Name: Baked Cannelloni with Sausage and Mushrooms
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 box cannelloni or manicotti shells; 1 pound ground chicken sausage; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 4 ounces diced mushrooms; 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 egg yolks; 6 tablespoons butter; 6 tablespoons flour; 3 cups milk; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon dried oregano

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Baked Cannelloni with Sausage and Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners. The cannelloni shells are stuffed with a savory mixture of ground chicken sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and a melty blend of cheeses, all layered in a rich bechamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. This hearty, flavorful dish will warm you up and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked cannelloni recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory chicken sausage and earthy mushrooms makes for a rich, flavorful filling that’s complemented perfectly by the creamy bechamel sauce. The mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses melt together into a gooey, irresistible topping, while the golden-brown crust that forms as the dish bakes adds an extra layer of texture. Plus, this recipe is relatively simple to make and serves as a complete, hearty meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you’re entertaining guests, offering a delicious balance of flavors in every bite. Baked Cannelloni with Sausage and Mushrooms

Ingredients

1 box cannelloni or manicotti shells
1 pound ground chicken sausage
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 ounces diced mushrooms
12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
2 egg yolks
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
3 cups milk
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon dried oregano

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta shells to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the onion and mushrooms, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and the mushrooms release their moisture.
Add the ground chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart as it cooks, until fully browned and no longer pink. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens into a smooth bechamel sauce.
Reserve ¾ cup of the sauce and set it aside.
To the remaining sauce in the skillet, stir in the sausage mixture, half of the mozzarella cheese, the egg yolks, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
Lightly brush a 9×13 inch casserole dish with some of the reserved bechamel sauce.
Fill each pasta shell with the sausage and cheese mixture using a spoon or gloved hands. Arrange the stuffed shells in the baking dish in a single layer.
Pour the reserved sauce evenly over the stuffed shells and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken sausage for a mixture of sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.
Different Sausage: Use turkey sausage, or even spicy chicken sausage to change the flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten intolerant, use gluten-free pasta shells and a gluten-free flour blend for the bechamel sauce.
Extra Cheesy: For a more indulgent dish, mix in extra mozzarella or provolone into the filling and topping.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Baked Cannelloni with Sausage and Mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked cannelloni after cooking. Let it cool completely, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, including turkey, or spicy sausage for a different flavor.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cannelloni the day before and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

While cannelloni is the traditional choice, you can also use manicotti shells, as they are similar in shape and size.

4. How can I prevent the pasta shells from breaking?

Be sure to cook the pasta shells to al dente and handle them gently when stuffing to prevent them from tearing.

5. Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cannelloni before or after baking. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

7. How do I make the bechamel sauce thicker?

If the bechamel sauce is too thin, continue to cook it for a few more minutes while whisking. You can also add a bit more flour to thicken it.

8. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the filling is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into the dish.

9. What can I serve with this baked cannelloni?

Serve this dish with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

10. How do I know when the cannelloni is fully baked?

The cannelloni is fully baked when the top is golden and bubbling, and the sauce is thickened. You can also insert a toothpick to check that the filling is hot.

Conclusion

Baked Cannelloni with Sausage and Mushrooms is the epitome of comforting, indulgent food. With hearty chicken sausage, sautéed mushrooms, gooey melted cheese, and a creamy bechamel sauce, this dish is a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and offers a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Try it tonight and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!