As the aroma of sautéing garlic and fresh spinach fills my kitchen, it’s hard not to feel a wave of comfort wash over me. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Vegetable Cannelloni—a delightful dish that’s perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome, homemade meal. Not only is this dish a fantastic way to showcase delicious seasonal veggies, but it also comes together in just about an hour, making it a weeknight winner. The creamy filling of ricotta and fresh herbs, paired with luscious tomato sauce, creates an irresistible combination that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and create something truly special? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Why is Vegetable Cannelloni a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy ricotta paired with fresh herbs and a rich tomato sauce creates a taste sensation you'll adore.
Easy Prep: With just 30 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Vegetable-Packed Goodness: Enjoy a healthy serving of fresh veggies with spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini all in one bite.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this cheesy delight will impress everyone at the table.
Customizable: Feel free to add or swap in your favorite veggies for a personal twist!
Comfort in Every Bite: Baked to perfection, the combination of flavors and textures offers an irresistible comfort that warms the soul.
Vegetable Cannelloni Ingredients
For the Filling
- Spinach – fresh or frozen, wilted and squeezed dry for a nutrient boost.
- Mushrooms – finely chopped to add a savory depth to the filling.
- Zucchini – grated for a touch of sweetness and moisture in every bite.
- Ricotta Cheese – the creamy base that makes the filling rich and luscious.
- Parmesan Cheese – freshly grated for a delightful nutty flavor.
- Garlic – minced to infuse the filling with aromatic goodness.
- Fresh Basil – chopped to bring a burst of freshness to the mix.
- Fresh Parsley – adds a hint of brightness and earthy flavor.
- Salt – enhances the flavors of the filling perfectly.
- Pepper – to taste, providing a gentle kick to the dish.
For the Sauce
- Tomato Passata – a smooth base that complements the filling beautifully.
- Heavy Cream – adds a decadent richness to the sauce.
- Olive Oil – for sautéing the garlic and spinach to golden perfection.
For Assembling
- Cannelloni Pasta Tubes – fresh or dried, these are your pockets of deliciousness waiting to be filled.
- Mozzarella Cheese – shredded for a bubbly, golden topping that pulls everything together.
With these ingredients, your Vegetable Cannelloni will not only be delicious but also filled with wholesome goodness that everyone will crave. Let’s get cooking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegetable Cannelloni
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the perfect environment for baking your cheesy Vegetable Cannelloni. This will ensure that the dish cooks evenly and comes out bubbling and beautifully golden. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and equipment to streamline the process.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh spinach, cooking just until the spinach is wilted—about 2 minutes. You'll notice the vibrant green color, which adds a lovely touch to the cannelloni filling. This quick sauté enhances the flavor of the filling while infusing the air with a comforting aroma.
Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Zucchini
Next, add the finely chopped mushrooms and grated zucchini to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and inviting. The mushrooms will release their moisture, and the zucchini will become slightly caramelized, enriching the filling with flavor and texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Transfer your sautéed vegetables to a mixing bowl. Now, fold in the ricotta and freshly grated parmesan cheeses, along with the chopped basil and parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors. Mix until well combined—this creamy filling is the heart of your Vegetable Cannelloni, full of freshness and elegance.
Step 5: Make the Tomato-Cream Sauce
Return the skillet to medium heat, adding a bit more olive oil and minced garlic if desired. Pour in the tomato passata and heavy cream, stirring to create a luscious, velvety sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, preparing the sauce for the cannelloni.
Step 6: Fill the Cannelloni Tubes
With the filling and sauce prepared, it’s time to fill the cannelloni tubes! Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully stuff each tube with the creamy vegetable mixture. Aim to fill them generously, but not overstuff—this ensures they hold together beautifully in the baking process.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Spread half of the prepared tomato-cream sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, creating a delicious base. Place the filled cannelloni on top in a single layer, then pour the remaining sauce over them. This way, each bite of your Vegetable Cannelloni will be moist and flavorful, making every portion irresistible.
Step 8: Add the Mozzarella Topping
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the cannelloni. This will create a golden, bubbling layer as it bakes, adding an enticing stretchiness to the overall texture of your dish.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown. The heavenly aroma filling your kitchen will be a sure sign that your Vegetable Cannelloni is almost ready to enjoy!
Step 10: Allow to Rest Before Serving
Once baked to perfection, remove the Vegetable Cannelloni from the oven and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier. When you're ready, serve and delight in this comforting, Italian-inspired dish with family and friends!
Tips for the Best Vegetable Cannelloni
Perfect Filling Consistency: Ensure the filling is creamy but not too wet; excess moisture can cause the pasta to break during baking.
Don’t Overstuff: Keep the filling inside the cannelloni tubes generous but not overflowing; this prevents leaks and ensures even cooking.
Season Wisely: Taste your filling and sauce separately, adjusting the salt and pepper before assembly for a balanced flavor throughout the Vegetable Cannelloni.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest after baking for better slicing and enhanced flavor development; it truly makes a difference!
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant based on your preference or what's in season for a unique twist.
What to Serve with Vegetable Cannelloni?
Creating the perfect meal doesn’t stop at the main dish; let's add delightful sides to elevate your dining experience!
- Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery bread complements the creamy cannelloni perfectly, creating a satisfying contrast in textures.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a burst of freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant add a colorful, flavorful side that harmonizes well with the baked cannelloni.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender, roasted asparagus drizzled with lemon enhances both taste and presentation for a beautiful complement alongside your meal.
- Herbed Quinoa: This fluffy, protein-packed side brings a nutty flavor and pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling of the cannelloni.
- Chardonnay: A chilled glass of this white wine complements the flavors of the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Chocolate Mousse: For a sweet finish, this light dessert rounds off the meal with a rich yet airy texture that's simply divine.
- Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert adds a delightful coffee flavor and creaminess that beautifully contrasts with the savory cannelloni.
Storage Tips for Vegetable Cannelloni
Fridge: Store any leftover Vegetable Cannelloni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the cheesy, gooey texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked or cooked cannelloni in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through, to keep the dish moist and delicious.
Room Temperature: Don't leave Vegetarian Cannelloni out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegetable Cannelloni are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling (spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, ricotta, and cheeses) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the sautéed vegetables with the cheeses, season with salt and pepper, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the tomato-cream sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, fill the cannelloni tubes with the filling, layer them with sauce, and top with mozzarella. Bake as directed for a comforting homemade meal that’s just as delicious, saving you time on busy weeknights!
Vegetable Cannelloni Variations
Embrace your creativity and tailor this dish to suit your cravings and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute cannelloni pasta with gluten-free tubes or use zucchini slices to create a zucchini roll-up.
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Vegan Delight: Replace ricotta with cashew cream or tofu blended with nutritional yeast, and use plant-based cheeses for a wholesome vegan twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to your filling for a zesty flavor profile that brings a fun heat.
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Extra Veggie Power: Mix in chopped bell peppers, eggplant, or even shredded carrots with the original filling for added colors and textures.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to elevate your filling with aromatic notes and diverse flavors.
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Creamy Alternative: Swap out heavy cream for coconut cream for a subtle tropical sweetness that beautifully complements the other ingredients.
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Cheese Lovers: Introduce a blend of ricotta, goat cheese, and feta for a more robust, tangy filling that will wow your taste buds.
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Nutty Finish: Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts before serving for an added crunch and a boost of flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create the perfect dish that reflects your unique taste!
Vegetable Cannelloni Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right vegetables for my filling?
Absolutely! For the vegetable filling, choose fresh, vibrant veggies that show no signs of wilting or spoilage. Look for spinach that's bright green and firm, mushrooms that are smooth and plump, and zucchini without dark spots or blemishes. If using frozen spinach, make sure it's completely thawed and squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture in your filling.
How should I store leftover Vegetable Cannelloni?
Very! Store any leftover Vegetable Cannelloni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze Vegetable Cannelloni? If so, how?
Yes, you can! For freezing, fill the uncooked cannelloni with your vegetable mixture and arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if still slightly frozen.
What if my cannelloni breaks while filling?
Don’t worry! If you find your cannelloni tubes breaking, consider using lasagna noodles instead. Simply boil them until slightly tender, then fill them with the mixture and roll them into spirals like traditional cannelloni. This method, while different, will still give you that delicious warm filling and cheesy goodness!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you're cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider plant-based or lactose-free ricotta as a substitute. Additionally, keep an eye out for gluten-free cannelloni pasta if someone is gluten intolerant. Always check the ingredients to accommodate allergies, especially concerning dairy and nuts.
Can I make Vegetable Cannelloni ahead of time?
Of course! You can assemble your Vegetable Cannelloni up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven cold. This makes it perfect for meal prepping!
Irresistibly Cheesy Vegetable Cannelloni You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted for about 2 minutes.
- Add chopped mushrooms and grated zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Transfer sautéed vegetables to a mixing bowl. Fold in ricotta, parmesan, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Return the skillet to medium heat, add more olive oil and garlic if desired. Stir in tomato passata and heavy cream, simmering for about 5 minutes.
- Fill the cannelloni tubes with the creamy vegetable mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Spread half of the tomato-cream sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place filled cannelloni on top, then pour the remaining sauce over them.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the cannelloni.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Let the Vegetable Cannelloni rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
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