Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is a delightful vegetarian pasta dish that combines tender pasta tubes filled with a creamy spinach and ricotta mixture, all baked in a rich marinara sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Cannelloni Pasta - 8 pieces
• Ricotta Cheese - 250 grams
• Fresh Spinach - 150 grams
• Parmesan Cheese - 50 grams, grated
• Marinara Sauce - 300 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon
• Nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Basil - fresh, for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, cooked spinach, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
5. Fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture using a small spoon or piping bag.
6. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
7. Arrange the filled cannelloni over the sauce in the baking dish and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and slightly golden.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in iron from spinach, which supports healthy blood production.
• Rich in calcium and protein from ricotta cheese, beneficial for bone health.

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