Best Sausage Cannelloni Recipe

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Hey there, all you hungry mums and foodies out there! If you’re looking for a delicious yet simple meal that’s packed full of flavor, then look no further – because here we have the best sausage cannelloni recipe you’ll ever find. With this easy-to-follow guide, you can whip up a mouthwatering family feast – or make it just for yourself if that’s more your style! So stop wasting time trying to search through endless recipes, let us show you how to make the perfect Sausage Cannelloni with creamy marinara sauce.

What Is Cannelloni Pasta?

Believe it or not, I didn’t try cannelloni until my 30’s and boy was it good. Cannelloni is a type of Italian pasta dish that consists of large tubes of thin pasta sheets that are filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese. The Cannelloni is then baked in an oven and served with a creamy marinara sauce. This is a rich dish and a favourite recipe you will simply love.

Cannelloni Vs Manicotti

Cannelloni and Manicotti are both types of stuffed pasta dishes, however, it’s important to note that they’re not the same. Cannelloni is larger than manicotti – its tubes also tend to be thicker and wider. The filling used for cannelloni is usually meat or cheese while manicotti may contain a mix of vegetables, cheese or other ingredients. For example, check out these stuffed manicotti recipes.

Why Make Air Fryer Cannelloni?

When it comes to Cannelloni, the classic way of preparing it would be to boil the pasta and bake it in an oven with a creamy marinara sauce. But if you want to avoid all that mess and time-consuming preparation then why not try making it in your air fryer? By using an air fryer you can get that crispy golden outside while still keeping the inside wonderfully moist. Plus, if you’re trying to avoid all the extra fat and calories from frying then air fryer cannelloni is a great option for that too!

How Long To Air Fry Sausage Cannelloni?

The prep time for this cannelloni recipe is 15 minutes plus 15 minutes of air frying time.

Ingredients For Sausage Cannelloni

• 1 lb Italian sausage, links, or unpacked ground
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato pasta sauce
• 10 pre-soaked oven-ready lasagna sheets
• 1 egg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese 

How To Make Sausage Cannelloni

Here are the step-by-step instructions for air fryer cannelloni: We use pre-soaked sheets as they work much better than dry pasta.

Step One: Brown The Sausage

Bring a skillet to medium heat. Brown off the sausage meat. If in a casing, remove the casing. Add salt and pepper. 

Step Two: Add Marinara Sauce

Once nearly cooked, add 1 cup of marinara or tomato sauce and mix. Remove from heat and add the cottage cheese. Stir it in.

Step Three: Coat Baking Dish

Coat the bottom of your baking pan with a light layer of marinara sauce.

Step Four: Fill Pasta And Roll

Lay the lasagna sheets flat and add 2 tablespoons of meat. Roll the noodle until closed. Place rolled cannelloni on the baking sheet. Whisk the egg and brush the cannelloni with the egg wash. 

If you prefer to use cannelloni shells that is fine but I find rolling after adding the filling easier and it saves time.

Step Five: Air Fry Cannelloni

Add a baking sheet to the air fryer and cook at 350°f for 5 minutes, remove and add the remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese to the top of the cannelloni. Return to air fryer and cook at 350°f for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

Step Six: Cool And Serve

Now your cannelloni is ready to serve! Cover with parmesan and enjoy!

How Long Is Cannelloni Good For?

Cannelloni will last up to 3 days in the fridge and can be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, add more marinara sauce if desired and make sure it is heated through before serving.

Best Way To Store Cooked Cannelloni?

Cooked cannelloni can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep your cannelloni fresh for longer.

Can You Freeze Cannelloni?

Yes, cannelloni is a great meal to freeze for busy nights when you’re short on time. To freeze your cannelloni, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat in the oven or air fryer until warm and bubbly.

What To Serve With Cannelloni?

Cannelloni is a hearty meal in itself, but for those who want to add something extra, here are some ideas:

• A fresh green salad

• Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli

• Garlic bread or crusty bread. Garlic bread is a great side dish for cannelloni.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this tasty and easy sausage cannelloni is sure to please your family. Enjoy!

Bonus Tip:

If you’re looking for an even heartier meal, try adding some fresh spinach or other vegetables for a veggie-packed version of this classic.

More Fillings For Cannelloni

If you want more filling options for your cannelloni tubes try a ricotta filling or a mix of ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. You can also use cooked ground beef if you don’t have sausage. You could also add a little béchamel sauce on top for extra flavor.

Have You Tried Ricotta Cannelloni?

Ricotta Cannelloni tastes amazing and adding a ricotta filling topped with red sauce and smothered in delicious cheese is always a winner in my house.

Can I Bake Sausage Cannelloni In The Oven?

Yes, baked cannelloni is an Italian comfort food that can be air fried or baked. To bake in the oven simply follow the same instructions as for the air fryer, but instead of air frying, cook in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly. Enjoy!

We hope you enjoyed our best sausage cannelloni recipe – why not give it a try this weekend? If you do, let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Happy cooking!