Willowmere Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni 🌿🐉

Clan: Green Dragon 🌿

Category: Vegetarian Recipes

Willowmere Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni

Nestled beside the tranquil waters of Willowmere, Green Dragon clans cultivate lush gardens filled with leafy greens and fragrant herbs. This Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni combines creamy cheese, tender spinach, and a rich tomato sauce, baked until bubbling and golden. It’s a feast that brings comfort to travellers and villagers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and comforting
• Perfect vegetarian family meal
• Great for batch cooking
• Packed with flavour
• Freezer friendly

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Serves

4-6

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 250g ricotta cheese
• 200g spinach, finely chopped
• 50g grated parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For Assembly

• 12 cannelloni tubes
• 150g grated mozzarella
• 25g grated parmesan

Method

Step 1 – Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl combine the ricotta, spinach, parmesan, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.

Step 2 – Create the Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan.

Cook the onion for 5 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Simmer gently for 15 minutes.

Step 3 – Fill the Cannelloni

Using a piping bag or small spoon, fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture.

Step 4 – Build the Feast

Spread half the tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.

Arrange the filled cannelloni in a single layer.

Pour over the remaining sauce.

Step 5 – Crown the Harvest

Scatter over the mozzarella and parmesan.

Step 6 – Bake

Bake at 190°C (170°C fan) for 30–35 minutes.

The pasta should be tender and the cheese golden and bubbling.

Step 7 – Serve

Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

🐉 Dragon’s Tip

If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of water to keep it pourable.

🗺️ Adventurer’s Notes

🌿 Green Dragon Harvest

Add finely diced courgette or grated carrot to the filling.

🧀 Grovekeeper’s Upgrade

Mix mozzarella directly into the filling for an extra cheesy centre.

⚔️ Wanderer’s Feast

Serve with warm garlic bread and a crisp garden salad.

🍅 Herbalist’s Addition

Add fresh basil leaves just before serving for a burst of freshness.

💰 Market Day Saver

Use frozen spinach instead of fresh for a more economical feast.

🔥 Campfire Method

Prepare in a cast-iron Dutch oven and bake over covered coals.

📜 Lore of the Hoard

The people of Willowmere believe every meal should bring comfort and community. During the Festival of Flowing Waters, families gather along the lakeside to share baked dishes prepared from the season’s harvest. The creamy filling and rich tomato sauce of this cannelloni became a favourite among Green Dragon clans, who admired how simple ingredients could be transformed into a feast worthy of celebration. To this day, the recipe remains a centrepiece of many Willowmere gatherings. 🌿🐉