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Delicious baked cannelloni filled with spinach and cheese, topped with tomato sauce and melted chees.

Cannelloni

Cannelloni is tender pasta filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, gently baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. 
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Course: dinner, Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 15oz container ricotta cheese
  • 1-2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, cooked and squeezed dry)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 egg
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • a pinch of nutmeg (optional, but comforting)
For the Cannelloni
  • cannelloni tubes (or manicotti shells)
  • 2-3 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1-1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • olive oil or butter for greasing the dish

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, egg (if using), salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  3. Spoon or pipe the filling into the cannelloni tubes — gently, without overfilling.
  4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer.
  6. Cover generously with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
  9. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. 

Notes

Gentle Variations
  • Add béchamel or a splash of cream for extra richness
  • Use lasagna sheets or manicotti if cannelloni tubes feel tricky
  • Add shredded rotisserie chicken for protein
  • Assemble ahead of time and bake when you’re ready
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