JW MARRIOTT KITCHEN

 

Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

(Cannelloni Ricotta e Spinaci)

Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni is a beloved Italian baked pasta dish featuring tender pasta tubes filled with creamy ricotta, sautéed spinach, and herbs, topped with rich tomato sauce and melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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🧺 Ingredients:

1. 200g (7 oz) cannelloni pasta tubes

2. 500g (17 oz) ricotta cheese

3. 300g (10 oz) fresh spinach leaves, sautéed and chopped

4. 1 egg

5. 50g (1.7 oz) grated Parmesan cheese

6. 1 garlic clove, minced

7. Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

8. 2 cups tomato passata (or smooth marinara sauce)

9. 150g (5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded

10. Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.

2. In a large skillet, sauté the fresh spinach with a touch of olive oil and the minced garlic until wilted. Let it cool slightly, then chop finely.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, egg, Parmesan, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Transfer the filling to a piping bag or ziplock bag with a corner cut off. Carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach-ricotta mixture.

5. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer over the sauce.

6. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni and top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

💡 Cooking Tips:

1. Use a piping bag to fill the tubes easily and neatly.

2. Make this dish a day ahead—it reheats beautifully.

3. You can use frozen spinach; just thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing.

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – serves 4):

1. Calories: 460

2. Protein: 22g

3. Carbohydrates: 38g

4. Fat: 24g

5. Fiber: 4g

6. Sugar: 6g

7. Sodium: 390mg

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