Cannelloni Recipe Veg: Easy and Delicious Homemade Dish

Cannelloni is a classic Italian dish that brings together tender pasta tubes filled with a rich, flavorful vegetable mixture, all topped with a luscious sauce and baked to perfection. For those seeking a wholesome vegetarian twist, this veg cannelloni recipe is a delightful choice that promises comfort and nutrition in every bite.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or aiming to impress guests, this recipe balances fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy textures that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and the ability to customize it with your favorite garden vegetables or pantry staples. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak extra nutrients into your meal without compromising on taste.

If you love Italian cuisine and want a hearty, wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and meat-free, this veg cannelloni is a must-try. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create this delicious dish from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable cannelloni recipe stands out because it’s:

• Nutritious: Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables that provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Flavorful: A harmonious blend of sautéed veggies, herbs, and a creamy bechamel sauce that elevates every bite.
• Comforting: A warm, baked pasta dish that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Customizable: You can easily swap in seasonal vegetables or your favorites like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers and freezes well for quick future meals.

If you’re interested in exploring more creamy pasta delights, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to learn how to make the perfect sauce for this dish and beyond.

Ingredients

• 12 cannelloni tubes (dried or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or vegan ricotta alternative)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or vegan substitute)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara
• 1 cup béchamel sauce (see our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Medium mixing bowl
• Baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for cheese)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering the bake)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the vegetable filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. Season the mixture with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with the ricotta cheese and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix well to form a creamy filling.
6. Fill the cannelloni tubes: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully stuff each cannelloni tube with the vegetable and ricotta mixture.
7. Spread 1 cup of tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni side by side in the baking dish over the tomato sauce.
9. Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the cannelloni, then spoon the béchamel sauce on top, spreading it evenly.
10. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden crust.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
12. Let the cannelloni rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cannelloni pasta tubes if available for a softer texture, or dried tubes if you prefer a firmer bite.

• Try adding cooked lentils or crumbled tofu to the filling for extra protein.
• Substitute the vegetables according to the season; eggplant, kale, or butternut squash work beautifully.
• For a vegan version, use vegan ricotta and Parmesan alternatives and our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
• Make ahead: Assemble the cannelloni the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
• Top with nutritional yeast for a cheesy vegan boost.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable cannelloni pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette. A crusty garlic bread or focaccia makes a perfect side to soak up any remaining sauce from the plate.

To complement the meal, consider serving a chilled glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a light Italian red like Chianti. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing and palate-cleansing.

For more delicious vegetarian meal ideas, you might enjoy our Best Italian Vegetarian Recipes for Delicious Meatless or explore creative vegetable dishes like the Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

This veg cannelloni recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal while staying true to a vegetarian lifestyle. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy ricotta, and savory sauces makes for a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is straightforward to prepare and yields delicious results every time.

With its versatility and ease of customization, it’s perfect for those who love Italian flavors but want to keep meals plant-based and wholesome. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies and cheese alternatives to make it your own.

For more inspiration in your vegetarian cooking journey, check out our other recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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