Go Back

Baked Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach

Tender pasta tubes filled with creamy spinach and ricotta, layered with tomato marinara and béchamel sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 box 8 ounces cannelloni tubes (about 12-16 tubes)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach thawed and excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese for topping
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large pot for pasta water
  • Colander
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small spoon or piping bag
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Cheese grater
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread 1/4 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine thawed spinach, ricotta, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and nutmeg; mix gently until just combined.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add cannelloni tubes, and cook 8–10 minutes until just tender; drain and rinse under cold water, then spread on a towel to cool.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk until the béchamel sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
  5. Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each pasta tube with about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta-spinach mixture; place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Pour remaining marinara sauce evenly over the filled tubes, then drizzle the béchamel sauce on top.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the dish.
  8. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the cannelloni rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish can be assembled a day ahead or frozen unbaked for up to 3 months. Let rest before serving so the sauces set.