Italian-Style Calzone with Spinach, Ricotta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A folded pizza pocket filled with creamy ricotta, sautéed spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, baked until golden and inviting. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 98 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, warm water, active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 350 g all-purpose flour
- 200 ml warm water
- 7 g active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 200 g ricotta cheese
- 150 g fresh spinach
- 60 g, chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste black pepper
- 1, beaten for egg wash egg
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 200 ml warm water and 7 g active dry yeast. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 350 g all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil, stirring until dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until elastic, then place in an oiled bowl covered with a towel to rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Step 3: While dough rises, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 150 g fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic, 200 g ricotta cheese, 60 g chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 50 g grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F). Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each into a 25 cm circle on a floured surface.
- Step 6: Spoon half the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 2 cm border around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling and press edges to seal tightly. Crimp edges with a fork.
- Step 7: Transfer calzones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with 1 beaten egg for shine.
- Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 9: Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian-Style Calzone with Spinach, Ricotta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 98 minutes (80 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian-Style Calzone with Spinach, Ricotta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian-Style Calzone with Spinach, Ricotta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian-Style Calzone with Spinach, Ricotta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Italian-Style Calzone with Spinach, Ricotta, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.