Tuna Cannelloni Recipe: Creamy Baked Italian Comfort 2026

Tuna cannelloni are a wonderfully comforting dish that brings together tender pasta tubes, a savory tuna and tomato filling, and a silky béchamel blanket under golden, bubbling Parmesan. It is the kind of meal that feels special enough for a weekend dinner yet easy enough to pull together on a busy weeknight.

The filling combines flaky tuna packed in water, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and a generous spoonful of tomato sauce, while the homemade béchamel adds richness without being heavy. Everything bakes under the broiler until the top is beautifully browned and the cheese is melted just right.

This recipe is also very versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your tastes. You could add some chopped vegetables to the filling or even a few small shrimp if you are after a more festive plate, and a fresh salad on the side turns it into a perfect menu for any day.

Ingredients for Tuna Cannelloni

This recipe makes 4 servings and uses 11 simple ingredients.

• 12 cannelloni sheets
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 180 g tomato sauce
• 350 g tuna packed in water, drained
• 40 g butter
• 40 g wheat flour
• 400 ml whole milk
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 50 g powdered Parmesan cheese for gratinating

How to Make Tuna Cannelloni Step by Step

1. Cook the cannelloni sheets

Start by cooking 12 cannelloni sheets according to the instructions on the package. This ensures they are pliable enough to roll without tearing.

2. Drain and reserve the pasta

Remove the sheets from the cooking water and place them on a damp cotton cloth. Cover with another damp cloth and set them aside while you prepare the filling.

3. Chop the hard-boiled eggs

Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small pieces. This will help them distribute evenly through the filling.

4. Make the filling

Mix the chopped eggs with 180 grams of tomato sauce and 350 grams of drained tuna packed in water. Set the filling aside.

5. Prepare the béchamel

Make the béchamel by putting 40 grams of butter in a skillet and, once melted, add 40 grams of wheat flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to toast it lightly. Gradually add 400 ml of whole milk and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add 1 pinch of nutmeg. Set aside.

6. Fill and roll the cannelloni

Place a portion of the filling on each pasta sheet and roll them up carefully so the filling does not escape from the sides.

7. Cover and gratin

Place the cannelloni on an oven-safe plate or tray, cover them with béchamel and 50 grams of powdered Parmesan cheese, and gratin as desired in the oven at 250 °C with the broiler for a few minutes.

8. Serve immediately

Once golden to your liking, serve the tuna cannelloni so they can be enjoyed freshly made.

Tips for the Best Tuna Cannelloni

Adapt the filling to your taste

This is a very versatile recipe that can be adapted according to your preferences. For example, you can add some chopped vegetables to the filling or even a few small shrimp if you are looking for a more festive dish.

Keep the pasta pliable

Reserving the cooked cannelloni sheets between damp cloths prevents them from drying out and cracking, making them easier to roll without tearing.

Perfect the béchamel

Toasting the flour briefly before adding the milk removes the raw flour taste and gives the béchamel a richer flavor. Whisk constantly as you pour in the milk to avoid lumps.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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