Valentine Dinner Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

Name: Valentine Dinner Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 cannelloni tubes; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 egg; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making these Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni for a special Valentine's Dinner. There’s something magical about the combination of creamy ricotta cheese and vibrant spinach wrapped in tender pasta, covered in a rich tomato sauce. Cooking this dish fills my kitchen with a delightful aroma that I can't resist. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for impressing that special someone without spending all day in the kitchen.

Created by

Maribel Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-11T21:28:10.639Z

When I first decided to make Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni for Valentine’s Day, I knew I wanted something that would impress us both. After trying various filling combinations, I found that adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta enhances the flavors beautifully. I also like to blend the spinach until silky smooth; it makes for a luxurious filling that’s a pleasure to eat.

Cooking the pasta al dente before stuffing ensures that it holds its shape better during baking. It’s a simple trick that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. I can’t wait to share my secret with you and create a romantic evening filled with delicious food!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The creamy ricotta filling paired with vibrant spinach is a match made in heaven.
Perfectly baked in a savory tomato sauce that adds depth and flavor.
It's a labor of love that shows how much you care on a special occasion.

      

Crafting the Perfect Filling

The filling for your cannelloni is where the magic truly begins. While sautéing the spinach, make sure to drain any excess moisture after wilting; this prevents watery filling that can leak during baking. A simple tip is to use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out moisture, ensuring a richer flavor. Combining the ricotta, Parmesan, and nutmeg creates a harmonious balance that elevates the dish, while the egg acts as a binder, giving your filling structure upon baking.

Using a piping bag for filling the cannelloni can save time and helps avoid mess, but if you don’t have one, a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off works just as well. Be gentle while filling the tubes; overstuffing can cause the mixture to spill out during cooking, diminishing the presentation. Properly filled cannelloni should hold their shape without bulging too much, providing a delightful bite with every forkful.

Perfecting the Sauce

The sauce is a crucial component that ties the flavors of the dish together. Opt for a quality marinara that you enjoy on its own, as it greatly impacts the final taste. If you're feeling adventurous, you can enhance your sauce by adding a splash of red wine while simmering; this deepens the flavor profile considerably. Simmer your sauce gently for about five to ten minutes, just until it's heated through and aromatic – overcooking can lead to a thickened sauce that may not pour evenly over the cannelloni.

Adding a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of your marinara, especially if it's particularly tangy. Taste your sauce before pouring it over the cannelloni—this ensures that the seasoning complements the ricotta-spinach filling perfectly. Remember to stir occasionally as it simmers, allowing the herbs to release their essential oils and brighten the overall flavor.

Baking and Serving Tips

When baking, covering the dish with foil helps retain moisture, preventing the cannelloni from drying out. After the initial 30 minutes, uncovering allows the top to develop a bubbly, golden crust. Check for doneness by ensuring the cheese is melted and the sauce is steaming. A quick broil for the last couple of minutes can create a beautifully caramelized surface, just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Letting the cannelloni sit for a few minutes after coming out of the oven helps to set the filling, making them easier to serve. A sprinkle of fresh basil not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of flavor right at the moment of serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or garlic bread to round out the meal, ensuring your Valentine’s dinner is both memorable and delicious.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful cooking experience:

For the Cannelloni

12 cannelloni tubes
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

2 cups marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt to taste

Ensure you have everything prepared before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni:

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. In a bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, nutmeg, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Stuff the Cannelloni

Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over low heat. Add in dried basil, oregano, and salt. Stir well and let simmer for a few minutes.

Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed cannelloni on top, then cover with the remaining sauce.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let the cannelloni cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy this exquisite dish with a side salad and a glass of wine!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce or mixing in some sautéed mushrooms into the filling.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni can be prepared in advance, making them a time-saver for special occasions. You can stuff the shells and layer them with sauce in a baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the oven to ensure even cooking.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. This dish can also be frozen before baking; just thaw completely in the fridge overnight before cooking, or bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to your cooking time.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to customize the filling by adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for additional flavor and texture. You could also introduce herbs like fresh basil or parsley to the ricotta blend, giving a fresh twist to the classic flavor profile. For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked diced chicken or turkey to the filling; just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute part-skim ricotta for a healthier alternative without compromising texture. For those adhering to gluten-free diets, gluten-free pasta tubes are widely available, allowing everyone to enjoy this dish without any dietary restrictions holding them back.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you notice that your filling seems too watery after mixing, it could be due to excess moisture from the spinach. Always sauté and drain it well to release any trapped liquid. Additionally, if your pasta is breaking during filling, consider letting them sit in warm water for a few minutes to soften, which can make them more pliable and less prone to cracking.

If the cannelloni are undercooked after the specified baking time, you can add a bit of warm marinara over them and return to the oven, covered with foil, for another 10-15 minutes. This not only continues the cooking process but ensures they remain nice and moist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried cannelloni?

Yes, fresh pasta can give a delightful texture to the dish, but ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the cannelloni a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese blended until smooth can work as a good substitute for a similar texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.