When the week’s chaos leaves me yearning for something comforting, Cheese Cannelloni often becomes my culinary refuge. Imagine the delightful contrast of tender pasta embracing a creamy filling of ricotta and vibrant spinach, all elegantly bathed in a rich marinara sauce. This dish not only warms my heart but also makes a stunning centerpiece for gatherings, ensuring everyone’s taste buds are thrilled.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing those busy weeknights to feel less hectic. Plus, the bubbly, golden mozzarella on top? Pure bliss! Join me as we create a cheesy delight that promises smiles on every plate. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just exploring homemade comfort food, this Cheese Cannelloni is an irresistible invitation to savor the joys of cooking at home. Let’s dive in!
Why is Cheese Cannelloni a must-try?
Comforting Satisfaction: With every bite, this dish offers a cozy embrace, making it the perfect treat on chilly nights.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, saving precious time during busy weeks.
Rich, Creamy Filling: The combination of ricotta and spinach creates an indulgent, flavorful filling that’s hard to resist.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties, your guests won’t be able to get enough of this cheesy delight.
Golden Brown Topping: The melty mozzarella crust adds a delightful texture, ensuring this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Cheese Cannelloni Ingredients
• Perfect for your next culinary adventure!
For the Filling
- Ricotta Cheese – Creamy filling component that offers a rich base; cottage cheese can be a lighter substitute.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach – Adds nutrition and vibrant color; ensure it’s thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Eggs – Binds the filling together and enhances richness; for a vegan option, eggs can be omitted, but the texture might change.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese – Provides a sharp, savory kick to the filling; feel free to substitute with any hard cheese of your choice.
- Italian Seasoning – An essential flavor enhancer; a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme can be used if you don’t have it on hand.
For the Assembly
- Cannelloni Tubes – The sturdy structure for your dish; using oven-ready tubes saves time and effort.
- Marinara Sauce – The flavorful base that adds moisture to the dish; feel free to substitute with homemade sauce or other jarred options.
- Water – Used to thin the marinara for better pasta cooking.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – The melty, gooey topping that makes this Cheese Cannelloni so irresistible; provolone or another melting cheese can be substituted if preferred.
How to Make Cheese Cannelloni
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect environment for baking your Cheese Cannelloni.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, thawed spinach, eggs, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Once mixed, transfer this creamy filling into a piping bag or a zippered bag for easy use.
- Assemble Cannelloni: Mix ⅓ cup of water with your marinara sauce; pour ½ cup into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Fill each cannelloni tube with the cheese mixture and arrange them neatly in the dish. Cover the tubes with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring they’re well-coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook tenderly while absorbing delicious flavors.
- Add Toppings and Continue Baking: Once the time is up, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown, bubbly surface as your cue to remove it from the oven.
Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cheese Cannelloni?
Imagine an inviting meal that delights your senses and leaves everyone craving more. There’s so much to elevate your Cheese Cannelloni experience!
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky crunch pairs perfectly, soaking up extra marinara and adding a delightful contrast in texture.
- Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens tossed in a light vinaigrette bring brightness and a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of cannelloni.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of colorful, caramelized veggies adds depth and a touch of earthiness, complementing the creamy filling beautifully.
- Italian-Style Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes and basil, this appetizer enhances the meal’s Italian flair while bringing a zesty pop.
- Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or a similar medium-bodied red wine can bring a lovely warmth and enhance the overall dining experience.
- Tiramisu: End the meal on a sweet note with this classic dessert; its coffee flavor lightens the palate after a savory course.
Each pairing adds its own charm, creating a memorable dining experience centered around your delightful Cheese Cannelloni. Enjoy a meal that warms both the heart and soul!
Cheese Cannelloni Variations
When it comes to Cheese Cannelloni, the possibilities for customization are endless! Let your creativity shine while delighting your taste buds.
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to your cheese filling for a hearty twist that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into your ricotta mix for a zesty flavor that brings warmth to every bite.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate some toasted pine nuts or walnuts into your filling for a delightful crunch that adds depth to the creamy texture.
- Herb Infusion: Try mixing fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives into your cheese filling; it will elevate the flavor profile with fresh, aromatic notes.
- Vegan Option: Swap out the ricotta and mozzarella for vegan cheese alternatives and replace the egg with a flax or chia seed mixture for a fully plant-based dish that’s still delicious.
- Veggie Surprise: Mix in some finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or artichokes for added nutrition and a pop of color in your filling.
- Cheese Medley: Use a combination of cheeses like feta or goat cheese along with ricotta for an extra rich flavor and delightful tang in your filling.
- Creamy Sauce: Instead of marinara, use a creamy Alfredo or a basil pesto sauce for a unique and indulgent twist that will leave you craving more!
Expert Tips for Cheese Cannelloni
- Fill Generously: Ensure that each cannelloni tube is filled sufficiently to prevent dryness during cooking; a properly filled tube means every bite is creamy and satisfying.
- Sauce Quantity Matters: Check your marinara sauce amounts—add extra if necessary to ensure the pasta cooks through evenly and stays moist.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the Cheese Cannelloni rest for a few minutes after baking; this enhances its flavor and allows for easier slicing.
- Freezer-Friendly: Use freezer-safe pans if you plan on making it ahead of time; wrap tightly with foil to protect from freezer burn.
- Thaw Wisely: When preparing from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator before baking; this ensures even cooking throughout.
Make Ahead Options
These Cheese Cannelloni are an excellent choice for busy home cooks who want to save time during the week! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance; simply layer your filled cannelloni in a baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. To ensure optimal flavor and texture, keep the marinara sauce separate until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to enjoy your meal, just remove the dish from the fridge and add the sauce before baking; it’ll be just as delicious thanks to the careful prep. If you’d like to prepare ahead for even longer, you can freeze the assembled cannelloni for up to 1 month—thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking for perfect results!
How to Store and Freeze Cheese Cannelloni
Fridge: Store leftover Cheese Cannelloni in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It stays delicious and ready for a quick meal on busy nights.
Freezer: Assemble and freeze uncooked cannelloni tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before baking for best results.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to keep it moist. Enjoy the comforting taste all over again!
Cheese Cannelloni Recipe FAQs
What type of cannelloni tubes should I use?
Absolutely! Using oven-ready cannelloni tubes can save you time and hassle. They don’t require pre-cooking, making your preparation process smoother and simpler. Just make sure to fill them generously with your delicious cheese mixture!
How should I store leftover Cheese Cannelloni?
For sure! Store any leftover Cheese Cannelloni in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will keep it fresh and delicious for quick meals during the week. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to enjoy the comforting flavors again.
Can I freeze Cheese Cannelloni? How do I do this?
Absolutely! To freeze Cheese Cannelloni, assemble the uncooked dish tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions as usual. This way, you can whip up a comforting meal anytime!
What if my filling is too runny?
Very often, filling can turn out runny if the spinach retains too much moisture. To tackle this, make sure to thoroughly defrost and squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach before mixing it with the cheeses. If it still seems too wet, you can add a little extra ricotta or a spoonful of breadcrumbs to help absorb excess moisture.
Is Cheese Cannelloni a suitable dish for vegetarians?
Yes, definitely! This Cheese Cannelloni is a wonderful vegetarian dish, featuring rich ricotta and nutritious spinach. It’s perfect for veggie lovers and even those seeking comfort food without meat. Just double-check any other sauces or toppings used to ensure they’re vegetarian-friendly too.
How long can I keep frozen Cheese Cannelloni?
Great question! When properly stored, frozen Cheese Cannelloni can last for about 3 to 6 months. However, for optimal taste and texture, I recommend using it within 1 month. Always label your containers with the date to keep track of its freshness!
Mouthwatering Cheese Cannelloni for Ultimate Comfort Food Night
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, thawed spinach, eggs, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Transfer this creamy filling into a piping bag.
- Assemble Cannelloni: Mix ⅓ cup of water with your marinara sauce; pour ½ cup into a baking dish. Fill each cannelloni tube with the cheese mixture and arrange them in the dish. Cover with remaining marinara sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Add Toppings and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.