Savory Mushroom Cannelloni: A Flavorful Italian Delight

Oh, let me tell you about this amazing dish that brings a little piece of Italy to your kitchen—Savory Mushroom Cannelloni! It’s one of those meals that makes your whole house smell so good, you know? Picture tender pasta tubes stuffed with a scrumptious mushroom mix, all cozy in a smooth béchamel sauce and topped with cheese that melts delightfully in the oven. Seriously, it’s pure comfort food, perfect for sharing with friends or family, and it always gets raves. I mean, what’s not to love about rich flavors and satisfying textures? Mmm… it’s so heartwarming!

Why You’ll Crave It

• Rich umami flavors from the mushrooms that just sing with every bite
• That creamy béchamel sauce—you’ll want to dive right into it, trust me!
• Perfect for gatherings, it’s a showstopper that always impresses
• Vegetarian, so it’s a great option for anyone avoiding meat but craving something hearty
• Leftovers? Oh, they’re just as good the next day, maybe even better!

The first time I made this, my family just kept going back for seconds and thirds… I think we all ended up in food comas!

What You’ll Need

• Cannelloni Pasta: 12 tubes, the perfect little envelopes for all that delicious filling
• Mushrooms: 400g, chopped—mix your favorites, like cremini and shiitake for extra depth
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped, for that sweet base flavor
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced; because, well, garlic makes everything better!
• Spinach: 200g, fresh or frozen, adds a lovely color and nutritious boost
• Ricotta Cheese: 250g—not just creamy, but super delightful
• Parmesan Cheese: 50g, grated; it brings a little savory punch
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing those aromatics
• Salt: to taste, because every dish needs that seasoning
• Black Pepper: to taste, just a pinch for warmth
• Nutmeg: a pinch—don’t skip this; it warms everything up!
• Tomato Sauce: 500g, store-bought or homemade, it’s your call
• Béchamel Sauce: 400ml, silky and oh-so-good
• Mozzarella Cheese: 150g, grated, because cheesy goodness is a must!

Easy How-To

Get Your Sauces Going

Start by heating some olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in those chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they’re soft and, um, translucent—it usually takes a few minutes. Then, mix in your tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently while you whip up the filling. Oh, the aroma is already such a tease!

Make That Mushroom Filling

Now, grab a frying pan, add a bit of butter—you can also use olive oil if you prefer—and sauté the chopped mushrooms. You want to cook them until they release their moisture and start to get that nice browning. Once they’re feeling cozy, take them off the heat and let them cool for a bit. After they’re cool enough, mix them with ricotta, Parmesan, and maybe some fresh herbs like parsley. Seriously, the filling is so rich and flavorful!

Fill Up Those Cannelloni

Okay, here comes the fun part—filling the cannelloni! Use a piping bag if you’ve got one, or honestly, just a spoon works too, no stress. Pack those tubes with your delightful mushroom mixture and then arrange them in a baking dish, all snug and lovely.

Time to Assemble

Now, take your beautiful tomato sauce from earlier and pour it generously over the stuffed cannelloni. Make sure they’re covered well… you want every bit to soak up those flavors. Then, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top—extra cheesy goodness, right?

Let It Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover your baking dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Let it bake for about 30 minutes, and then… remove that foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling. Oh man, just wait until you see it!

Good to Know

• If you’re feeling adventurous, try different cheese combinations for the filling—mozzarella or goat cheese can be delightful!
• Mix and match your mushrooms, too! Shiitake, button, or portobello are all great choices
• Any leftover sauce? No problem! It keeps in the fridge and can be used in pasta or on pizzas!

Serving Ideas

• Simplest thing? Just serve it with a fresh green salad or a nice slice of crusty garlic bread for the ultimate meal!

Top Tricks

• Roast your mushrooms first to really enhance their flavor—it makes a world of difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of mushrooms for the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to use portobello, shiitake, or any favorite you have. Each will give its unique twist to the filling!

Is it possible to make the cannelloni in advance?

Oh, for sure! Assemble it beforehand and just bake it when you’re ready. Perfect for meal prep!

Can I substitute ricotta cheese?

Yep! Cottage cheese or even some dairy-free alternatives work too. Just consider the texture and taste you prefer!

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Make sure it’s well coated in oil and don’t overcrowd your cooking pot or baking dish: that’s key!

What should I serve with mushroom cannelloni?

A simple green salad or some warm, crusty garlic bread makes a lovely balance against the savory cannelloni.

Conclusion

Mushroom cannelloni is truly a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly—it’s rich, creamy, and so satisfying! With simple ingredients, you can create something special that family and friends will fight over (in a good way!). Pair it with a fresh salad or some bread, and you’ve got yourself a lovely meal that’s worthy of a dinner gathering or even a cozy weeknight. You just have to give it a try—you won’t regret it!

More Recipes Suggestions and Combinations

Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni

This classic dish is fresh spinach combined with creamy ricotta, and you know it fills those pasta tubes perfectly.

Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta

For something seasonal, why not roast some butternut squash with fresh sage? Such a beautiful, sweet filling!

Cheese and Tomato Lasagna

Switch things up with a blend of cheeses and zesty tomato sauce—it’s so comforting.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Use that mushroom filling in bell peppers for a colorful, nutritious dish—so pretty too!

Mushroom Risotto

For creamy goodness, try a mushroom risotto that highlights all those earthy flavors in a different light. It’s another favorite!