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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Thermal Setup: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 400°F (204°C) for optimal cooking environment.
- Protein and Aromatics Sauté: In a skillet, caramelize onions and garlic, then introduce diced chicken, cooking until achieving a golden, thoroughly cooked exterior.
- Filling Composition: Reduce heat and integrate whole milk, ricotta, spinach, salt, and pepper, stirring until spinach softens and ingredients harmonize.
- Cooling and Stuffing: Allow mixture to cool momentarily, then meticulously fill each cannelloni tube with a generous yet precise portion of the mixture.
- 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.
- Baking Process: Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until surface transforms to a golden hue and sauce bubbles enthusiastically.
- 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