Deliciously Stuffed Cannelloni Recipe

Cannelloni is one of those classic Italian dishes that never fails to impress. With its robust flavors, comforting textures, and beautiful presentation, it’s the perfect dish for a family dinner, special occasions, or a gathering with friends. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home! In this post, we’ll share a delectable cannelloni recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What is Cannelloni?

Cannelloni are large pasta tubes that are typically filled with a variety of ingredients, baked in sauce, and topped with cheese. The traditional filling often includes a mixture of cheese, vegetables, or meat, all seasoned perfectly to create a rich and savory flavor profile. They are then covered in a velvety sauce—usually béchamel or marinara—before being baked until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

For the Cannelloni:

• 12-14 cannelloni tubes (store-bought, or you can make your own pasta)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, well-drained)
• 1 egg (optional, for binding the filling)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup béchamel sauce (optional for creaminess)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

For Topping:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan over medium heat until wilted. If using frozen, ensure it’s completely thawed and drained. Chop the spinach finely.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, chopped spinach, Parmesan, and egg (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Cannelloni

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fill the Tubes: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, fill each cannelloni tube with the prepared filling. Place the filled tubes in a baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Add the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in the dish, then pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.
2. Add Béchamel (Optional): For a creamy texture, drizzle béchamel sauce over the top of the marinara.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the filled cannelloni.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, slice, and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Cannelloni

1. Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and stuff the cannelloni a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate them. On the day of serving, just pour the sauce and bake!
2. Experiment with Fillings: Don’t shy away from exploring different fillings! You can use ground meat, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite vegetables for subbing out part of the ricotta.
3. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to modify the marinara sauce with herbs, garlic, or even a splash of red wine for additional flavor.
4. Freezing: After baking, let the cannelloni cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for a quick future meal.

Homemade cannelloni is a labor of love that is sure to delight the taste buds of anyone who tries it. With its combination of smooth, cheesy filling and rich sauce, this dish brings comfort and joy to the table. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious cannelloni recipe with your loved ones! Buon Appetito!