Creamy Cannelloni with Spinach – A Delicious Italian Classic
Tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy ricotta-spinach filling, covered in rich béchamel sauce and melted cheese, make up this popular Italian dish, cannelloni with spinach. This recipe is simple to prepare using Sharp Blades' precision knives, making it ideal for special occasions or family feasts.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
For the Filling:
250g (9 oz) fresh spinach, chopped
250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
100g (1 cup) grated Parmesan
1 egg
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp nutmeg
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cannelloni:
12-14 cannelloni tubes (or fresh pasta sheets)
2 cups (500ml) béchamel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan
For Béchamel Sauce (if homemade):
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups (500ml) milk
Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
Tools You’ll Need (Available at Sharp Blades!)
Chef’s knife (for chopping spinach)
Mixing bowls
Baking dish (9x13 inches)
Whisk (for béchamel)
Piping bag or spoon (for filling cannelloni)
Time Spent Preparing: 20 minutes
30 minutes for cooking
50 minutes in total.
Directions:
Get the spinach filling ready:
Rinse and finely cut the spinach. In a pan, sauté the garlic, then add the spinach and simmer until it wilts. Empty the extra water. Combine spinach, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Fill the Cannelloni:
Spoon the spinach mixture into each cannelloni tube using a spoon or piping bag.
Put together and bake:
Line a baking dish with a thin layer of béchamel. Make a single layer of packed cannelloni. Top with the remaining béchamel and garnish with Parmesan and mozzarella. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until bubbling and golden.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories - 380 kcal
Carbs - 35g
Protein - 18g
Fat - 20g
Fiber - 3g
Last Piece of Advice for Perfect Cannelloni:
Finish by broiling for two to three minutes for an extra crispy top! Enjoy pasta meals from Italy? Try this simple recipe for spinach cannelloni with creamy béchamel; it's great for entertaining guests or weeknight dinners!