When it comes to Italian comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, cheesy perfection of Spinach and Cheese Cannelloni. This baked pasta dish combines tender pasta tubes filled with a rich spinach-ricotta mixture, covered in a smooth béchamel or tomato sauce, and topped with bubbling mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or festive gatherings.
If you’ve ever been intimidated by the idea of making cannelloni from scratch, don’t worry—this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just exploring Italian cuisine, you’ll find this 7-step guide to making spinach and cheese cannelloni simple, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious.
Step 1: Gather Fresh Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
The secret to a great spinach and cheese cannelloni starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients for Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed, and drained)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but enhances flavor)
For the Sauce:
You can use either a creamy béchamel sauce or a rich tomato sauce, depending on your taste.
For béchamel sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
For tomato sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8–10 cannelloni tubes (store-bought or homemade)
- Extra mozzarella or Parmesan for topping
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Cheese Filling
This creamy spinach filling gives the cannelloni its signature taste and texture.
- Cook the spinach:
- If using fresh spinach, blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes until wilted. Drain, rinse under cold water, and squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Chop finely.
- Mix the filling:
- In a large bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Stir until well mixed and creamy.
Tip: Taste the filling before adding the egg so you can adjust the salt and seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Cook the Cannelloni Tubes to Perfection
Cooking cannelloni requires a bit of care to ensure the pasta stays firm yet flexible for stuffing.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the cannelloni tubes for 4–5 minutes, just until slightly softened (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
- Drain carefully and lay them flat on a baking sheet brushed with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Alternatively, you can use no-boil cannelloni, which softens during baking. Just make sure your sauce has enough moisture to cook the pasta through.
Step 4: Make the Sauce—Creamy or Tomato-Based
Tomato Sauce (Classic & Tangy):
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Béchamel Sauce (Creamy & Velvety):
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Pro Tip: You can also combine both sauces—tomato on the bottom, béchamel on top—for a restaurant-style cannelloni experience.
Step 5: Fill the Cannelloni Like a Pro
Here’s where the magic happens!
- Spoon the spinach-ricotta mixture into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner cut off.
- Carefully pipe the filling into each cannelloni tube until full.
- Place the filled tubes seam-side down in a greased baking dish coated with a thin layer of sauce.
Tip: Don’t overfill the tubes—leave a little room at each end to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection
Now it’s time to turn all your hard work into a bubbling masterpiece.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour a generous layer of sauce over the filled cannelloni. Make sure the pasta is fully covered to prevent drying out.
- Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and a little Parmesan for that perfect golden crust.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve, Garnish, and Enjoy!
Once baked, let your spinach and cheese cannelloni rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Garnish with:
- Fresh basil leaves or parsley
- A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
- A drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish
Pair your cannelloni with:
- Garlic bread or bruschetta
- A crisp Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a full Italian dining experience
Bonus Tips for Perfect Cannelloni Every Time
- Use fresh ricotta – It has a smoother texture and richer flavor than pre-packaged ones.
- Avoid watery filling – Make sure your spinach is well-drained to prevent sogginess.
- Add a layer of sauce underneath – This prevents the pasta from sticking to the baking dish.
- Freeze leftovers – Cannelloni freezes beautifully. Just bake, cool, and store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Try variations – Add mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Health Benefits of Spinach and Cheese Cannelloni
While indulgent, this dish also has a healthy side:
- Spinach is packed with iron, folate, and antioxidants that support immune health and energy.
- Ricotta cheese provides high-quality protein and calcium for strong bones.
- Homemade sauces mean fewer preservatives and less sodium than store-bought versions.
With balanced portions and fresh ingredients, spinach and cheese cannelloni can be both delicious and wholesome.
Why Americans Love Spinach and Cheese Cannelloni
In the U.S., this dish has become a beloved part of Italian-American comfort food. It’s often featured at family dinners, holiday gatherings, and cozy restaurant menus. The appeal lies in its rich flavors, creamy texture, and versatility—you can customize it to suit vegetarians, make-ahead meal preppers, or anyone craving a touch of Italy at home.
Plus, the spinach-ricotta combo fits perfectly into the modern American trend toward more balanced, vegetable-forward comfort dishes.
Final Thoughts
With this 7-step guide to making spinach and cheese cannelloni, you can easily bring an authentic Italian favorite to your kitchen table. Each bite offers a perfect blend of creamy ricotta, earthy spinach, and savory sauce wrapped in tender pasta—a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Whether it’s a casual Sunday dinner or a special holiday feast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your family and guests.
So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the warm, cheesy goodness of homemade spinach and cheese cannelloni—an Italian classic that never goes out of style. 🇮🇹
