Follow these steps for perfect results
EVOO
sweet Italian sausage meat with fennel
ground veal
fresh sage leaves
thinly sliced
garlic
finely chopped
onion
finely chopped
salt
black pepper
freshly ground
frozen organic spinach
chopped, defrosted and wrung dry
dry white wine
butter
all-purpose flour
whole milk
nutmeg
freshly grated
egg yolks
lightly beaten
fontina cheese
grated
Parmigiano-Reggiano
grated
cannelloni pasta
dried
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces.
Add ground veal and brown, crumbling it as well.
Stir in sage, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Add defrosted and squeezed dry spinach to the skillet.
Heat spinach through, then deglaze the skillet with white wine. Remove from heat.
In a saucepot over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until bubbly.
Gradually whisk in milk, seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove a ladle of the sauce and whisk it into the lightly beaten egg yolks to temper them.
Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the sauce and stir in half of the fontina cheese and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Reduce heat to low or cover to keep warm.
Cook the cannelloni pasta or shells in the boiling water until al dente (about 6-7 minutes).
Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly.
Fill each cannelloni tube or shell with the meat filling using a small spoon.
Spread one-quarter of the cheese sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange the filled cannelloni or shells over the sauce.
Cover the pasta with the remaining cheese sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining fontina and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Expert advice for the best results
For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Add a layer of ricotta cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the cannelloni before baking for a crispy crust.
Everything you need to know before you start
20 minutes
Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking.
Serve two to three cannelloni per plate, topped with extra sauce and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan.
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
A medium-bodied red wine pairs well with the savory flavors of the dish.
Discover the story behind this recipe
A classic Italian comfort food dish, often served during holidays and special occasions.
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