Dive into a world where rich, velvety textures meet vibrant green hues in a dish that promises both comfort and elegance-welcome to the Indulgent Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Delight. This culinary masterpiece combines tender pasta tubes generously filled with a luscious blend of fresh spinach and velvety ricotta cheese, all enveloped in a sumptuous cream sauce that melts effortlessly on the palate. Perfect for those seeking a harmonious balance between wholesome greens and indulgent decadence, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this cannelloni delight delivers a symphony of flavors that’s as satisfying as it is sophisticated.

Indulgent Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Delight

Indulgent Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Delight captures the essence of Italian comfort food with a luxurious filling that melts on your palate and pasta that embraces every bite flawlessly. This recipe combines fresh spinach and velvety ricotta cheese into a filling so smooth and bright, it transforms ordinary cannelloni into a dish worthy of any special occasion or cozy weeknight dinner. The balance of rich creamy sauces and fragrant fresh herbs adds depth and vibrancy, making every forkful irresistible.

Prep and Cook Time

• Preparation: 25 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield

Serves 6 hearty portions

Difficulty Level

Medium – approachable for confident home cooks and those ready to elevate their pasta-making skills.

Ingredients

• 12 cannelloni pasta tubes (fresh or dried)
• 450g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 400g whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 300ml whole milk cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 30g unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the spinach filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped spinach, stirring continuously until wilted and moisture evaporates, approximately 5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3. Mix the ricotta filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, and freshly grated nutmeg. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Mix gently until smooth but well combined.
4. Prepare the creamy sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a smooth roux, cooking for 2 minutes without browning.
5. Gradually pour in the whole milk cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
6. Fill the cannelloni: Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each pasta tube with the rich spinach and ricotta mixture. Arrange the filled tubes snugly in a buttered baking dish.
7. Pour the creamy herb sauce evenly over the cannelloni, ensuring every tube is coated for maximum flavor and moisture during baking.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and allow to brown slightly for another 8-10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
9. Rest and serve: Let the cannelloni cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the sauce settle and the rolls hold their shape beautifully.

Tips for Success: Crafting the Perfect Indulgent Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Delight

• Spinach prep: For best texture, thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the cooked spinach to avoid a watery filling.
• Ricotta choice: Use fresh, high-quality ricotta for the creamiest filling; draining it via cheesecloth for 15 minutes refines texture.
• Pasta tips: If using dried cannelloni, pre-cook tubes al dente or soak according to package instructions to achieve tender but firm rolls.
• Sauce consistency: Whisk the cream sauce continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and develop a silky smooth texture.
• Make ahead: Assemble the filled cannelloni and sauce up to 24 hours in advance; refrigerate covered, then bake fresh for a time saving solution.
• Herb variations: Experiment with fresh thyme or oregano for a slightly different herbaceous note that complements the richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cannelloni on warm plates drizzled with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a dusting of Parmesan for that elegant finishing touch. Accompany with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

For a complete Italian meal, pair this dish with a side of crunchy garlic bread or a vibrant tomato and mozzarella salad. A crisp sparkling mineral water or freshly squeezed lemonade provides refreshing contrast to the creamy indulgence.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

For more inspiration on fresh pasta dishes, explore our Fresh Pasta Recipes collection. Discover the art and technique behind pasta perfection.

Learn more about the health benefits of spinach and ricotta on Healthline, a trusted source for nutrition insights.

Q&A

Q&A: Indulgent Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Delight

Q1: What makes this Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni so indulgent?
A1: The magic lies in its luscious cream sauce and the rich ricotta filling, perfectly paired with tender spinach. The creamy texture combined with fresh, vibrant ingredients creates a silky, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Q2: Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! The ricotta and spinach mixture can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until you’re ready to stuff your cannelloni tubes.

Q3: What’s the secret to perfectly cooked cannelloni pasta?
A3: To avoid overcooking or splitting, it’s best to use no-boil cannelloni tubes or partially pre-cook the pasta sheets, then carefully roll the filling inside. Baking the assembled dish in a creamy sauce will finish cooking the pasta to tender perfection.

Q4: Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?
A4: Yes! Swap ricotta for a plant-based ricotta alternative made from tofu or cashews, and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of traditional cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy depth to the filling, maintaining that indulgent richness.

Q5: What sides complement this creamy cannelloni?
A5: A crisp, fresh salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette beautifully balances the richness. Roasted seasonal vegetables or garlic-infused sautéed greens also make a perfect, light accompaniment to this comforting dish.

Q6: How can I add a little extra flavor without overpowering the delicate creaminess?
A6: Aromatics like garlic, fresh nutmeg, and a touch of lemon zest enhance the filling’s taste without overshadowing its gentle creaminess. Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley sprinkled on top can also elevate the flavor profile.

Q7: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A7: Yes-assemble your cannelloni dish but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbling.

Q8: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A8: Use gluten-free pasta tubes or sheets made from rice, corn, or chickpeas. Ensure your sauce ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten. This way, everyone can delight in the creamy goodness without worry.

Q9: What’s the nutritional highlight of this dish?
A9: It’s a wonderful source of calcium and protein from ricotta cheese, paired with nutrient-packed spinach rich in iron and vitamins. Enjoying indulgent flavors doesn’t mean sacrificing wholesome goodness!

Q10: Can I add other greens or cheeses to the filling?
A10: Certainly! Kale, Swiss chard, or even beet greens work well alongside spinach. For cheese variations, try blending in parmesan or mozzarella for added depth, while keeping the ricotta as the creamy base.

Closing Remarks

As the rich, velvety layers of creamy spinach and ricotta weave their magic inside each tender cannelloni shell, this dish emerges as a true celebration of comfort and sophistication. Whether served at a family dinner or an elegant soirée, the Indulgent Creamy Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni Delight promises to enchant every palate with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. So, next time you crave a meal that’s both nourishing and utterly decadent, let this luscious recipe be your go-to culinary masterpiece-because sometimes, indulgence is the secret ingredient to pure happiness on a plate.