Spinach cannelloni

9
Points®
Total Time
1 hr 15 min
Prep
15 min
Cook
1 hr
Serves
4
Difficulty
Moderate
This Italian classic is an impressive combination of rolled pasta over an indulgent spinach and ricotta filling, topped with rich tomato sauce and baked until bubbly. The word cannelloni means "large reeds" in Italian, likely referring to the tubular pasta shape. Make a few extra lasagna noodles in case one splits when rolling. Throw together a quick kale and olive salad with lemon juice and a touch of oil as dressing for your side. The filled noodles do not have to line up perfectly for this rustic dish to come out perfectly. Change up the filling with other greens to expand your families pallet.

Ingredients

Spinach

10 oz, fresh, cleaned (do not dry)

Part skim ricotta cheese

1 cup(s)

Table salt

½ tsp

Black pepper

tsp

Uncooked lasagna noodles

6 oz

Olive oil

1 tsp

Onion

1 medium, finely chopped

Garlic

2 clove(s), minced

Canned Italian style stewed tomatoes

14½ oz

Dried basil

1 tsp

Dried oregano

1 tsp

Dried parsley

1 tsp

Tomato paste

1 Tbsp

Grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup(s)

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, cook spinach with just the water that clings to it until wilted, 3-4 minutes. Drain well, squeezing out all liquid, then chop finely. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, ricotta, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
  2. Spray a 9 inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the lasagna according to package directions; drain and lay flat. When the lasagna is cooled slightly, place the spinach mixture on one end of the noodles; roll up, then place, seam-side down, in the baking dish. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  3. In a medium nonstick saucepan, heat oil. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste and herbs. Cook, uncovered, stirring as needed, until thickened, about 10 minutes; season with remaining salt and pepper. Pour over cannelloni; sprinkle with half the Parmesan. Bake until browned and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Serve, sprinkled with remaining Parmesan.