White Sauce Seafood Cannelloni – The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, and White Sauce Seafood Cannelloni is one of those dishes that always brings me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen by the sea. I still remember the sound of waves outside and the smell of creamy sauce bubbling gently in the oven. Cooking was never rushed in her home. It was slow, joyful, and full of love especially when seafood was involved.
Growing up, I learned that food isn’t just about eating; it’s about gathering, laughing, and sharing stories. This White Sauce Seafood Cannelloni reminds me of Sunday lunches when women gathered, hands dusted with flour, chatting while filling pasta tubes with tender seafood. Sometimes the kitchen was messy, but that’s where the magic happened.
Today, I still make this White Sauce Seafood Cannelloni when I want comfort with a touch of elegance. It’s creamy without being heavy, rich but balanced, and perfect for anyone who wants an impressive meal that still feels like home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this White Sauce Seafood Cannelloni brings warmth, flavor, and a little Mediterranean soul to your table.
🛒 Ingredients
Fresh, simple ingredients make all the difference here. I like to keep it approachable, even for busy days.
| 🛒 Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cannelloni tubes | 12–14 |
| Shrimp (peeled & chopped) | 1 cup |
| Scallops (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Calamari rings (chopped) | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Shallot or onion (finely chopped) | 1 small |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 4 tbsp |
| Milk (warm) | 3 cups |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1 cup |
| Nutmeg | ¼ tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
| 👩🍳 Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside. |
| 2️⃣ | Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot, sautéing until fragrant and soft. |
| 3️⃣ | Add shrimp, scallops, and calamari. Cook gently for 3–4 minutes until just opaque. Season lightly and remove from heat. |
| 4️⃣ | In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. |
| 5️⃣ | Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. |
| 6️⃣ | Add nutmeg, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy. |
| 7️⃣ | Mix half of the white sauce with the seafood filling. |
| 8️⃣ | Carefully stuff cannelloni tubes with the seafood mixture. |
| 9️⃣ | Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange cannelloni on top. |
| 🔟 | Pour remaining sauce over cannelloni, sprinkle with Parmesan, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. |
| 🔟➕ | Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly. |
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This White Sauce Seafood Cannelloni shines best when served hot and creamy, straight from the oven. I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is perfect for scooping up that luxurious sauce.
For special occasions, serve it with roasted vegetables or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. It’s elegant enough for guests but comforting enough for a quiet night in.
🧾 Recipe Card
| ⏱️ Time | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| 🛒 Ingredients | |
|---|---|
| Seafood mix, cannelloni, béchamel sauce ingredients | See full list above |
| 👩🍳 Instructions | |
|---|---|
| Prepare seafood filling, make white sauce, stuff cannelloni, bake until golden |
| 📝 Notes | |
|---|---|
| Don’t overcook seafood before baking; it finishes cooking in the oven |
| 🍽️ Nutrition (Approx.) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 per serving |
| Protein | High |
| Carbs | Moderate |
| Fat | Rich & satisfying |
📝 Notes & Tips
• Use fresh seafood if possible for the best flavor
• Warm milk prevents lumps in the sauce
• Nutmeg adds depth but don’t overdo it
• Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving
🍽️ Nutrition
This dish is rich in protein from seafood and calcium from dairy. While indulgent, it’s filling and satisfying, making smaller portions feel complete. Balance it with vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Conclusion
Cooking White Sauce Seafood Cannelloni always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of memories from Crete where food meant love and time together. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe invites you to slow down, enjoy the process, and share something special with the people you care about. That’s what cooking is really about.
