Cottage Cheese Cannelloni

When I first learned to cook, my mom taught me that the secret to a great dish is a balance of flavors and textures.

I remember her making cannelloni on Sunday afternoons, the house filled with the comforting aroma of rich tomato sauce bubbling on the stove and cheese melting in the oven. It was a simple but unforgettable tradition.

Inspired by those memories, I decided to give this classic dish a modern twist with a few unexpected ingredients—cottage cheese and a creamy rosé sauce.

Cottage cheese is all the rage right now for good reason: it adds a light, creamy texture while keeping things on the healthier side.

When combined with the richness of the rosé sauce, you get a meal that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. Trust me, this is one dish you’ll be making again and again!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Rosé Sauce

• Olive Oil (1/2 tbsp): Just enough to sauté the garlic and release its aromatic flavor.
• Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): Adds a warm, savory depth to the sauce.
• Passata (500-600g): This strained tomato puree is smooth and rich, perfect for a creamy sauce.
• Basil Leaves (4): Fresh basil adds a fragrant, sweet touch that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Light Cream (100g): Gives the sauce its creamy, luscious texture without being too heavy.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.

Spinach & Cottage Cheese Filling

• Frozen Spinach (250g): Convenient and nutritious; just be sure to squeeze out all the excess water.
• Cottage Cheese or Ricotta (400g): Adds a creamy, slightly tangy note that pairs beautifully with the spinach.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): A subtle hint of garlic to complement the fresh garlic in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (40g): Adds a nutty, salty flavor that makes the filling irresistible.
• Egg (1): Binds the filling together for a perfect texture.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, rounding out the flavors.

Other Ingredients

• Cannelloni Tubes (16-18): These pasta tubes are perfect for stuffing with the delicious filling.
• Mozzarella (100g): Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, cheesy crust.

Preparing the Perfect Cannelloni

How to Prepare the Rosé Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the passata and add the basil leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. This allows the flavors to meld together.
3. Add the Cream: Stir in the light cream and season with salt and pepper. Continue to simmer until the sauce is warmed through. Remove any large chunks of basil before using the sauce.

Creating the Spinach and Cottage Cheese Filling

1. Prepare the Spinach: If using frozen spinach, heat it in the microwave for about 3 minutes until thawed. Place the spinach in a colander and press out all the excess liquid. This is crucial to avoid a watery filling.
2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the spinach with the cottage cheese (or ricotta), garlic powder, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Assembling the Cannelloni

1. Layer the Sauce: Spread a third of the rosé sauce on the bottom of a lasagna dish. This creates a flavorful base for the cannelloni to cook in.
2. Fill the Tubes: Transfer the spinach and cottage cheese mixture to a piping bag with a large opening or a sturdy ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the filling into each cannelloni tube, ensuring they are generously filled.
3. Arrange in the Dish: Lay the filled tubes in the lasagna dish over the sauce. Cover with the remaining rosé sauce, ensuring each tube is well-coated.
4. Add the Mozzarella: Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top. This will melt and create a deliciously cheesy topping.
5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil (optional, to prevent burning) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve: For a final touch, garnish with extra parmesan and fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Why Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese might seem like an unusual choice for a pasta filling, but it’s a fantastic alternative to ricotta.

It’s lower in fat and calories, making it a great option for those looking to lighten up their meals without sacrificing flavor or texture. Plus, its creamy, slightly tangy taste adds a new dimension to this classic dish.

What is Rosé Sauce?

Rosé sauce is a delicious blend of tomato sauce and cream, creating a perfect balance between the acidity of tomatoes and the richness of cream.

It’s a bit like vodka sauce but without the alcohol, making it family-friendly and ideal for weeknight dinners.

Why This Dish is a Treasure

This Spinach and Cottage Cheese Rosé Sauce Cannelloni is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl.

With its creamy filling, rich sauce, and golden cheese topping, it’s a dish that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Plus, with the added bonus of cottage cheese and spinach, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any night of the week.

So, give this recipe a try, and bring a bit of comfort to your table. I promise, you won’t regret it!