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Homemade Cannelloni with Basil Tomato Sauce photo

Cannelloni with Basil Tomato Sauce

A comforting baked cannelloni filled with seasoned turkey and finished with a basil tomato sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cannelloni (or manicotti shells or lasagna sheets)
  • 24 ounces tomato-basil spaghetti sauce (or marinara, no sugar added)
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (or chicken)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 8 to 10 basil leaves, torn (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • Colander
  • foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the cannelloni, manicotti shells, or lasagna sheets according to package directions until al dente, then drain in a colander.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey (or chicken) with garlic powder, black pepper, dried sage, crushed red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, dried oregano, and kosher or sea salt; mix thoroughly.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces, until there is no pink remaining.
  5. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, return the cooked meat to low heat, and stir in 1 cup of the tomato-basil sauce; remove from heat.
  6. Lay a cooked pasta piece flat, spoon a portion of the turkey mixture down the center, and roll or fold it closed; repeat until all pasta and filling are used.
  7. Spread the remaining sauce evenly in a baking dish, place the filled cannelloni on top, cover with remaining sauce, then cover the dish tightly with foil.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until heated through and bubbly; remove foil for the last few minutes if you want a slightly thicker top.
  9. Garnish with torn basil leaves if desired and serve.

Notes

  • Use no-sugar-added marinara for a lower-sugar option.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to taste for spice level.
  • Fennel seeds add a subtle anise flavor; toast lightly if preferred.
  • Drain cooked pasta well to avoid a watery filling.