12 Recipes For March By Jamie Oliver

12 Recipes For March By Jamie Oliver is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Jamie Oliver on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 5 min | Total: 1 hr 50 min

Cost: $14.74 total, $3.68 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (optional, adds earthy flavor)
  • 2 pieces Small Onion (peeled and thinly sliced)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (4 for chard, 2 for tomato sauce, minced)
  • 1000 grams Swiss Chard (washed, stems separated from leaves)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • to taste Salt (sea salt preferred)
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for tomato sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Chili Flakes (adds gentle heat)
  • 10 leaves Fresh Basil (torn roughly)
  • 3 cans (400 g each) Plum Tomatoes (good quality, whole or crushed)
  • 400 ml Water (use the empty tomato can for measurement)
  • 250 grams Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, drained)
  • 200 ml Milk (whole milk for richness)
  • 60 grams Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)
  • 80 grams Parmesan Cheese (grated, plus extra for topping)
  • 1 Egg (large, beaten)
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (for side salad)
  • 100 grams Mixed Salad Greens (optional side salad)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the chard stalks

    Heat a large sauté pan over medium‑high heat, add 3 Tbsp olive oil and the dried oregano. When shimmering, add the chard stems and cook, stirring, for 4‑5 minutes until they begin to soften.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add aromatics and chard leaves

    Add the sliced onions, 4 minced garlic cloves, and the chard leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the greens are wilted and the mixture is dark, concentrated.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Season the filling

    Stir in ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 Tbsp lemon juice (or a splash of vinegar), and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Prepare the simple tomato sauce

    In the same baking tray (or a separate saucepan), heat 2 Tbsp olive oil, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried chili flakes. Cook 1 minute, then add torn basil leaves, the three cans of plum tomatoes and 400 ml water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Assemble the cannelloni

    Place a generous spoonful of the chard mixture into each cannelloni tube, gently pressing with a finger to pack. Lay the filled tubes snugly in the tomato‑sauce‑coated baking tray.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Make the ricotta white sauce

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together 250 g ricotta, 200 ml whole milk, 60 g shredded cheddar, 60 g grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt and 1 beaten egg until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Add the white sauce and finish

    Pour the ricotta sauce evenly over the arranged cannelloni. Sprinkle the remaining 20 g Parmesan on top for a golden crust.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Bake

    Place the tray in a pre‑heated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) and bake for 30‑40 minutes, until the top is bubbling and golden.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 180°C

  9. Prepare a simple side salad

    Toss mixed salad greens with 3 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Serve

    Allow the cannelloni to rest 5 minutes out of the oven, then plate with a generous spoonful of the side salad.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
18 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: vegetarian, can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free cannelloni

Allergens: dairy, gluten, egg

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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12 Recipes For March By Jamie Oliver

Recipe by Jamie Oliver

A bright, spring‑time cannelloni filled with sautéed Swiss chard, baked in a simple tomato sauce and topped with a rich ricotta‑cheddar‑parmesan white sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a make‑ahead lunch.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.74
Total cost
$3.68
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the chard until fully reduced concentrates flavor and removes bitterness.
  • Whisking the ricotta sauce until smooth to avoid curdling in the oven.
  • Baking at the correct temperature to set the sauce without drying the pasta.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • The oven and baking tray become extremely hot; use oven mitts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Swiss chard cannelloni in Italian cuisine?

A

Swiss chard (cime di rapa) has long been a staple in Southern Italian cooking, especially in spring when the greens are tender. Cannelloni, a tube‑shaped pasta, became popular in the 20th century as a way to showcase hearty fillings, turning humble greens into a celebratory main course.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cannelloni in Italy?

A

In Emilia‑Romagna, cannelloni are often filled with ricotta and spinach, while in Campania they may contain minced meat and mozzarella. The spring version with Swiss chard reflects the central‑southern tradition of using seasonal leafy greens.

cultural
Q

How is Swiss chard traditionally served in Italian spring dishes?

A

It is usually sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar, then tossed with pasta or used as a stuffing for baked dishes like cannelloni, allowing the bitter‑sweet flavor to shine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Swiss chard cannelloni traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

It is a popular dish for Easter and other spring celebrations when fresh greens are abundant, symbolising renewal and the arrival of the growing season.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Swiss chard cannelloni versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh Swiss chard, ricotta, Parmesan, and a simple tomato sauce. Substitutes can be spinach for the chard, cottage cheese for ricotta, and a ready‑made marinara if time is short.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Swiss chard cannelloni?

A

A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, grilled zucchini, or a simple bruschetta with fresh tomatoes complement the richness of the cannelloni.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Swiss chard cannelloni?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chard, which makes it soggy; using too much liquid in the white sauce, leading to a runny bake; and under‑cooking the pasta before assembly, which can cause mushy tubes.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a ricotta‑cheddar‑Parmesan white sauce instead of a classic béchamel?

A

The ricotta‑based sauce provides a lighter, tangier texture that balances the earthy chard, while the cheddar adds a subtle sharpness and the Parmesan gives a golden crust—making it quicker and less heavy than a traditional béchamel.

technical
Q

Can I make Swiss chard cannelloni ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, assemble the filled cannelloni and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked tray; bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Swiss chard cannelloni is done cooking?

A

The top should be golden‑brown and bubbling, the pasta should be tender but still hold its shape, and the filling should be hot, creamy, and slightly set. A gentle jiggle of the sauce indicates it’s perfectly cooked.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jamie Oliver focuses on approachable, seasonal home cooking, featuring fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and a philosophy of making nutritious meals that anyone can enjoy.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Jamie Oliver emphasizes quick, flexible recipes that use everyday pantry items and encourages improvisation with local produce, whereas many traditional Italian channels stick closely to classic techniques and specific regional ingredients.

channel

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