Vegetarian Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni Recipe

Craving a comforting and delicious Italian meal? Look no further! This vegetarian spinach and ricotta cannelloni recipe is the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s surprisingly easy to make and packed with flavour, guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

What is Cannelloni?

Cannelloni are large, cylindrical pasta tubes traditionally filled with meat and baked with a tomato or béchamel sauce. Our vegetarian version swaps the meat for a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly tasty spinach and ricotta filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Cannelloni tubes (fresh or dried)
  • Fresh spinach
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Eggs
  • Nutmeg
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Olive oil
  • Tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Filling: Sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
  2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Fill the Cannelloni: If using dried cannelloni, you may need to parboil them slightly according to package directions. Fill each tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture using a piping bag or a spoon.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Spread a layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes on top. Cover with the remaining tomato sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese (if using).
  5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cannelloni are heated through.

Tips and Variations:

  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.
  • Use frozen spinach instead of fresh, but be sure to thaw and drain it well.
  • For a richer flavour, use a béchamel sauce instead of tomato sauce.
  • Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and satisfying vegetarian spinach and ricotta cannelloni! This recipe is perfect for a family meal or a potluck gathering. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media!


Ingredients:
Cannelloni tubes (fresh or dried), Fresh spinach, Ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, grated, Eggs, Nutmeg, Garlic, Onion, Olive oil, Tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade), Mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)

Tags:
Vegetarian, Cannelloni, Spinach, Ricotta, Pasta, Italian Food, Recipe, Vegetarian Recipe, Dinner, Lunch, Baking, Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Family Meal, Potluck, Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni, Main Course, Nutmeg, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Garlic, Onion, Olive Oil