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 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 egg, beaten; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I can hardly wait for a special evening when I can serve up my Valentine Dinner Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni. This dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful hug of flavors that brings warmth to any table. The rich blend of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach tucked inside tender cannelloni tubes, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, creates a romantic atmosphere that’s just perfect for Valentine's Day. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress my favorite people.

Created by

Callista Green

Last updated on 2026-01-12T03:04:15.526Z

Making cannelloni was a challenge I embraced, and I loved every moment spent in the kitchen perfecting this dish. The trick lies in blanching the spinach just enough to keep its vibrant color while mixing in the ricotta to create a velvety filling. As I rolled them, I felt a sense of accomplishment seeing the vibrant green filling encased in pasta, ready for the oven.

As I poured the sauce over the assembled cannelloni, I jazzed it up with a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor. Baking it until golden and bubbly was the final touch that made it irresistible. Trust me; the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make your mouth water!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty and satisfying, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Creamy ricotta mixed with sautéed spinach for a flavorful filling.
Make-ahead option for stress-free entertaining.

      

The Heart of the Dish: Spinach and Ricotta

The filling for these cannelloni plays a crucial role in achieving a rich and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the tomato sauce. Fresh spinach not only adds vibrant color but also delivers a burst of flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy ricotta. For the best texture, be sure to thoroughly drain any excess moisture from the cooked spinach to prevent the filling from becoming too watery, which can lead to soggy cannelloni.

Incorporating a beaten egg helps bind the filling, ensuring that it holds together well when baked. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider using cottage cheese instead of ricotta, although the flavor will be slightly different. Don't be afraid to add a pinch of nutmeg for a traditional twist that enhances the savory notes of the dish, creating a warm, comforting flavor profile.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Cannelloni

When stuffing the cannelloni, take your time to avoid overfilling; use a small spoon or a piping bag for a cleaner approach. It's essential to allow some room at both ends of the pasta tube to accommodate any expansion during baking. If you find yourself in need of a more accessible version, you can skip the piping bag and simply use a spoon, but remember to press the filling down gently to minimize air pockets that can adversely affect texture.

Baking covered initially helps the cannelloni cook evenly and retain moisture. After 25 minutes, removing the foil allows the cheese topping to brown, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft filling. Keep an eye on the cannelloni as they bake; if the cheese begins to darken too quickly, you may want to cover it loosely with foil again for the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Once baked, allow the cannelloni to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle. This also helps prevent the filling from spilling out when you cut into the tubes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese for added flavor. Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete your romantic dinner experience effortlessly.

If you plan to prepare the dish ahead of time, you can assemble the cannelloni, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, these cannelloni can be frozen before baking; simply wrap the dish with foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time to ensure they're heated through.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cannelloni

Cannelloni

12 cannelloni tubes
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)

Garnish (Optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool. In a bowl, mix the cooled spinach with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Stuff the Cannelloni

Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture. Place the stuffed cannelloni in a greased baking dish.

Add the Sauce

Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed cannelloni, covering them well. Sprinkle any remaining mozzarella on top for extra cheesiness.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serve

Let the cannelloni rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Valentine Dinner Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni!

Pro Tips

For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta filling. You can also make this dish a day ahead and bake it right before dinner to save time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, swap the cannelloni tubes with gluten-free pasta shells or zucchini slices, which can be layered instead. This will still deliver a satisfying dish but will cater to dietary restrictions. Another tasty alternative is to use ricotta blends with herbs or additional cheeses like goat cheese for a more pronounced flavor.

For a vegan variation, consider using tofu instead of ricotta and a flaxseed egg to replace the beaten egg; this not only works well but also maintains the creamy texture you want in the filling. Nutritional yeast can serve as a great cheese substitute sprinkled into the filling or on top before baking for that umami-rich flavor.

Perfect Marinara Sauce Pairing

Even though you can use store-bought marinara sauce, creating your own adds a personal touch that elevates the entire dish. Sauté some finely chopped onions and garlic in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, and season with herbs like oregano, basil, and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. Simmer for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld before pouring over your cannelloni.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara. This not only complements the creamy filling but also balances the dish's overall flavor profile beautifully. Top the cannelloni with marinara sauce prior to baking, ensuring each tube is generously coated to soak in the flavors during cooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought cannelloni?

Yes, pre-made cannelloni are available and can save you time.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cannelloni?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cannelloni. Just make sure to cover the baking dish tightly!