Cozy Ricotta Spinach Chicken Cannelloni Recipe for Dinner Joy

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this ricotta spinach chicken cannelloni recipe delivers a mouthwatering Italian-inspired meal.

Tender chicken nestled between delicate pasta tubes creates a delightful combination that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

spinach adds a vibrant green touch and nutritional boost to every delectable bite.

ricotta cheese melts into a luxurious sauce that coats each cannelloni with irresistible smoothness.

The layers of ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a comforting dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this cannelloni transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Let’s find out this delicious recipe and treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

Ricotta Spinach and Chicken Cannelloni Essentials

• Cannelloni Tubes: Sturdy pasta shells perfect for stuffing, choose high-quality Italian-made tubes for authentic texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking, select extra virgin for best taste.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides hearty substance, opt for organic or free-range for maximum flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base that creates silky smooth filling, choose part-skim for lighter consistency.
• Baby Spinach: Adds nutritional boost and vibrant green color, select fresh, crisp leaves without wilting.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor, pick firm yellow onions with smooth skin.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, choose plump cloves without sprouting.
• Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste, use coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

• Milk, Half & Half: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce texture, use fresh dairy for best results.
• Pasta Sauce: Adds moisture and traditional Italian essence, select high-quality marinara or tomato-based sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty notes, grate fresh for most intense flavor.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb blend that adds authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Nutmeg: Subtle warming spice that elevates creamy dishes, use freshly ground for maximum fragrance.

Tools That Help Fill and Roll Cannelloni

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling cannelloni tubes until they're perfectly al dente.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions, garlic, and cooking chicken with great heat control.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients and mixing the creamy chicken filling.
• Baking Dish: Provides the right space for assembling and baking the cannelloni.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for a balanced dish.
• Chef's Knife: Helps chop onions, garlic, and prepare ingredients with precision.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining cream, Parmesan, and spices before pouring over cannelloni.
• Spatula: Helps spread sauce evenly and transfer stuffed cannelloni to baking dish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Cannelloni at Home

• Pasta Preparation

Gently boil cannelloni tubes until slightly tender, then rinse with cool water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain and cool completely.

• Flavor Foundation

Sizzle chopped onions and garlic in a skillet until fragrant. Add diced chicken and cook until golden. Blend in ricotta, wilted spinach, and a splash of milk to create a rich, creamy filling.

• Filling and Assembly

Carefully stuff each cooled pasta tube with the savory chicken and spinach mixture. Arrange the filled tubes snugly in a baking dish, nestling them into a layer of zesty tomato sauce.

• Creamy Topping

Whisk together heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a blend of herbs to create a luxurious sauce. Pour this velvety mixture evenly over the cannelloni.

• Baking Magic

Slide the dish into a preheated oven and bake until the top turns golden and the sauce bubbles with irresistible promise. Let the cannelloni rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Filling Variations for Ricotta Spinach Pasta

• Try ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for an instant flavor and convenience boost.
• Replace chicken with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant to create a delightful vegetarian version that's packed with nutrients.
• Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, mozzarella, or goat cheese to add unique depth and richness to the ricotta filling.
• Prepare the cannelloni up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect hot, bubbling results.

Serving Cannelloni with a Sauce That Shines

• Cozy Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty cannelloni as a comforting weekend dinner that brings everyone together.
• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Plate the cannelloni with a fresh arugula salad and crusty Italian bread to create a sophisticated meal that will impress your guests.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the creamy, rich flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Chardonnay that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining cannelloni into a delicious next-day lunch by slicing and reheating, or crumble the filling over a fresh green salad for a quick and tasty meal.

Keep Your Baked Cannelloni Fresh and Reheat-Ready

• Fridge Fresh Stash: Store leftover cannelloni in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce and tender chicken maintain their delicious texture when refrigerated properly.
• Freezer Friendly Trick: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for easy freezing. These cannelloni can stay frozen for 2-3 weeks without losing flavor or quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the cannelloni a day before baking and store covered in the refrigerator. This method allows flavors to meld and saves time during busy weeknight dinners.

Creamy Ricotta Spinach Chicken Cannelloni Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade ricotta spinach chicken cannelloni brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh spinach roll together in delicate pasta, promising a delicious meal you’ll eagerly savor.

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Ingredients

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• 12 cannelloni tubes
• 3 cooked chicken breasts, finely chopped
• 1 bag (8–10 oz/226–283 g) baby spinach
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 cup pasta sauce
• 1.5 cups (360 ml/12 fl oz) half & half
• 0.5 cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) milk
• 0.25 cup (25 g/0.88 oz) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) olive oil
• 0.5 tsp dried basil
• 0.25 tsp dried oregano
• 0.125 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse cannelloni tubes in boiling water for 5 minutes until slightly pliable, then drain and spread on a kitchen towel to prevent adhesion.
2. Thermal Setup: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 400°F (204°C) for optimal cooking environment.
3. Protein and Aromatics Sauté: In a skillet, caramelize onions and garlic, then introduce diced chicken, cooking until achieving a golden, thoroughly cooked exterior.
4. Filling Composition: Reduce heat and integrate whole milk, ricotta, spinach, salt, and pepper, stirring until spinach softens and ingredients harmonize.
5. Cooling and Stuffing: Allow mixture to cool momentarily, then meticulously fill each cannelloni tube with a generous yet precise portion of the mixture.
6. Dish Assembly: Layer marinara sauce in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, nestle stuffed cannelloni tubes, then drizzle a cream mixture combining heavy cream, Parmesan, oregano, and a whisper of nutmeg.
7. Baking Process: Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until surface transforms to a golden hue and sauce bubbles enthusiastically.
8. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, pause for 3-4 minutes to allow sauce to stabilize, then garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

• Pasta Prep Tip: Cook cannelloni tubes just shy of fully done to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Chicken Cooking Technique: Ensure chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through to guarantee food safety and enhance flavor depth.
• Filling Balance: Allow mixture to cool slightly before stuffing to prevent burning hands and maintain structural integrity of pasta tubes.
• Cream Sauce Secret: Whisk cream mixture thoroughly to create a smooth, even coating that prevents separation during baking and adds rich, consistent flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg