Cannelloni stuffed pasta

cannelloni_stuffed_pasta

Cannelloni is a traditional Italian stuffed pasta dish that is well-loved by many. Its name comes from the Italian word “canna,” meaning tube or pipe, and “lone,” which means large. It is an incredibly delicious and satisfying meal that warms your heart and soul with its delicious flavors.

The dish comprises pasta tubes, stuffed with a delicious filling mix of cheese, meat, or vegetables, and bathed in a delicious tomato sauce. It is then baked in the oven, and the result is a perfectly cooked, hot, and slightly crispy pasta dish that is truly divine.

Cannelloni originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, near Bologna, in the eighteenth century. It is said that the dish was created by a chef from Bologna, who was inspired by another Italian dish, lasagna. He decided to create a dish that combines the flavors of lasagna with the convenience of a single pasta tube that could be filled with various fillings. Today, cannelloni is a staple in many Italian households and is a popular dish worldwide.

Cannelloni is incredibly versatile, which means you can add any filling you like to create a unique culinary experience. Some traditional fillings include spinach and ricotta cheese, beef and veal ragu, and ham and mozzarella. Still, you are free to experiment with various ingredients to find what works best.

The recipe we will be exploring today is a classic spin on the traditional cannelloni recipe. This recipe features a filling of ricotta cheese, spinach, and ground beef. The cannelloni is then baked in a tomato sauce, along with a cheesy bechamel sauce, which gives it an incredibly creamy texture and delectable taste.

The ingredients needed to create perfect cannelloni are readily available at your local grocery store, and the recipe is simple enough to prepare for dinner guests. The first step is to prepare the pasta tubes. You can purchase pre-made tubes, or you can make your own from lasagna sheets. If you choose to make your own, make sure the sheets are cooked al dente and then cut into tubes.

Next, prepare the filling by mixing together classic ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, garlic, ground beef, and seasoning. It’s important to fully cook the ground beef before adding it to the mixture to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Now it’s time to fill the cannelloni tubes with the filling mix. Spoon the filling into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off. Insert the bag into the side of the tube and fill it by squeezing the bag.

The next step is to prepare the sauces: the classic tomato sauce and the bechamel sauce. The tomato sauce should be a rich and tangy tomato sauce, while the bechamel sauce is a creamy and cheesy sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and parmesan cheese.

Once the sauces are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Begin by spooning a layer of tomato sauce into a baking dish. Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes on top of the sauce in a single layer, then spoon over more tomato sauce. Pour over the bechamel sauce, making sure it covers the cannelloni entirely. Top the dish with grated parmesan cheese and place it in the oven to bake.

As the cannelloni bakes, it will become golden brown, and the cheesy bechamel sauce will become bubbly and creamy. The result is a delicious, comforting, and satisfying meal that is sure to become a staple in your recipe book.

In conclusion, cannelloni is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed by many for centuries. With its versatile fillings, it’s a great way to experiment with new combinations of flavors, and guests will appreciate the unique twist to their traditional meal. This recipe is a perfect way to start creating unforgettable cannelloni for all to enjoy. So give it a try, and let your taste buds be tantalized!

Ingredients:

  • 12-14 cannelloni pasta tubes
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

  2. Cook the cannelloni pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water until al dente, around 10-15 minutes. Remove from water and let cool.

  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until onion is translucent.

  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, around 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.

  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and black pepper, and stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

  6. Once the meat sauce is done, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in a separate bowl.

  7. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.

  8. Take each cooled cannelloni tube and carefully stuff it with the cheese mixture, using a spoon or piping bag.

  9. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in the baking dish, side by side in a single layer.

  10. Pour the remainder of the meat sauce over the top of the cannelloni, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.

  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

  12. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Italian Cannelloni stuffed pasta!