🦞 Creamy Seafood Cannelloni Recipe
🌸 Introduction:
Creamy Seafood Cannelloni is a rich, indulgent Italian dish that brings the flavors of the ocean into a comforting, creamy pasta experience. It’s made by stuffing delicate pasta tubes (or lasagna sheets rolled up) with a seafood filling — usually crab, shrimp, and fish — mixed with cheese and herbs, then baked in a smooth béchamel or cream sauce.
It’s elegant enough for romantic dinners yet hearty enough for family feasts.
🧂 Ingredients:
🧄 For the Seafood Filling:
- 200 g crab meat (fresh or imitation)
- 200 g shrimp (peeled and chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup mushrooms (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
🍶 For the Creamy Sauce (Béchamel):
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
🍝 For Assembly:
- 8–10 cannelloni tubes (or lasagna sheets, boiled and rolled)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for crunch)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
🍳 Instructions & Methods:
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Filling
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan.
- Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped shrimp and cook until pink.
- Add crab meat and mushrooms; sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix in ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Stir well — the mixture should be creamy and thick.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter on medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk for 1 minute (to make a roux).
- Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking constantly.
- Add cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until thick and smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Cannelloni
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Fill each cannelloni tube (or lasagna sheet) with the seafood mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed tubes neatly in the dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and breadcrumbs for a golden crust.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra sauce.
🕰️ History:
Cannelloni originated in Naples, Italy, in the early 1900s as a way to use leftover pasta and fillings. The word “cannelloni” means “large reeds” — referring to the tubular pasta shape.
As Italian cuisine spread worldwide, chefs began experimenting with different fillings, including seafood, to highlight coastal influences. The Seafood Cannelloni became a modern twist, combining Italian tradition with Mediterranean seafood elegance.
🌿 Benefits:
- Rich in protein from seafood and cheese.
- Omega-3 fatty acids promote heart and brain health.
- Calcium and vitamin D from cheese strengthen bones.
- Comforting and satisfying, perfect for special occasions.
- Energizing due to balanced carbs, fats, and proteins.
🏗️ Formation:
The formation of this dish involves:
- Base Layer: Light coat of creamy sauce.
- Middle Layer: Stuffed cannelloni arranged in a dish.
- Top Layer: Sauce, cheese, and breadcrumbs for crisp texture.
- Final Bake: Creates a golden-brown, creamy masterpiece.
The balance of sauce, filling, and pasta gives it a luscious structure that melts in your mouth with every bite.
❤️ Lovers of This Dish:
- Seafood lovers for its ocean-fresh flavor.
- Cheese lovers for its creamy, gooey filling.
- Italian food lovers for its classic elegance.
- Romantic dinner lovers for its luxurious, candlelight vibe.
- Food explorers who enjoy trying new, rich flavor combinations.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Roll):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Omega-3 | 600 mg |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
(Values vary depending on seafood and cheese used.)
🌼 Conclusion:
Creamy Seafood Cannelloni is not just a meal — it’s an experience. The marriage of delicate pasta, rich cream sauce, and savory seafood creates harmony in every bite. It’s perfect for holidays, anniversaries, or any time you want to serve something unforgettable. A plate of this dish feels like a warm hug from Italy’s coastal kitchens. 🇮🇹💛
💕 Lovers’ Note:
This dish is made to be shared. Couples often describe it as “a meal that brings romance to the table” — the creamy texture and aromatic flavors set the mood for connection and comfort. Serve it with a glass of white wine, some music, and your favorite person. 💞
