Name: Cheese Cannelloni
Ingredients: 12 oven-ready cannelloni; 2 ½ cups marinara sauce, divided; ⅓ cup water; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry; 2 eggs; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Description

Cheese Cannelloni is a beloved Italian classic that combines tender pasta tubes with a rich and creamy cheese filling. This dish features a blend of ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan, wrapped in oven-ready cannelloni and baked in flavorful marinara sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion when you crave a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

12 oven-ready cannelloni
2 ½ cups marinara sauce, divided
⅓ cup water
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Filling:

2 cups ricotta cheese
1 package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
2 eggs
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, eggs, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Transfer the filling into a piping bag or large zippered plastic bag. Set aside.
In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, add ½ cup marinara sauce mixed with ⅓ cup water to coat the bottom.
Snip off the corner of the bag and pipe the cheese mixture into each cannelloni.
Arrange the filled cannelloni in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, covering the pasta evenly.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

- Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh basil for added flavor.

- Pair it with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

- Let the cannelloni rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

- To freeze, assemble the cannelloni without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.