Easy and Delicious Cannelloni Recipe: A Classic Italian Dish You Need to Try

Cannelloni, a classic Italian dish, is a favorite comfort food worldwide. It’s the perfect meal for gatherings, family dinners, or when you’re craving a rich and flavorful dish. Stuffed pasta tubes filled with a savory mixture of cheese, meat, or vegetables and baked with a luscious tomato or béchamel sauce—what’s not to love? In this blog, we’ll guide you through an easy-to-follow cannelloni recipe, explore variations, and answer common questions about this delectable dish. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, you’ll find this recipe enjoyable and easy to master.

What is Cannelloni?

Cannelloni are large pasta tubes typically filled with a variety of ingredients such as ricotta cheese, spinach, ground meat, or vegetables. The filled pasta is then covered with a tomato-based sauce, béchamel sauce, or both, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that offers endless possibilities for customization.

Cannelloni Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cannelloni Filling:
  • 250g ricotta cheese
  • 200g cooked spinach, drained and chopped
  • 100g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 200g ground beef (optional for a meaty version)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• For the Béchamel Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
• For the Assembly:
  • 12 cannelloni tubes (store-bought or homemade)
  • 150g mozzarella cheese, grated (for topping)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, and beaten egg. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. If you prefer a meaty version, cook the ground beef in a pan and mix it into the filling.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add fresh basil leaves at the end if desired.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste (roux).
2. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 4: Assemble the Cannelloni

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Fill the cannelloni tubes with the prepared ricotta mixture using a piping bag or a spoon.
3. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom. Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes on top.
4. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni and drizzle the béchamel sauce evenly.
5. Sprinkle grated mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Cannelloni

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let the cannelloni rest for a few minutes before serving.

Variations of Cannelloni

1. Vegetarian Cannelloni
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use a filling of ricotta, spinach, and other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also substitute the béchamel sauce with a lighter tomato sauce.

2. Meat Cannelloni
If you’re a meat lover, go for a hearty filling using ground beef, pork, or a combination of both. Mix in some sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.

3. Seafood Cannelloni
For a seafood twist, stuff the cannelloni with a mixture of ricotta, shrimp, crab, or lobster. This luxurious version pairs well with a creamy béchamel sauce and a light tomato drizzle.

4. Gluten-Free Cannelloni
Many pasta brands now offer gluten-free cannelloni tubes made from rice or other alternative flours. You can also make gluten-free cannelloni sheets by substituting the flour in the béchamel sauce with a gluten-free alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make cannelloni ahead of time?
Yes, cannelloni can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and when ready to bake, follow the same baking instructions.

2. How do I store leftover cannelloni?
Leftover cannelloni can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the dish with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

3. Can I freeze cannelloni?
Yes, you can freeze cannelloni either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 45-50 minutes. If freezing after baking, allow the cannelloni to cool completely, then wrap it and freeze. Reheat from frozen for about 30-35 minutes in the oven.

4. How do I prevent the cannelloni from drying out in the oven?
To prevent dryness, make sure to cover the cannelloni with enough sauce. Both the tomato and béchamel sauces should be spread generously over the pasta to keep it moist. Additionally, covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps retain moisture.

5. Can I use lasagna sheets instead of cannelloni tubes?
Yes, if you don’t have cannelloni tubes, you can use lasagna sheets. Simply boil the lasagna sheets, lay them flat, add your filling, and roll them up to form tubes.

Tips for Perfect Cannelloni

1. Don’t Overfill the Cannelloni
While it’s tempting to stuff the tubes as much as possible, overfilling can cause the pasta to burst during baking. Fill the tubes just enough to keep the filling inside without spilling.

2. Cook the Pasta Al Dente
If using dried cannelloni, slightly undercook the pasta (al dente) before filling and baking. This way, the pasta will absorb some of the sauce during baking and finish cooking to perfection.

3. Use High-Quality Ingredients
For the best results, use high-quality cheeses, fresh spinach, and premium ricotta. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also add a vibrant flavor to your dish.

4. Layer the Sauces Generously
Don’t skimp on the sauce! The sauces keep the pasta moist and add flavor. Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, cover the filled cannelloni with more sauce, and finish with béchamel and cheese.

Conclusion

Cannelloni is a versatile, crowd-pleasing Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer a meat-filled version or a lighter vegetarian option, the combination of tender pasta, rich fillings, and flavorful sauces makes cannelloni a favorite in many households. With this recipe, you’ll be able to make delicious cannelloni right in your own kitchen and customize it to suit your taste. Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of Italy at home!