The Creamiest Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni Recipe Ever

Crafting a delectable spinach and ricotta cannelloni brings pure comfort to your kitchen adventures.

Soft pasta tubes promise a creamy, luxurious experience that feels like a warm Italian embrace.

Layers of vibrant green spinach intermingle with rich, smooth ricotta cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Delicate herbs and a hint of garlic whisper Mediterranean charm into every bite.

Perfectly baked, these cannelloni offer a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

Cheese bubbles golden on top, promising a mouthwatering journey through classic Italian cuisine.

You’ll want to savor each forkful and celebrate the simple magic of home cooking.

Helpful Tips For Nigella Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni

• Boost Spinach Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach and ricotta mixture for a subtle, warm depth.
• Prevent Dry Pasta: Ensure cannelloni tubes are fully covered in sauce to keep them moist and tender during baking.
• Make It Vegetarian: Replace anchovies with a splash of soy sauce or miso paste for umami complexity.
• Speed Up Prep: Blanch spinach quickly in boiling water instead of wilting to save cooking time and retain bright green color.
• Cheese Swap Option: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter, protein-rich alternative if desired.

Ways To Mix Up Nigella Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni

• Gluten-Free Cannelloni: Replace traditional pasta tubes with zucchini ribbons or gluten-free pasta sheets for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Swap anchovies with tofu crumbles or nutritional yeast for added plant-based protein and umami flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use eggplant or cabbage leaves instead of pasta tubes, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavors.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace ricotta with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and select dairy-free mozzarella alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.

What Matches Well With Nigella Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni

• Savor Complementary Flavor Combinations: Elevate this spinach and ricotta cannelloni with these perfect pairings.
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy texture of the cannelloni and refresh the palate.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish, adding a zesty and peppery contrast.
• Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted ciabatta or sourdough bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft cannelloni.

How To Store Nigella Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or aluminum foil. Store frozen cannelloni for 2-3 months. Label with date.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp top layer.

Common Questions On Nigella Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni

• What are the key ingredients for this cannelloni recipe?

The key ingredients are spinach, ricotta cheese, cannelloni pasta, tomatoes, creme fraiche, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, basil, and anchovies.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains anchovies and is not vegetarian-friendly. However, you can omit anchovies to make it vegetarian.

• Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Assemble the cannelloni and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

• What type of tomatoes work best for the sauce?

Fresh ripe tomatoes or good quality canned whole tomatoes are ideal for creating a rich, flavorful sauce in this recipe.

Why Nigella Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni Tastes Amazing

• Craft Comfort Cuisine: Transform simple ingredients into a heartwarming Italian classic that hugs your taste buds with rich, creamy layers of spinach and cheese.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Navigate this recipe with ease, requiring basic kitchen skills and minimal prep work to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or impressing guests with its elegant presentation and delectable flavor combinations that appeal to multiple palates.
• Nutritious Gourmet Meal: Pack your plate with vegetables, protein, and calcium-rich ingredients, turning a traditional pasta dish into a balanced, satisfying dinner option.

What Goes Into Nigella Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni

• Spinach: A leafy green vegetable that provides nutrients and earthy flavor to the cannelloni filling.
• Ricotta: A soft Italian cheese that creates a creamy and smooth texture in the stuffing.
• Cannelloni: Large pasta tubes designed to be filled with savory ingredients.

• Tomatoes, Basil: Classic combination that creates a rich and aromatic base sauce for the dish.
• Creme Fraiche, Anchovies, Parmesan: Provide a complex, creamy, and umami layer to the final sauce.

• Butter, Oil, Garlic, Oregano, Pepper: Essential aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile of the spinach filling.
• Mozzarella: A melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbling top layer for the cannelloni.
• Water, Salt: Basic ingredients used for cooking and seasoning the components.

How To Cook Nigella Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius or Gas Mark 4.

Step 2: Prepare Spinach Mixture

In a skillet, melt butter and add oil. Sauté garlic with oregano and pepper. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Step 3: Create Tomato Sauce

Combine tomatoes and basil in a pot. Add water and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Mix Cheese Filling

• Chopped spinach
• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan

Blend ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 5: Fill Pasta Tubes

Carefully stuff the cannelloni tubes with the spinach and cheese mixture. Place the filled tubes in a baking dish over the prepared tomato sauce.

Step 6: Prepare Creamy Topping

• Creme fraiche
• Chopped anchovies
• Grated Parmesan

Season the mixture with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Assemble The Dish

Pour the creamy sauce over the stuffed cannelloni. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbling.

Spinach And Ricotta Cannelloni Recipe

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• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spinach and ricotta cannelloni invites home cooks on a delightful Italian culinary journey through layers of silky pasta and creamy cheese. Rich herbal flavors blend seamlessly, promising a comforting meal that connects you with Mediterranean traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 handfuls spinach
• 16 cannelloni tubes
• 400g ricotta cheese
• 400g water
• 2 cans chopped tomatoes

Dairy and Cheese:

• 500ml creme fraiche
• 200g mozzarella, torn
• 2 handfuls grated Parmesan
• 2 handfuls Parmesan (for topping)

Herbs, Seasonings, and Other Ingredients:

• 2 knobs butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 handful fresh oregano, chopped
• 1/4 nutmeg, grated
• 1 handful fresh basil, chopped
• 3 anchovies, chopped
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 1 pinch sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, preparing a baking dish for the cannelloni.
2. Sauté spinach in butter and oil with minced garlic, adding oregano and black pepper until leaves collapse and release moisture.
3. Create a rich tomato sauce by simmering tomatoes with fresh basil for 15 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
4. Allow wilted spinach to cool completely, then finely chop and combine with creamy ricotta and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach-cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution and tight packing.
6. Spread a layer of tomato sauce across the bottom of the baking dish, then arrange stuffed cannelloni tubes on top.
7. Prepare a decadent cream sauce by whisking creme fraiche with finely chopped anchovies and additional Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Drizzle the cream sauce evenly over the cannelloni, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella across the top for a golden, melted finish.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the edges become crispy and bubbling.

Notes

• Spinach Preparation: Thoroughly drain wilted spinach to prevent excess moisture, which could make the filling soggy and dilute the rich flavors.
• Cheese Selection: Choose high-quality, fresh ricotta and Parmesan for a more authentic and creamy taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Anchovy Alternative: Substitute anchovies with capers or olives for a vegetarian version that maintains the salty, umami depth in the sauce.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the cannelloni a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making dinner preparation quicker and easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg