Best Cannelloni Recipe Pasta: Easy & Delicious

Cannelloni recipe pasta, a culinary delight, involves crafting large, tube-shaped pasta shells filled with a savory mixture and baked to perfection. This recipe offers a detailed guide to creating a delectable cannelloni dish, from selecting high-quality ingredients to achieving the ideal baking temperature and time. The process balances simplicity with the potential for creative fillings and flavorful sauces, resulting in a satisfying and visually appealing meal. Mastering this recipe unlocks a world of culinary exploration, allowing for personalized adaptations and seasonal ingredient substitutions.

The versatility of cannelloni recipe pasta extends beyond its classic meat-based fillings. Vegetarian and vegan options readily adapt to this format, showcasing the recipe’s adaptability and inclusivity within various dietary preferences. Proper preparation of the pasta shellspreventing breakage and ensuring even cookingis key to achieving a successful dish. The baking process requires careful attention to detail, balancing the cooking time with the desired level of crispness and tenderness. This balance is achievable through careful monitoring and adjustments to baking temperature and duration.

The preparation of the filling is just as crucial, requiring a balance of textures and flavors to complement the pasta’s subtle taste. Proper seasoning and the careful selection of ingredients are essential for a memorable culinary experience.

Ingredients for Cannelloni Recipe Pasta

• 9 oz cannelloni pasta tubes
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions for Cannelloni Recipe Pasta

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2. Cook cannelloni pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
6. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
7. Fill each cannelloni tube with the ricotta mixture.
8. Arrange filled cannelloni in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Pour meat sauce over the cannelloni.
10. Top with mozzarella cheese.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

Cannelloni Recipe Pasta

The total preparation and cooking time for this cannelloni recipe pasta is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on oven temperature and the size of the baking dish used. Accurate timing is crucial to ensure the pasta is cooked perfectly and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Observing the visual cues such as the bubbling cheese and the browned edges can also serve as useful indicators of doneness. Adjusting cooking times based on these visual cues can help to achieve the desired texture and presentation of the cannelloni recipe pasta.

Nutritional Information for Cannelloni Recipe Pasta

This cannelloni recipe pasta provides a substantial amount of protein from the ground meat and cheese, carbohydrates from the pasta, and various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and cheese. The nutritional content varies depending on the specific ingredients used. For example, leaner ground meat options will reduce the overall fat content. The richness of the sauce and the cheese contribute to a higher calorie density, making it a fulfilling and energy-rich meal. It’s important to consider portion sizes when integrating this dish into a balanced diet. Consulting a nutrition calculator using precise ingredient amounts will provide a more accurate nutritional breakdown.

Accurate nutritional information requires a precise specification of the ingredients used, including brands and quantities. Therefore, a general analysis cannot be provided. Using a nutrition calculator and entering each ingredients weight and brand allows a user to generate a detailed breakdown for a personalized recipe.

Tips for Cooking Cannelloni Recipe Pasta

Achieving perfectly cooked cannelloni requires attention to detail and a few helpful hints. These tips ensure a delicious and visually appealing final product. Proper preparation and careful monitoring during cooking are crucial for success, enabling culinary enthusiasts of all skill levels to confidently prepare this dish.

1. Don’t overcook the pasta:

   Slightly undercook the cannelloni shells; they will finish cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.

2. Use a well-drained meat sauce:

   Excess moisture in the meat sauce can make the cannelloni soggy. Ensure your sauce is sufficiently reduced before adding the filled cannelloni shells.

3. Evenly distribute the filling:

   Fill each cannelloni tube evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some from bursting.

4. Properly cover the baking dish:

   Use aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to retain moisture and ensure even cooking. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

5. Use fresh herbs:
   Related RecipeChicken Broccoli Casserole: A Classic Recipe for Comforting Goodness

   Fresh herbs offer a superior flavor compared to dried herbs. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by half.

6. Let it rest:

   Allow the cannelloni to rest for about 10 minutes after baking before serving. This helps the filling to set and prevents the dish from being too hot to eat immediately.

The preparation of cannelloni recipe pasta involves a careful orchestration of ingredients and techniques. From the initial preparation of the filling to the precise timing of baking, each stage contributes to the final result. Understanding these nuances allows for a more satisfying culinary experience. The recipe’s versatility allows for personalization and experimentation.

The success of this recipe hinges on the quality of the ingredients and the precision of the cooking process. Attention to detail will lead to perfectly cooked and flavorful cannelloni, a dish appreciated by food enthusiasts of all levels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cannelloni Recipe Pasta

Creating a successful cannelloni dish often involves addressing common questions and concerns. Addressing these issues ensures consistent results and helps to prevent common mistakes during preparation.

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

   While cannelloni is traditionally used, other large pasta tubes, if available, can be substituted. However, ensure they are of sufficient size to hold the filling comfortably.

2. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

   Yes, the ricotta filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. This allows for better time management when preparing the entire dish.

3. How do I prevent the cannelloni from breaking?

   Handle the cooked cannelloni gently. Avoid overfilling them to reduce the chance of breakage during the filling process. Proper handling ensures the dish’s structural integrity.

4. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

   Other creamy cheeses, such as cottage cheese or mascarpone, can be used as a substitute for ricotta. However, the flavor profile might be altered slightly.

5. What if my cannelloni is not fully cooked?

   If the cannelloni is not fully cooked, return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Monitor carefully to prevent overcooking.

The process of creating delicious cannelloni recipe pasta is a blend of precision and creativity. While following a recipe provides a strong foundation, embracing the opportunity to personalize the dish through the use of varied fillings and sauces enhances the overall culinary experience. This adaptability is a key aspect of the recipe’s appeal.

Ultimately, the satisfaction derived from mastering the art of cannelloni recipe pasta lies in the harmonious balance between careful technique and creative expression. With practice and attention to detail, anyone can create a dish that is both visually stunning and exceptionally flavorful.

In conclusion, the cannelloni recipe pasta provides a framework for culinary exploration and innovation. The result is a dish that rewards attention to detail with a delicious and satisfying meal.