Classic Homemade Cannelloni Recipe

Ingredients

14 cannelloni tubes
15 ounces of ricotta cheese
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups of marinara sauce
1/2 cup of water
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil for garnish

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Fill each cannelloni tube with the cheese mixture using a spoon or a piping bag.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the cannelloni. Add the water to the dish around the pasta.
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the sauce-covered pasta.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cannelloni is golden and bubbling.
Garnish with the chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A bowl used for combining ingredients.
Spoon or Piping Bag - For filling the cannelloni tubes with the cheese mixture.
Baking Dish - A dish used for baking the cannelloni in the oven.
Foil - To cover the baking dish while baking.
Oven - Preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Recipe variations

Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni: Add cooked and well-drained spinach to the cheese mixture for a delicious vegetarian variation.
Meat-filled Cannelloni: Brown ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it with the cheese filling before stuffing the cannelloni tubes.
Seafood Cannelloni: Substitute the cheese filling with a mixture of cooked shrimp, crab, or lobster, mixed with a creamy sauce.
Mushroom and Goat Cheese Cannelloni: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and mix them with creamy goat cheese for a flavorful twist.
Butternut Squash Cannelloni: Roast butternut squash and blend it with ricotta cheese for a sweet and savory filling.
Gluten-Free Cannelloni: Use gluten-free cannelloni tubes or replace them with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant layers.
Alfredo Sauce Cannelloni: Replace the marinara sauce with a creamy alfredo sauce for a rich and indulgent variation.
Three Cheese Cannelloni: Use a combination of different cheeses such as fontina, gorgonzola, and mozzarella for a cheesy delight.
Vegetable Cannelloni: Sauté a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, and mix them with the cheese filling for a veggie-packed option.
Smoked Salmon Cannelloni: Replace the cheese filling with smoked salmon and cream cheese mixture for an elegant and flavorful twist.

Recipe overview

This delightful Cannelloni recipe makes for a comforting and delicious Italian dish that your whole family will love. Filled with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and seasoned with garlic and oregano, these cannelloni tubes are then smothered in a tangy marinara sauce and baked to perfection. The result is a satisfyingly cheesy, flavorful pasta dish that's perfect for dinner parties, casual weeknight meals, or any time you're craving Italian comfort food. The process is straightforward and the ingredients are simple, making this a great recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy the process, and even more, enjoy the hearty, mouth-watering result!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of pasta? - While this recipe specifically calls for cannelloni tubes, you can substitute them with manicotti shells if needed.
Can I use a different type of cheese? - Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. However, keep in mind that the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese provides a traditional and delicious flavor.
Can I make the filling ahead of time? - Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling the cannelloni.
Can I freeze the prepared cannelloni? - Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked cannelloni. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the baking instructions.
How do I prevent the cannelloni from sticking to the baking dish? - To prevent sticking, make sure to spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish before arranging the filled cannelloni tubes.
Can I add meat to the filling? - Absolutely! If you prefer a meat-filled cannelloni, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the cheese mixture. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned before adding it to the filling.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking dish - A rectangular or square dish for baking the cannelloni.
Mixing bowl - A bowl for combining the cheese mixture.
Spoon or piping bag - To fill the cannelloni tubes with the cheese mixture.
Foil - To cover the baking dish while baking the cannelloni.
Oven - To bake the cannelloni at the specified temperature.

Origin stories

Cannelloni, a delectable pasta dish, has a mouthwatering history ingrained in the heart of Italy. It is widely believed that the dish was invented in Sorrento in the early 1900s. During a visit to Sorrento, the Marquis of Saluzzo, Federico Gualdi, was captivated by an unnamed pasta dish. So much so that the Marquis requested the recipe, which he later named 'cannelloni', literally translating to 'large reeds', a reference to the cylindrical shape of the pasta. To this day, this Italian classic continues to be a staple in pasta lovers' repertoire worldwide, its warm, cheesy allure nearly impossible to resist.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.