Description
This Creamy Ricotta Spinach and Chicken Cannelloni is a comforting and indulgent meal, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Each cannelloni tube is filled with a delicious mixture of tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, then baked to perfection in a rich and cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
12 cannelloni tubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cooked chicken breasts, finely chopped
1/2 cup milk
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 bag (8-10 ounces) baby spinach
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 cup pasta sauce
1 1/2 cups half & half
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Cannelloni: Cook the cannelloni tubes for 5 minutes in boiling water. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool until they are manageable to handle.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2 minutes, then add the minced garlic and chopped chicken. Cook for another 4 minutes.
Stir in the milk and simmer for 2 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the ricotta cheese and stir until well combined. Add the baby spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Stuff the Cannelloni: Spread the pasta sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Stuff each cannelloni tube with the chicken and ricotta mixture using a spoon, your hands, or a piping bag. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a single layer in the baking dish.
Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the half & half, grated Parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the cannelloni.
Bake: Bake the cannelloni in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cream sauce has reduced.
Serve: Let the dish stand for 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Spoon the sauce over the cannelloni and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420