Seafood Cannelloni: A Creamy and Flavorful Italian Delight

Introduction

If you love creamy, cheesy pasta and fresh seafood, then Seafood Cannelloni is the perfect dish for you! This Italian-inspired baked pasta features tender cannelloni tubes stuffed with a delicious blend of shrimp, crab, scallops, and ricotta cheese, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and baked to perfection.

Whether you’re making this for a special dinner, holiday meal, or just a cozy night in, this dish is guaranteed to impress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make seafood cannelloni step-by-step, including ingredient choices, expert tips, and variations to customize the recipe.

Looking for more seafood recipes? Try our Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta for a quick and flavorful dish!

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What is Seafood Cannelloni?

Seafood Cannelloni is a luxurious Italian-inspired baked pasta dish featuring tender cannelloni tubes stuffed with a creamy mixture of fresh seafood, ricotta cheese, and herbs, all smothered in a rich sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.

Key Elements of Seafood Cannelloni

• The Pasta – Traditionally made with cannelloni tubes, but you can also use fresh lasagna sheets rolled around the filling.
• The Filling – A delicious blend of shrimp, crab, scallops, or lobster, combined with ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese for a creamy, flavorful interior.
• The Sauce – Usually a creamy white sauce (béchamel or Alfredo-style), but it can also be made with a rosé or tomato-based sauce for a different flavor profile.
• The Toppings – Extra cheese and herbs are added on top before baking for a beautifully melted and slightly crispy finish.

Why is Seafood Cannelloni Special?

• Rich & Indulgent – The combination of seafood, cheese, and creamy sauce makes it decadent and satisfying.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – Often served during holidays, dinner parties, or romantic meals, as it feels elegant and gourmet.
• Customizable – You can use different seafood combinations, sauces, or cheeses to make it your own.

Seafood Cannelloni is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, bringing the flavors of coastal Italy straight to your table!

If you love creamy Italian dishes, check out Chicken Alfredo Lasagna for another indulgent baked pasta.

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Ingredients for Seafood Cannelloni

This recipe combines delicate seafood flavors with a rich and creamy sauce for an indulgent dish.

For the Filling:

• 1 cup shrimp, finely chopped
• ½ cup crab meat (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup scallops, finely diced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 large egg, beaten (helps bind the filling)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup white wine (optional, adds depth of flavor)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (adds warmth to the sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients:

• 12 cannelloni pasta tubes (or use fresh lasagna sheets and roll them)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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How to Make Seafood Cannelloni – Step-by-Step Guide

Making Seafood Cannelloni at home may seem fancy, but it’s actually quite simple! The key to a perfect dish is a well-balanced seafood filling, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly baked pasta. Follow these detailed steps to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

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Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Filling

The filling is the heart of the dish, combining fresh seafood, creamy ricotta, and savory seasonings for a flavorful bite.

 Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1 cup shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
• ½ cup crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
• ½ cup scallops, finely diced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (for creaminess)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for depth of flavor)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for stretch and richness)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for extra flavor)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 1 large egg, beaten (to bind the filling)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab, and scallops.
2. Add the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Stir everything together, then mix in the beaten egg to help bind the filling.
4. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the sauce.

Pro Tip: Make sure the seafood is finely chopped so it evenly fills the cannelloni tubes without being too chunky.

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Step 2: Cook the Cannelloni Pasta

Cannelloni tubes need to be slightly pre-cooked so they soften, making them easier to stuff.

 Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the cannelloni tubes for 3-4 minutes less than the package instructions.
3. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Alternative: If using fresh lasagna sheets, cut them into rectangles and roll them around the filling instead of using tubes.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Seafood Sauce

A velvety, rich sauce enhances the delicate seafood flavors. This buttery, garlicky white sauce is the perfect complement to the dish.

 Ingredients for the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup white wine (optional, adds depth of flavor)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (adds warmth to the sauce)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

 Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
4. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg, stirring continuously.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a tomato-based sauce, replace half of the cream with crushed tomatoes for a creamy rosé sauce.

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Step 4: Fill and Assemble the Cannelloni

 How to Stuff the Cannelloni Tubes:

1. Transfer the seafood filling into a piping bag (or use a ziplock bag with the corner cut off).
2. Pipe the filling into each cooked cannelloni tube, making sure they are evenly stuffed.
3. Arrange the filled cannelloni in a greased baking dish in a single layer.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small spoon to carefully stuff each tube.

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Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Dish

1. Pour half of the creamy sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Place the stuffed cannelloni on top of the sauce.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta, ensuring all tubes are covered.
4. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Final Step: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy top!

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Serving Suggestions for Seafood Cannelloni

This rich, creamy dish pairs well with lighter sides to balance its indulgent flavors. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

1. Fresh Green Salad

A simple arugula, spinach, or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the creamy seafood.

Suggested Salad Ingredients:

• Arugula or spinach
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber slices
• Parmesan shavings
• Olive oil & lemon dressing

Pro Tip: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch!

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2. Garlic Bread or Focaccia

A warm, crispy garlic bread or Italian focaccia is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Quick Garlic Bread Recipe:

• 1 baguette, sliced
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp parsley
• Toast in oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

Pro Tip: Use cheesy garlic bread for an extra indulgent pairing!

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3. Roasted Vegetables

Lightly roasted vegetables add texture and freshness to balance the dish.

Best Roasted Vegetables for Seafood Cannelloni:

• Asparagus
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli

Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

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4. Wine Pairing 

The right wine enhances the seafood and creamy sauce.

Best Wine Choices:

• White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay
• Light Red Wine: Pinot Noir (if using a tomato-based sauce)

Pro Tip: If you prefer a non-alcoholic pairing, try sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate.

Pair your seafood cannelloni with a delicious side! Try our Cheesy Garlic Bread for the perfect complement to this creamy dish

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Variations and Substitutions

1. Different Seafood Options

• Swap shrimp, crab, or scallops for lobster, salmon, or even mussels.
• Use all shrimp or all crab if you prefer a simpler seafood profile.

2. Dairy-Free or Lighter Version

• Replace ricotta cheese with tofu or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
• Use light cream instead of heavy cream for a less rich sauce.

3. Tomato-Based Sauce Option

• Instead of a creamy sauce, use marinara or a white wine tomato sauce for a lighter dish.

4. Make-Ahead Option

• Assemble the dish a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate.
• Bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal.

For a fresh and light starter, make this Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze to balance the richness of the cannelloni.

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FAQs About Seafood Cannelloni

1. Can I use store-bought cannelloni shells?

Yes! Dried cannelloni shells work great, just be sure to parboil them for a few minutes before stuffing.

2. Can I freeze seafood cannelloni?

Yes! Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.

3. What’s the best seafood mix for cannelloni?

A mix of shrimp, crab, and scallops provides a great balance of texture and flavor. However, you can customize it to your preference.

4. Can I use pre-cooked seafood?

Yes, but be careful not to overcook it. If using pre-cooked shrimp or crab, add them to the filling at the very end.

5. What can I serve with seafood cannelloni?

Pair it with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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Conclusion

Seafood Cannelloni is an elegant yet comforting dish that combines rich, cheesy flavors with the delicate taste of seafood. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy homemade dinner, this creamy, baked pasta will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Try this recipe today and bring a taste of coastal Italy to your home!

Want a rich and comforting meal? This Lobster Mac and Cheese is packed with cheesy goodness!