Indulge in the culinary delight of Spinach and Ricotta Pillows, a heavenly appetizer or main course that will tantalize your taste buds. These delicate pillows, also known as Crespelle or Italian Crepes, are filled with a luscious filling of creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and a hint of Parmesan cheese, all wrapped in a tender homemade crepe. The article features three enticing recipes that elevate this classic dish to new heights.
The first recipe introduces the classic Spinach and Ricotta Pillows, where the crepes are pan-fried to golden perfection and the filling is seasoned with garlic, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon zest. For those who prefer a baked version, the second recipe presents Spinach and Ricotta Pillows al Forno, where the crepes are baked in a creamy tomato sauce, creating a flavorful and comforting casserole. Last but not least, the third recipe, Spinach and Ricotta Pillows with Pesto Sauce, takes a delightful twist, where the pillows are served with a vibrant pesto sauce, adding a burst of fresh herbs and nutty flavor to the dish. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply seeking a delectable meal, these Spinach and Ricotta Pillows will leave you craving for more.
SPINACH & RICOTTA PASTA BAKE
Recipe video above. A lazy meal for midweek that tastes like spinach and ricotta stuffed shells or cannelloni - but without all the labour! Feel free to use your favourite store bought pasta sauce if you prefer. Reheats well and freezes well too!
Provided by Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Categories Pasta
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350F/180C.
- Pasta Sauce: Pour out about 1/4 cup of the passata (to make room to add flavourings). Add the remaining Pasta Sauce ingredients into the bottle, screw the lid on and give it a shake.
- Cook pasta for time per packet MINUS 1 minute.
- SCOOP OUT 1 mugful pasta cooking water, drain and set aside.
- Ricotta Mixture - Mix Ricotta Mixture ingredients in a very large bowl. Use a splash of pasta cooking water if needed to make it creamy.
- Add pasta and stir to combine. Transfer to a heatproof baking dish.
- Top with Pasta Sauce, top with cheese. Loosely cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for a further 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve while hot and fresh!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 569 kcal, Carbohydrate 53 g, Protein 32 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 81 mg, Sodium 1346 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving
SPINACH AND RICOTTA GNOCCHI
This is a gnocchi that Popeye would be proud of. Packed with spinach and creamy ricotta, these little morsels are like soft pillows--delicate yet so easy to make. You could serve them with a little red sauce, but for easier cleanup, I highly recommend just a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and that's it!
Provided by Catherine McCord
Categories main-dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Squeeze the spinach completely dry, in small handfuls, over a bowl. Transfer the spinach to a food processor. Add the ricotta, 2/3 cup Parmesan, they egg yolk and 2 tablespoons flour; pulse until the spinach is very finely chopped and the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Lightly dust your hands with flour so the mixture doesn't stick to your hands.
- Scoop 1 teaspoon of the spinach mixture and roll into a ball. Place on a plate and cover with wax paper or parchment. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should have about 40 gnocchi.
- Working in batches, boil the gnocchi until they rise to the surface, about 3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi with a slotted spoon or mesh spider and transfer to a plate or bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan, let cool slightly and serve.
SPINACH-RICOTTA STUFFED SHELLS
Jumbo pasta shells stuffed with ricotta cheese and baked in tomato sauce is a comforting classic. For this version, add in loads of cooked greens to the filling to add a fresh and colorful vegetable component, without skimping on the oozy cheese.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes; season with salt. (You should have about 4 heaping cups of sauce.)
- Make the stuffed shells: Preheat the oven to 375˚ F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook as the label directs for baking, about 9 minutes. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Spread out on a baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a large plate lined with a kitchen towel. Squeeze to remove any excess liquid, then finely chop.
- Put the spinach in a large bowl and add the ricotta, mozzarella, parsley, Parmesan, lemon zest, beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Stir until combined.
- To assemble, spread about half of the sauce in the bottom of a 10-by-14-inch baking dish. Evenly fill the shells with the spinach-ricotta mixture using a spoon, or pipe it in using a pastry bag. Arrange the shells side by side, open-side up, in the baking dish on top of the sauce, then top with the remaining sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake until heated through and the sauce is simmering around the edges, about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until any shells or cheese poking through the sauce are lightly browned in spots, about 10 more minutes. Let sit 10 minutes. Top with more Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
Tips:
- For a crispier pillow, brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash before baking.
- If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more garlic, salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
- Serve the pillows immediately with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
These spinach and ricotta pillows are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. They are perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a fancy party. The combination of creamy ricotta, flavorful spinach, and crispy wonton wrappers is sure to please everyone. Give them a try today and see for yourself how delicious they are!
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