Cheese & Spinach Cannelloni (Easy Homemade Recipe)
1. Introduction: A Comforting Italian Classic Made Easy
There is something incredibly comforting about baked pasta dishes, especially when they are filled with creamy cheese and tender vegetables. Cheese & Spinach Cannelloni is one of those timeless recipes that brings warmth, satisfaction, and a feeling of home with every bite. This dish combines delicate pasta tubes filled with a rich spinach and ricotta mixture, topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, then baked to perfection.
What makes this recipe special is how simple it is to prepare while still delivering restaurant-quality results. Whether you are cooking for your family, preparing a cozy weekend meal, or hosting friends for dinner, this easy homemade cannelloni recipe is guaranteed to impress without stress.
2. Why This Cheese & Spinach Cannelloni Recipe Works
This recipe works beautifully because it balances flavors, textures, and simplicity. The mild sweetness of the tomato sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, while spinach adds freshness and color. The egg in the filling helps everything bind together, creating a smooth and satisfying texture once baked.
Another reason this recipe is so successful is that it uses simple, accessible ingredients. You don’t need complicated techniques or expensive products. With basic pantry staples and fresh spinach, you can create a hearty and elegant meal that feels special yet approachable.
3. The Perfect Dish for Family Dinners and Special Occasions
Cheese & Spinach Cannelloni is versatile enough for everyday meals and special gatherings. It’s vegetarian-friendly, filling, and loved by both adults and kids. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it ideal for busy days or entertaining guests.
This dish also reheats beautifully, which means leftovers taste just as good the next day. That makes it a practical choice for meal prep or for serving a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. What You’ll Need for This Recipe (Ingredients Overview)
Before starting, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Using fresh, good-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Here’s what you’ll need for about 4 servings:
12 cannelloni tubes (or lasagna sheets rolled up)
200 g (about 7 oz) fresh spinach, washed
250 g (about 9 oz) ricotta cheese
100 g (about 3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 egg
1 cup tomato sauce (enough to cover the bottom of your baking dish)
50 g (about 1.75 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor
These ingredients work together to create a creamy, cheesy filling and a perfectly baked pasta dish.
5. Choosing the Right Cannelloni and Pasta Alternatives
Traditional cannelloni tubes are perfect for this recipe because they hold the filling well and bake evenly. However, if cannelloni tubes are not available, you can easily substitute them with lasagna sheets rolled into tubes.
When using lasagna sheets, it’s best to slightly cook them beforehand so they are flexible and easy to roll. This small step ensures your cannelloni won’t crack or open while baking.
6. Preparing the Spinach the Right Way
Spinach is a key ingredient in this recipe, so preparing it correctly is important. Fresh spinach should be washed thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Once clean, it only needs a short sauté to wilt.
Cooking the spinach briefly over medium heat removes excess moisture and concentrates its flavor. Letting it cool slightly before mixing it with the ricotta and egg helps prevent the filling from becoming watery.
7. How to Make the Creamy Cheese & Spinach Filling
The filling is the heart of this recipe. In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach with 250 g ricotta cheese and 1 egg. Season generously with salt & pepper to taste.
Mix until everything is well combined but still light and creamy. At this stage, you can also add optional herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness and aroma. The filling should be smooth, rich, and easy to spoon into the cannelloni tubes.
8. How to Make Cheese & Spinach Cannelloni Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to assemble your cannelloni:
Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
Sauté 200 g fresh spinach in a skillet until wilted, then let it cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix spinach with 250 g ricotta cheese, 1 egg, salt, and pepper.
Carefully fill 12 cannelloni tubes with the spinach–ricotta mixture.
Spread 1 cup tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange the filled cannelloni neatly on top of the sauce.
Pour remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni.
Sprinkle with 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese and 50 g grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Baking the Cannelloni to Golden Perfection
Once assembled, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. During this time, the pasta cooks through, the filling becomes creamy, and the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly topping.
If you prefer a crispier top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
10. Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Don’t overfill the cannelloni tubes; this prevents cracking.
Make sure the tomato sauce fully covers the bottom of the dish to keep the pasta moist.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets properly.
Taste and adjust seasoning in the filling before assembling.
These small details make a big difference in the final result.
11. Variations and Customization Ideas
This recipe is easy to customize. You can add other cheeses like feta for a saltier taste or extra Parmesan for richness. You can also mix in sautéed onions or garlic with the spinach for deeper flavor.
For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim ricotta. For a richer version, add a little cream to the tomato sauce.
12. How to Serve Cheese & Spinach Cannelloni
Serve this dish hot, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. The creamy filling and tomato sauce make it satisfying enough to stand on its own.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra grated Parmesan on top just before serving adds a finishing touch.
13. Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread
Pair with a fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette
Add roasted vegetables on the side
Enjoy with a glass of sparkling water or light juice
These sides balance the richness of the cannelloni perfectly.
14. Time, Storage, and Final Thoughts
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Cheese & Spinach Cannelloni is a comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish that deserves a place in your recipe collection. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.