18 Italian Baked Cannelloni Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 15, 2024
Cannelloni is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many for its rich and comforting flavors. This dish consists of large, tube-shaped pasta shells filled with a variety of delicious ingredients and smothered in a flavorful sauce. The combination of tender pasta, creamy filling, and savory sauce makes for a truly satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. While there are many variations of cannelloni recipes, the traditional Italian baked cannelloni is a must-try for any pasta lover.
To make Italian baked cannelloni, you will need 12-14 dried cannelloni pasta tubes. These can be found in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores. However, if you can't find cannelloni, you can substitute with manicotti or large rigatoni.
Filling:
The filling for this dish is a blend of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and herbs. This combination of ingredients adds a creamy and flavorful element to the dish. You can also add in some cooked ground meat, such as beef or sausage, for a heartier filling.
Sauce:
The sauce is what brings all the flavors together in this dish. You can use a store-bought marinara sauce or make your own with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. For a richer sauce, you can also add in some heavy cream or half and half.
Toppings:
To give your cannelloni an extra crunch and flavor, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking. You can also add some extra parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.
Instructions for Italian Baked Cannelloni:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, and herbs. Mix well.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each pasta tube with the cheese and spinach mixture and place them in the baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed pasta tubes.
7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese on top.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Let the cannelloni cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting Italian baked cannelloni with your loved ones. It's a perfect dish for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Buon appetito!
