Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/18 checked
6
servings
2 tbsp

EVOO

8 ounce

sweet Italian sausage meat with fennel

12 ounce

ground veal

2 tbsp

fresh sage leaves

thinly sliced

2 clove

garlic

finely chopped

1 unit

onion

finely chopped

1 pinch

salt

1 pinch

black pepper

freshly ground

11 ounce

frozen organic spinach

chopped, defrosted and wrung dry

0.33 cup

dry white wine

3 tbsp

butter

3 tbsp

all-purpose flour

3 cup

whole milk

1 pinch

nutmeg

freshly grated

2 unit

egg yolks

lightly beaten

1.5 cup

fontina cheese

grated

1 cup

Parmigiano-Reggiano

grated

12 unit

cannelloni pasta

dried

Step 1
~4 min

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2
~4 min

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 3
~4 min

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 4
~4 min

Brown the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces.

Step 5
~4 min

Add ground veal and brown, crumbling it as well.

Step 6
~4 min

Stir in sage, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

Step 7
~4 min

Add defrosted and squeezed dry spinach to the skillet.

Step 8
~4 min

Heat spinach through, then deglaze the skillet with white wine. Remove from heat.

Step 9
~4 min

In a saucepot over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until bubbly.

Step 10
~4 min

Gradually whisk in milk, seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 11
~4 min

Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 12
~4 min

Remove a ladle of the sauce and whisk it into the lightly beaten egg yolks to temper them.

Step 13
~4 min

Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the sauce and stir in half of the fontina cheese and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Step 14
~4 min

Reduce heat to low or cover to keep warm.

Step 15
~4 min

Cook the cannelloni pasta or shells in the boiling water until al dente (about 6-7 minutes).

Step 16
~4 min

Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly.

Step 17
~4 min

Fill each cannelloni tube or shell with the meat filling using a small spoon.

Step 18
~4 min

Spread one-quarter of the cheese sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 19
~4 min

Arrange the filled cannelloni or shells over the sauce.

Step 20
~4 min

Cover the pasta with the remaining cheese sauce.

Step 21
~4 min

Sprinkle the remaining fontina and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top.

Step 22
~4 min

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

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.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
High
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Garlic Bread
Caesar Salad
Roasted Vegetables

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

A classic Italian comfort food dish, often served during holidays and special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Easter
Family Gatherings

Occasion Tags

Family Dinner
Holiday Meal
Special Occasion

Popularity Score

65/100

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