Cannelloni Recipe – Authentic Italian Pasta Bake
Cannelloni Recipe – Easy & Authentic Italian Pasta Bake
Learn how to make authentic Italian Cannelloni filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
Introduction
Cannelloni is a classic Italian pasta dish where large pasta tubes are stuffed with a rich filling, covered in tomato sauce and creamy bΓ©chamel, then baked until golden. This Italian cannelloni recipe is perfect for Sunday dinners, special occasions, or when you want a delicious, hearty meal that warms the soul.
Whether you’re making spinach and ricotta cannelloni, beef cannelloni, or a vegetarian version, this recipe gives you all the steps for success.
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
For the Filling:
- 250g (9 oz) ricotta cheese
- 150g (5 oz) fresh spinach, blanched and chopped
- 50g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the BΓ©chamel:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 500ml (2 cups) milk
- Salt, pepper & a pinch of nutmeg
Other:
- 12–14 cannelloni tubes
- 100g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag for easier filling.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan. SautΓ© onion and garlic until soft. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
3. Make the BΓ©chamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cook until thick and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Assemble the Cannelloni
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread some tomato sauce in a baking dish. Pipe the filling into cannelloni tubes and arrange them in the dish. Pour over the remaining tomato sauce, then top with bΓ©chamel sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake & Serve
Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Cannelloni
- Use a piping bag to fill the tubes easily.
- For a richer flavor, add fresh basil to the tomato sauce.
- You can prepare cannelloni ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cannelloni with garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze cannelloni?
Yes! Assemble, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
Can I use fresh pasta sheets instead of tubes?
Absolutely – roll the filling inside the sheets and proceed with the recipe.
Similar Recipes You May Like:
- [Lasagna Bolognese Recipe]
- [Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells]
- [Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake]
- [Classic Italian Meatballs]
- [Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks]

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