Pumpkin cannelloni is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the creaminess of pumpkin puree with the savory goodness of cannelloni pasta. Here’s a simple and easy recipe to make pumpkin cannelloni:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce (your favorite marinara sauce)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cannelloni:
- 12-14 cannelloni pasta tubes (dry or no-boil)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley (if using), ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat. If you want a creamier sauce, add the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Season the sauce with dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, then remove it from heat.
- Fill the Cannelloni:
- Take each cannelloni tube and carefully stuff it with the pumpkin and cheese filling using a spoon or a piping bag. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed inside each tube.
- Assemble the Cannelloni:
- Pour a small amount of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent the cannelloni from sticking. Place the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Cover with Sauce:
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce (with or without cream) over the stuffed cannelloni, ensuring they are generously covered.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the sauce-covered cannelloni. Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cannelloni are tender, and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Remove the pumpkin cannelloni from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your Easy Pumpkin Cannelloni!
These pumpkin cannelloni are a delightful twist on traditional stuffed pasta dishes. They are creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a fall-inspired meal. Serve them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.