Ricotta and spinach cannelloni are a classic first course of Italian cuisine, perfect for family lunches and special occasions. This version uses dry cannelloni, skipping the parboiling step, making the preparation easier and faster. The creamy filling of ricotta and spinach pairs perfectly with the béchamel, creating a rich and flavorful dish. Baking allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and become soft without pre-cooking. Here’s how to prepare dry ricotta and spinach cannelloni in a few steps.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 24 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients
- 9 oz cannelloni (dry)
- 2 cups ricotta
- 1 lbs spinach (leaves)
- 1 egg
- 4 cups béchamel
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- to taste olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Steps
To start, you need to prepare the filling by cooking the spinach in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil and a crushed clove of garlic, until they wilt, then chop them finely and combine them with the ricotta in a large bowl. Grated Parmesan cheese, one egg, salt, and pepper are added to this mixture to enhance the flavor. After mixing the ingredients well, the filling is transferred to a piping bag to facilitate filling the cannelloni.
Once the filling is ready, it’s time for assembly. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce, left slightly more liquid than usual, on the bottom of a baking dish. If using store-bought, just add some milk to create a creamy base on which to place the cannelloni filled with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Once arranged in the dish, they are covered with more béchamel and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to make everything even more tasty.
Finally, bake at 392°F for 40 minutes, until a nice crust forms. Once out of the oven, it’s advisable to let the cannelloni rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle in. The result is a creamy, flavorful, and irresistible first course.
See you next time from Sapore di Arianna!