside a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or as a standalone main dish.
In conclusion, making cannelloni with ricotta and spinach is easier than it may seem. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and comforting Italian meal that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this cannelloni recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the rich flavors of this classic dish!