Chicken cannelloni

Tips: Make a tasty chicken cannelloni

Read our tips below, and you will be ready to tackle these chicken cannelloni in no time.

Prepare in advance

To prepare ahead of time, put the dish together without the final layer of cheese and store it in the fridge, covered, for up to a full day. When it is time to cook, let the dish come to room temperature while your oven heats. Follow the normal baking directions, but if the cannelloni is still cool, you might need to bake it 10–15 minutes longer.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Cooked cannelloni, especially when filled and topped with sauces or cheese, will generally keep well for 2–3 days in the fridge. To best preserve its quality and taste, make sure to cover it properly and store it at a consistent temperature.

Freezing leftover chicken cannelloni

Freezing chicken cannelloni is possible both before and after you bake it. For freezing beforehand, put together the dish without the final layer of cheese in a container suitable for the freezer, seal it securely, and freeze. When ready to eat, defrost the cannelloni in the fridge overnight and bake according to the instructions. Note that it might need to bake a bit longer in the oven. If you have already baked the cannelloni, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it up well and freeze. To serve, heat it in the oven until it is hot all the way through.

Try our delicious chicken cannelloni

The next time you have guests over, serve a plate of delicious chicken cannelloni for your friends and family. This traditional Italian dish is great for social gatherings. Every cannelloni is filled with warm and comforting flavours. The dish takes a bit of time to cook, but you can easily enjoy conversations in the kitchen as the dish takes care of itself in the oven.

Tender chicken and sautéed vegetables

Finding the right filling is key to making delicious cannelloni. We combine tender chicken with sautéed vegetables. Chopped into small pieces, the chicken mingles with the rest of the filling, adding its flavour and texture without dominating the vegetables. Onions, mushrooms, and garlic are sautéed to unlock their natural sugars and fragrant aromas. We then add fresh spinach, introducing a burst of earthiness and colour. Together, these ingredients form a rich and complex filling that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Creamy and gooey texture with crème fraiche and cheddar cheese

Tangy crème fraiche and cheesy cheddar are mixed with the chicken and vegetable filling. They work together to give the cannelloni the comfort food feel it is known for. Crème fraiche and cheese add a fresh, rich, and creamy layer. Just wait for the first forkful of cannelloni and see how the gooey melted cheese blends with the incredible filling.

Enveloped by a rich and smooth béchamel sauce

Béchamel sauce adds a touch of indulgence to any meal. Made from simple ingredients, its flavour and texture are anything but basic. This sauce acts like a comforting blanket, enveloping the dish in creaminess. As cannelloni bakes in the oven, the béchamel gently seeps into the pasta, enriching it with its rich, creamy texture. Finish with a layer of grated cheddar cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.

A classic Italian “canna”

The Italians are known for their impressive pasta dishes, and cannelloni most definitely is one of them. This traditional Italian dish is named after the tube-like shape of the pasta that looks like “canna”, meaning “tube” in English. Our recipe takes full advantage of these tubes, which hold the filling excellently. While some regions in Italy make their cannelloni only with vegetables and others with meat, we take the best of both worlds by pairing chicken with vegetables.

Discover other traditional Italian pasta dishes, like fried ravioli in tomato sauce, tasty pasta carbonara, or meatballs with pasta.

Experiment with different fillings

One reason cannelloni is so popular is its versatility. You can easily get creative and experiment with the filling. A classic favourite is spinach and ricotta cannelloni, well-known for its smooth, creamy texture and mild, nutty flavour. For seafood lovers, a combination of shrimp, crab meat, ricotta, lemon zest, and dill offers a light and refreshing twist. The ricotta lends a creamy backdrop, complemented by the delicate sweetness of shrimp and crab. Alternatively, for a more robust option, consider filling the cannelloni with a mix of minced meat, garlic, onions, tomato paste, and Italian herbs.